On The Air: April 2012

Years ago I was flying my RV-4 in the narrow VFR slot between the old Washington ADIZ and the expanded Camp David TFR when I lost my GPS. Without a VOR receiver, I contacted Washington Center. The Call went as follows:Me: Washington Center, Experimental One Four Foxtrot Tango.Washington Center: Experimental One Four Foxtrot Tango, go ahead.Me: Ive lost all navaids over Frederick and Im concerned that I will violate airspace and cause a little excitement.…

Editorial Staff

Monday, August 04, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides crucial assistance during navigation failures and sometimes engages in witty or humorous banter with pilots.
Pilots, regardless of their experience, occasionally make minor operational errors and often acknowledge them with humor or self-deprecating remarks.
Unusual circumstances, such as an instructor's physical limitations and lack of attention, can lead to unexpected flight incidents.

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Years ago I was flying my RV-4 in the narrow VFR slot between the old Washington ADIZ and the expanded Camp David TFR when I lost my GPS. Without a VOR receiver, I contacted Washington Center. The Call went as follows:
Me: “Washington Center, Experimental One Four Foxtrot Tango.”
Washington Center: “Experimental One Four Foxtrot Tango, go ahead.”
Me: “I’ve lost all navaids over Frederick and I’m concerned that I will violate airspace and cause a little excitement. Please give me vectors to keep me out of trouble.”
Center: “Experimental One Four Foxtrot Tango, no worries. Everyone is targeting you.”

Bruce MacInnes
Sebring, Fla.