Short Final: Welcome To The FAA

Editorial Staff

Monday, October 07, 2019 at 06:57 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot experienced weak and broken radio communication with Kansas City Center after a frequency change.
The air traffic controller humorously responded to the pilot's complaint by saying, "Welcome to the FAA, where everything is weak and broken."
This anecdote showcases a moment of self-deprecating humor from an air traffic controller, possibly hinting at perceived common issues or inefficiencies within the FAA.

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After a routine frequency change to Kansas City Center, I had a lot of trouble hearing the controller. On the fourth try I finally heard a scratchy reply:

Center: “N327JZ, Kansas City, how do you hear?”

Me: “I’ve got you now but it’s weak and broken.”

Center: “Welcome to the FAA, where everything is weak and broken.”

John Zimmerman
Cincinnati, OH