Short Final

In 2004, I was flying to Tampa Exec when George W. had a POTUS TFR centered at nearby Tampa International. The TFR had the usual no‑fly 10 NM inner ring. Depending on where you measure it from, the two airports are 10.1 NM apart. As near as I could tell beforehand, the don’t‑you‑dare no‑fly ring […]

Back in the ’70s, before landing fees and general aviation restrictions, I had a reason to make semi-regular trips to Miami International from Avon Park, Fl. in my trusty “lil ole” Comanche. On one return trip to Avon Park, I found myself waiting my turn at the western most taxiway intersection on the north side […]

As Chief Flight Instructor of our flight school one of the responsibilities is to perform new engine break‑in flights. Recently, in preparation for the first flight on a newly installed remanufactured engine, I texted the tower chief with a brief explanation of what the mechanic and I wanted to do. We were going to fly […]

Controllers at New York TRACON are known for being all business and taking no prisoners. Likewise, “unable, remain on the airway,” is the typical reply to a request for a shortcut. I was about 80 miles from my destination, on the preferred routing, which involves a couple of victor routes and passage through two more […]

I was flying around Tampa, Florida, recently when I heard the following: N123: “Tampa Approach, Cessna 123. Ten out for Zephyrhills.” Tampa Approach: “Cessna 123, roger, advise weather.” N123: “Oh it’s clear and a million. Really splendid. Thanks for asking.” Andrew Doorey Chapel Hill, NC

The ROLLN 2 arrival into Cleveland‑Hopkins International has some notable fixes, such as ROLLN, STOHN, JANYS, JPLIN, plus a few others. Recently I was flying over southwestern Virginia on an Angel Flight mission, and I overheard the following: Center: “Airliner 123, I’ll clear you direct GEDDY if you can tell me who it’s named after.” […]

We are based at Witham Field, Stuart, Florida. Stuart is a fairly busy airport, located in southeast Florida between Palm Beach and Vero Beach. It is also a port of entry, and there is a large flight school located here. On this particular day, the weather was picture perfect for flying. We had flown to […]

Returning from Montgomery Field, California, to my home field of Boulder City, Nevada, l was north of Palm Springs when l overheard this exchange: Los Angeles Center: “Shooter One One, you have an RJ at your 12 o’clock, five miles and a 1000 feet below, opposite direction.” Shooter One One: “Looking for traffic.” Center: “RJ123 […]

I was flying an Angel Flight in Bradley International Airport’s airspace when a jump plane contacted the controller: Jump Plane: “Jump 1. One minute prior.” Bradley: “Are you Jump 1 or Jump 2?” Jump Plane: “Sorry, we’re in Jump 2.” Bradley: “I do jumps at your facility and understand the confusion.” Me: “I can never […]

I was cruising along one day when I heard the following: Center: “1JT turn right heading 120.” 1JL: “120 1JL.” 1JT: “Center, I think another aircraft responded to the heading for 1JT.” Center: “OK heading is 120 for 1JT only.” Loud squealing Center: “Alright 1 uh Justin Timberlake, you fly heading 120.” 1JT: “120 1 […]