Short Final: Glider Refueling

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During an air traffic control exchange, a pilot inquired about avoiding gliders for a northbound departure.
The tower humorously (or mistakenly) informed the pilot that the gliders were "down for refueling."
An unknown voice on the radio then quipped, "What do they do, put more air in them?" highlighting the absurdity of a glider needing fuel.

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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