I was westbound on a sunny day just south of Duluth, Minn., when the following conversation regarding situational awareness occurred:
Delta 2234: “Minneapolis Center, Delta Twenty-two Thirty-four. What is the large lake in front of me?”
On The Air: May 2010
I was westbound on a sunny day just south of Duluth, Minn., when the following conversation regarding situational awareness occurred:Delta 2234: Minneapolis Center, Delta Twenty-two Thirty-four. What is the large lake in front of me?Minneapolis Center: Uh, which one? Minnesota license plates do say, Land of 10,000 Lakes. Delta 2234: The one at my 12 oclock.Center (annoyed or flabbergasted, Im not sure): Uh, Lake Superior!Delta 2234: Oh, Wow!There was a brief period of radio silence likely due to Center employees rolling on the floor laughing and crying at the same time.
Key Takeaways:
- The article presents anecdotes highlighting both significant lapses in pilot situational awareness (e.g., failing to identify Lake Superior) and unusual air traffic control (ATC) interactions.
- ATC demonstrates professionalism and flexibility, often accommodating unique or humorous pilot requests, such as allowing a second circle of the Statue of Liberty due to a camera issue.
- Pilot-ATC communications can range from routine clearances to memorable experiences, including receiving a wake turbulence caution for a Boeing 787 in a small aircraft or cleverly requesting route deviations.
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