On The Air: January 2014

was a passenger listening to ATC on the A-319s audio system. We had just landed at a very busy Newark Liberty International Airport. I heard this exchange between Tower and a regional jet:Tower: RJ One One Zero, line up and wait.RJ: (Groaning) Unable. We just had a passenger stand up and go to the lavatory. What do you want us to do?Tower: There are seven aircraft behind you. Try to hurry them up.(30 seconds later)RJ:…

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article presents several humorous and unexpected interactions between pilots and Air Traffic Control, highlighting the human element in aviation communication.
Anecdotes include a regional jet delaying takeoff for a passenger's lavatory trip and a small plane reporting an unusually slow ground speed, leading to lighthearted exchanges.
One pilot demonstrated remarkable courtesy by offering to wait in holding for a United Airlines flight carrying his family, inadvertently spoiling his surprise arrival.

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was a passenger listening to ATC on the A-319’s audio system. We had just landed at a very busy Newark Liberty International Airport. I heard this exchange between Tower and a regional jet:
Tower: “RJ One One Zero, line up and wait.”
RJ: (Groaning) “Unable. We just had a passenger stand up and go to the lavatory. What do you want us to do?”
Tower: “There are seven aircraft behind you. Try to hurry them up.”
(30 seconds later)
RJ: “Tower, RJ One One Zero, passenger is back in their seat, ready for departure.”
Tower: “Must have been a number one. Cleared for takeoff.”

Fred Simonds
Juno Beach, Florida