Short Final: Glider Refueling

Monday, September 30, 2019 at 02:57 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A Cessna pilot inquired about deviating to avoid gliders during a northbound departure.
Air Traffic Control cleared the pilot direct, stating the gliders were "down for refueling."
An unknown voice humorously questioned how gliders, which don't use fuel, could be "refueling."

See a mistake? Contact us.

My home airport often has gliders operating north of the field, which led to the following exchange:

Cessna C-FABC: Pitt Tower, C-FABC ready for takeoff 26L, northbound departure. I guess I’ll have to fly west for a while for the gliders?

Tower: Negative, I can clear you direct north; the gliders are down for refueling.

Unknown voice: What do they do, put more air in them?

Charlie Gibbs