Short Final: Windy

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A C-17 crew practicing approaches in the strong, gusty winds of the Southern California High Desert inquired about the typical wind conditions.
  • The Air Traffic Control tower reported winds at 25 knots gusting to 37 knots.
  • When asked if the wind "always blows like this," the tower humorously replied, "No, sometimes it blows hard," implying these conditions were not extraordinary and could be worse.
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I fly in the High Desert of Southern California. We often get very strong, gusty winds. While practicing approaches, I heard this interaction between tower and a C-17 crew, also practicing.

Tower: “…wind 200 at 25 gusting to 37, cleared for the option Runway 17.”

C-17 pilot after acknowledging information: “Does the wind always blow like this?”

Tower: “No (pause), sometimes it blows hard.”

George White

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