Short Final

I fly from a small air field outside Johannesburg, South Africa. When I had less than ten hours experience, I thought it would be a great idea to fly to one of the larger (controlled) air fields closer to Johannesburg to refuel. … I requested joining and landing instructions from the tower. Very nervously. Tower requested that I report on final approach next. … In South Africa, the broadcasting language is English, and I speak an indigenous language, Afrikaans. I wanted the aircraft on the apron to expedite because my approach was slow in the light sport aircraft I was flying. … My language failed me at that moment, and this is what I said: “Tower, ZU-ABC. The aircraft on the apron is welcome to EXCAVATE.” — Eben van Niekerk

Editorial Staff

Updated Jun 13, 2019 8:59 PM EDT

I fly from a small air field outside Johannesburg, South Africa. When I had less than ten hours experience, I thought it would be a great idea to fly to one of the larger (controlled) air fields closer to Johannesburg to refuel.

I requested joining and landing instructions from the tower. Very nervously. Tower requested that I report on final approach next.

In South Africa, the broadcasting language is English, and I speak an indigenous language, Afrikaans. I wanted the aircraft on the apron to expedite because my approach was slow in the light sport aircraft I was flying.

My language failed me at that moment, and this is what I said:

"Tower, ZU-ABC. The aircraft on the apron is welcome to EXCAVATE."

Eben van Niekerk

Editorial StaffAVweb