Short Final

An exchange observed between the pilot of a sleek experimental and a Cessna driver shortly after they both taxied to the ramp… Cessna Pilot: Wow. That thing really moves! You must have to wind the rubberband really tight.Experimental Pilot: Nah, I just installed an extra hamster wheel.

An exchange overheard between departure control at a Canadian airport and a B727 pilot. Pilot: Where’s Annule?Dep. Control: What is it … an intersection or something? Pilot: I don’t know. Dep. Control: Where did you see it?Pilot: On the screens in the terminal. Lots of airlines go there but the flight’s always cancelled.Dep. Control: (laughter) […]

While flying in Saturday morning around 10:30 am to the EAA southwest show at New Braunfel’s (BAZ), the very busy tower and an experimental aircraft on final had this exchange. Experimental ABX: “Tower, experimental ABX, I’m dodging a bunch of airplanes. Tower: “Good, keep dodging. You’re number 4 on final.”

Years ago, as a student pilot, I remember the fear when my instructor told me we would be flying into Class B (then known as a TCA). What happens if I miss a call? What happens if I blow an altitude, or screw up a heading? He kept re-assuring me that I would do just […]

Having just rolled out and made my way to the taxiway, I contacted ground control. The taxiways were very lengthy and one way. This would have added nearly a mile to my travel to the gas pumps which were only several hundred yards away. “Ground control, Cessna ***** at Alpha 6, can I “fudge” a […]

We often have strong winds in Texas. But they usually pick a direction and stay put. This particular night while returning to home base at ADS, the ATIS said the winds were 150 at 15 (right down the runway). Since I was getting a real workout on the controls, I called for a wind check. […]

While flying between Ft Worth TX and Baton Rouge, LA I had to make a fuel stop as the Yak has only a 31 gallon tank to keep wayward Russian trainees close to home. I chose Many,La for a quick turn around and then on to BTR. After landing in Many, I taxied up to […]

Today after arriving in SLC we checked in with the ground controller whose radio wasn’t the clearest. As we were taxiing to the ramp another aircraft asked the controller “Has anyone else told you you’re communications are garbled?” Without a moments hesitation ground replied “My Wife!”

A friend of mine was cruising along in his turbo arrow at 18,000 feet one day when a 737 was called out to him at his 1 o’clock and 15 miles passing to his left. The 737 crew was similarly advised. When they passed, the 737 Capt remarked “What are you doing up here?” My […]

Seen on a Yahoo Message Board regarding a story about a pilot who Sunday made a successful emergency landing on a freeway in Anaheim, Calif.:“THIS JUST IN – Chicago Mayor Richard Daley plans to carve giant “X”es into the Riverside Freeway at midnight tonight.”