Short Final: A Gentleman And A Scholar

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot complimented an air traffic controller with "You're a gentleman and a scholar" after receiving a favorable "direct destination" clearance.
  • The controller, unfamiliar with the idiom, asked for clarification, prompting the pilot to simply offer thanks and a polite farewell.
See a mistake? Contact us.

I was flying over central Kansas when I overheard Center clear a jet pilot “direct destination.”

The pilot, grateful, confirmed the clearance and added the compliment, “You’re a gentleman and a scholar.”
The controller, apparently unfamiliar with the phrase, replied, “Say again?”
The pilot, simply replied, “Thank you. Have a great day.”
Jerry Arnold
Valentine, NE
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE

Please support AVweb.

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker. Ads keep AVweb free and fund our reporting.
Please whitelist AVweb or continue with ads enabled.