Short Final: Ready For Departure

Editorial Staff

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot's initial call to ground control, stating they were "ready for departure" while still on the apron, led to a humorous misunderstanding.
The air traffic controller comically responded by asking if the pilot intended to depart from their current position or taxi to a runway.
This exchange prompted laughter from the pilot and instructor, leading the pilot to clarify their intent to taxi to a runway before departure.

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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