Short Final: Three’s A Crowd

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller observed two unknown aircraft closely following a VFR pilot (N1234) at the same altitude and on the same route.
  • The controller inquired if N1234 was part of a "flight of three," alerting the pilot to the unexpected and close proximity of other aircraft.
  • N1234 was unaware of the other aircraft, highlighting the critical role of ATC flight following in providing situational awareness and preventing potential mid-air conflicts.
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We were returning from a trip to Milwaukee Timmerman after visiting the EAA AirVenture and were on VFR flight following from Chicago Approach on a busy frequency when we overheard this exchange:

Chicago Approach: “N1234 are you a flight of three?”

N1234: “Say again?”

Chicago Approach: “N1234, are you a flight of three?”

N1234: (After a pause) “Uh … no.”

Chicago Approach: “I asked because there are two other aircraft right behind you at your altitude and your route of flight.”

N1234: “That’s terrible!”

E. Joel Wesp
Columbus, OH

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