Short Final: Couch Surfing

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An anecdote highlights the humor of New York City air traffic controllers, known for their skill and witty remarks.
  • After landing at Islip (KISP), a pilot asked the tower controller "Stay with you?" to confirm remaining on frequency.
  • The controller humorously replied, "Sure, but you’ll have to sleep on the couch," interpreting the question literally.
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One of the joys of flying in the New York City metro area is listening to the controllers. In addition to being the best in the business, they deliver some good wisecracks, always with that unmistakable accent. We had just landed at Islip (KISP):

Islip Tower: “Comair 234, take a left at the next intersection and taxi to the gate.”

My first officer read back the instructions. Then, just to make sure Tower didn’t want us to switch to the ground frequency, he asked, “Stay with you?”

Tower (without missing a beat): “Sure, but you’ll have to sleep on the couch.”

Rick Sanders

Brooklyn, NY

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