Short Final: 'Out-Of-Control' Traffic

Short Final: ‘Out-Of-Control’ Traffic

Wednesday, October 02, 2024 at 05:22 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An Air Canada pilot experienced a relatable moment of distraction while communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Upon seeing heavy highway traffic near their home driveway, the pilot exclaimed "Aw crap!" immediately after acknowledging a runway assignment.
The humorous exchange concluded with ATC wryly suggesting the pilot 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.”