Short Final

We were a flight of three consisting of two Cessna 180s and one Maule headed into the Lake Parker holding pattern [for Sun ‘n Fun 2008]. We had dropped to extended trail and began circling the lake following a Glastar, and we had two twins holding above us as well. After about 20 minutes of […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” Heard on the scanner over Adelaide, South Australia: Airliner (I think it was a Qantas, but I didn’t hear the start of the transmission):“We won’t need to divert into Adelaide now. The passenger is feeling much better now that he has been moved to business class.” Controller:“Amazing what […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” I was doing practice approaches when I heard approach control contact another aircraft on a similar mission: Controller:“N1234, what are your intentions after this approach?” N1234:“I’ll be missed approach, and I’d like vectors to the ILS 36.” Controller:“Missed approach instructions: Climb to 2800 and direct to the VOR.” […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” Departing Oakland for Redding, California, NorCal Departure handed me off to Oakland Center. I changed frequencies but attended to some other issues and couldn’t remember if I’d checked in: Me:“Oakland Center, Skyhawk XXXXX, six thousand. I can’t remember if we actually checked in or if I just thought […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” We’ve heard different variations on this tale through the years, but here’s one that can’t be beat, if only for sheer enthusiasm: I tried to pass on this little tale many years ago without success, and since I never saw a response, I will try one more time, […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” I’m a CFI who was flying into Vero Beach, Fla., and it’s widely known that one of the tower controllers often flies to work. The winds were favoring the single runway, so the parallel runways were not in use, and the tower was busier than usual. While flying […]

Overheard at Santa Barbara, California. (I wasn’t paying attention at the beginning of this call, so I don’t know the type of aircraft.) Aircraft:“Santa Barbara Clearance, N***** at FBO, requesting clearance to -“ [pause] Aircraft:“Oh, hell.” Clearance (deadpan and without hesitation):“I can’t send you there … .” Jo Duffyvia e-mail

Today’s “Short Final” breaks with tradition a bit by not being heard over the radio – but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this tale: “I was coming back from Tampa in the early evening heading for Craig in my 182. Over Gainesville I came around a large cloud and came face to […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” I was on the ILS into Oakland, California one busy dav and was cleared to land behind two other aircraft that were in the pattern. The pilot of the aircraft ahead of me was clearly flustered: Piper:“Tower, is Piper One Two Three cleared to land?” Tower:“Piper One Two […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” We were in our Seneca performing the pre-takeoff run-up at Orlando, Florida when we heard this exchange on ground control frequency: Cessna:“Orlando Ground, Ccssna Two Three Four, clear of the active.” Ground Control:“Cessna Two Three Four, taxi to the ramp.” Cessna [still on ground frequency but thinking he’d […]