Short Final: Three’s A Crowd

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • ATC inquired if a pilot (N1234) was part of a "flight of three," which the pilot denied.
  • ATC clarified that two other aircraft were closely following N1234 at the same altitude and on the same route.
  • The pilot reacted with surprise and concern upon learning of the unexpected proximity of other planes, exclaiming, "That's terrible!"
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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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