Short Final: Show Me The Way

Russ Niles

Thursday, July 04, 2024 at 12:51 AM ET

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Matti Blume Wikemedia Commons

Key Takeaways:

A pilot, preparing for practice in a Cessna 172, made an initial radio call to ground control stating they were "ready for departure" without specifying a need to taxi to a runway.
The Texarkana Ground controller humorously responded by asking if the pilot wished to depart from their current location or taxi to a runway.
Both the pilot and instructor found the controller's remark amusing, after which the pilot clarified their intention 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.

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