Short Final: Glider Refueling

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot inquired with Air Traffic Control (ATC) about gliders north of the field affecting his northbound departure.
ATC informed the pilot that the gliders were "down for refueling" and cleared him direct north.
An unknown voice humorously questioned the concept of gliders "refueling" by asking if they put "more air in them."

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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