Short Final

In Alaska, runway obstructions can be different. And large. Yes, there are the usual bears and moose. But sometimes it’s really big: Last December, the following NOTAM was part of the ATIS at Ketchikan International Airport: “Notices to Airman, there is a sunken ship in the Ketchikan harbor, East‑west seaplane lane, on the west end.” […]

One day on my way to Nashville, I overheard the following: American 1234: “Good morning Atlanta Center. American 1234 checking in. Out of 23 for 12 thousand.” Atlanta Center: “Good morning American 1234, say indicated airspeed.” American 1234: “320 knots.” Atlanta Center: “For spacing into Charlotte, I need you to slow to 260 knots.” American […]

On final to Boeing Field 14R on a blustery Pacific Northwest fall day a Gulfstream reported wind shear upon landing. Gulfstream 123: “15 knot wind shear.” Tower: “What was your location when you encountered the wind shear?” Gulfstream 123: “About 300 feet.” Tower: “Baron 581CB did you copy that?” Baron 581CB: “Affirmative.” Tower: “Citation 425 […]

Check out the PIREP in the image above. Ken Fullett Naperville, IL

Air Traffic Controllers can be very diplomatic in nudging us toward use of proper phraseology. I overheard this recently transiting NorCal airspace: Controller: “Coast Guard 123, traffic 11 o’clock, westbound, altitude indicates 3500 feet.” Coast Guard 123: “NorCal, Coast Guard 123, we have eyeballs on traffic.” (Pause) Controller: “Sorry, Coast Guard 123, I missed that. […]

I recently heard this exchange between ATC and a Southwest flight. SWA: “Any shortcuts today would be appreciated.” ATC: “Unless you want a personal escort by the U.S. Air Force, I will be unable.” Stephen P. Bobko‑Hillenaar Alpine, WY

This past June we were returning from Canada to Colorado in mid‑afternoon IFR in our PA 32. The typical afternoon thunderstorms were in full swing. As we progressed homeward just east of a several hundred-mile-long line of cumulonimbus buildups we heard Salt Lake Center clearing departing flights up to FL 260. Nothing higher. All requests […]

I am both a pilot and a sailor. Not so long ago at an FBO, when signing in, they asked for instructions. Since I’d only used fuel from one tank my instructions were “top off the port tank.” When I came back, I noticed that the tank was still half empty. I asked the FBO […]

Thankfully, I have never had to respond to those foreboding words from ATC: “… say souls on board.” However, I do remember one flight, where I might have had trouble explaining myself if they had requested that information. Several years ago, my family and I went on a scenic flight in a Cessna 172. With […]

We need to be looking at Pennsylvania’s Quakertown Airport (KUKT), not Area 51 (KXTA), for extraterrestrials. For end‑of‑the‑world and save‑the‑world science‑fiction buffs, from the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (original in 1951 and remade in 2008) the following waypoints are on the RNAV (GPS) RWY 11 approach at KUKT: KLATU (the humanoid alien), […]