Short Final: Ready For Departure

Editorial Staff

Friday, December 21, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot, preparing for an instrument practice flight, made a standard radio call to Texarkana Ground stating they were "ready for departure."
The air traffic controller responded humorously, asking if the pilot wished to depart from their current apron location or taxi to a runway.
This sarcastic but amusing exchange caused both the pilot and instructor to laugh before the pilot clarified their intention to taxi for takeoff.

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I was preparing for some instrument and maneuvering practice with my instructor, Andy. Sitting in the apron area in a Cessna 172 with the engine running, I made my initial call to Texarkana Ground as follows:

Me: “Texarkana Ground, Skyhawk 62689, Texarkana Flying Club; ready for departure with information Delta.”

Texarkana Ground (in a completely serious voice): “Would you like to depart from where you are or would you prefer to taxi to a runway?”

I don’t know who laughed harder, Andy or me. Regaining my composure, I assured the controller that I would certainly like to taxi to a runway prior to departure.

David F. Rankin

Magnolia, AR