Short Final: Show Me The Way

Matti Blume Wikemedia Commons
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot, while on the apron in a Cessna 172, called ground control stating they were "ready for departure."
  • The ground controller humorously responded by asking if the pilot intended to depart from their current position or taxi to a runway.
  • The pilot, after sharing a laugh with their instructor, clarified that they wished to taxi to a runway prior to departure.
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I was preparing for some instrument and maneuvering practice with my instructor, Andy. Sitting in the apron area in a Cessna 172 with the engine running, I made my initial call to Texarkana Ground as follows:

Me: “Texarkana Ground, Skyhawk 62689, Texarkana Flying Club; ready for departure with information Delta.”

Texarkana Ground (in a completely serious voice): “Would you like to depart from where you are or would you prefer to taxi to a runway?”

I don’t know who laughed harder, Andy or me. Regaining my composure, I assured the controller that I would certainly like to taxi to a runway prior to departure.

From IFR Magazine

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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