Short Final: Squawk This

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller advised a pilot of "numerous targets maneuvering" ahead.
  • The pilot inquired if the targets could be migratory waterfowl.
  • ATC clarified that the targets were equipped with transponders, indicating they were other aircraft, not birds.
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From IFR Magazine reader Chris St. Germain

On a nice fall afternoon, I was returning to my home airport after a Missouri Pilots Association board meeting. I heard Kansas City Center give a fellow member who was 10 minutes ahead of me a traffic advisory as we were nearing Kansas City:

Center: “Warrior 1234, be advised numerous targets maneuvering 12 o’clock, 15 miles.”

Warrior: “Roger. Could those be migratory waterfowl?”

Center: “No, ma’am, not unless they’re equipped with transponders.”

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