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:

Houston Approach instructed a Skyhawk in Class B airspace to maintain its altitude, rather than climb, due to a faster Bonanza approaching from behind.
ATC explicitly stated the reason was the Skyhawk "just not fast enough" to allow a climb.
The Skyhawk pilot responded humorously to ATC's blunt 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!”