Short Final: Be Right Back

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • IFR pilots frequently experience a range of emotions regarding their flight routing and clearances.
  • A pilot's mood can quickly shift from disappointment to excitement based on brief interactions with air traffic control regarding their route.
  • Even simple ATC communications highlight the inherent "joys and sorrows" of IFR routing.
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Every IFR pilot knows the joys and sorrows of routing. Flying home from Massachusetts one afternoon, I heard the following exchange:

NY controller: “King Air XXXX, climb and … disregard.”

Pilot: “Awwww…”

NY controller: “I’ll be right back with you.”

Pilot: “Woo‑hoo!”

Ed Fischer
Philadelphia, PA

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