Short Final

Sometimes perspective is everything. Several years ago I was flying into OSH in the late afternoon, second in line for runway 27 behind a warbird on straight in. As everyone who flies into OSH during convention knows, there are three colored dots on the runway that help separate aircraft so the controller can land three […]

Overheard on United flight ATC audio channel. United: Center, United 123 in light chop — how’s the ride ahead? Center: Should smooth out in a couple of minutes. United: Yeah, it just smoothed out for us. Center: Sometimes it helps just to talk about it. United: You sound just like my girlfriend. (pause) Unknown: You […]

Welcome to EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh. As many know when you fly into EAA Airventure at Oshkosh you are asked not to reply to ATC radio communication — just wiggle your wings and comply. While flying into EAA I heard the following conversation between a landing amphibian and the tower. Tower: Amphibian say parking.(pause)Tower: Amphibian say […]

Overheard this Fathers’ Day…A friend and local pilot thought his father (a years-ago pilot) would enjoy a chance again at the controls. So he arranged on Fathers’ Day for his Dad to go up with an instructor. The “old man” brought it in for a squeaker. Here’s what I heard on tower frequency: Tower: Understand […]

There’s Always VFR … Or Is There? Clearance Delivery: …then own navigation as filed. Read back. Flight 269: Roger. 269 is cleared to Destination Indian Springs via after take off Radar vectors to 4000, then present position direct BOM, pass BOM at 6000 or below, after passing 15,000 turn right on heading 280 to intercept […]

Prejudice on the runway… ARFF truck: ARFF 1 to ground control. Tower: Go ahead ARFF 1. ARFF truck: Would like to cross the main runway to access the fuel center. Tower: OK, use perimeter road. That’s what it’s for.

When Freud Slips Into The Cockpit.Miami Center near the Keys on a summer afternoon with large storms… Center: Cessna 1234, how’s the ride at 5000? I can give you 7000 if it helps. Cessna 1234: Moderate turbulence and looks bad ahead … but its not gonna be better at seven, I think we will just […]

Overheard on the Houston Deperture frequency… DEP: Aircraft XYZ, Contact Yao Ming on 123.45 Pilot: …Huh? DEP: Houston Center

Overheard and unfortunately timely… Pilot: Unknown airport with Cessna 150 circling overhead … Identify yourself!

Overheard on approach to MCO… TWR: Traffic 12 o’clock, 2 miles, an Airbus. Airliner: Traffic in sight. (pause) And he’ll be happy to know his rudder is intact.