Short Final: Unkind Words?

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 at 06:41 PM ET

Verified

Credit: Jack Fleetwood via Plane & Pilot Magazine

Key Takeaways:

An Air Traffic Controller (ATC) openly communicated to a Skyhawk pilot that they could not be climbed due to a faster Bonanza approaching from behind.
The ATC controller specifically stated the Skyhawk was "just not fast enough" to accommodate the climb given the traffic situation.
The Skyhawk pilot responded humorously to the ATC's frank assessment of their aircraft's speed.

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From IFR Magazine reader Jay Olmstead:

I heard the following flying through Houston’s Class Bravo:

Houston Approach: “Skyhawk 1234A, maintain 4,500. I was going to climb you but there’s a Bonanza coming up from behind and you’re just not fast enough.”

Skyhawk 1234A (laughing): “Well – that’s not very nice!”