Short Final: ‘Out-Of-Control’ Traffic

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An Air Canada pilot unexpectedly exclaimed "Aw crap!" immediately after acknowledging an ATC runway assignment.
  • The pilot explained his reaction was due to seeing heavy rush-hour traffic near his home from the air, anticipating a difficult commute.
  • ATC humorously responded to the pilot's predicament by suggesting he needed a "longer driveway."
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From an IFR Magazine reader who prefers to remain anonymous:

Overheard on an ATC Center frequency near Toronto, close to rush hour for highway traffic:

ATC: “Air Canada XYZ, expect Runway 23.”

Air Canada XYZ: “Roger, Runway 23 (without a pause) Aw crap!”

ATC: “Air Canada XYZ, is there a problem?”

Air Canada XYZ: “Sorry about that, no … uh yes, I just saw the traffic getting to my driveway and it’s a killer!”

ATC: (wryly) “Roger. Sounds like you need a longer driveway.”

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