On The Air: April 2013

In 2006, Addison Airport built a new control tower. One day when the main structure was up, but without windows and a few walls, I was taxing out to the runway and overhead this after a Lear jet landed:Tower: Turn right at Golf and taxi to park.Lear: Right at Golf. Our tower is going to look like your new one.Tower: Really, where did you come from?Lear: Daytona Beach.Tower: Are you also getting a new tower?Lear:…

Editorial Staff

Friday, August 01, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article presents several humorous and unexpected radio exchanges between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Anecdotes cover various situations, including a Lear jet evacuating from a hurricane, an Alaska Airlines flight ingesting birds, and pilots and controllers bantering about sports or showing personality.
These interactions highlight the human element, wit, and occasional sarcasm present in aviation communications.

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In 2006, Addison Airport built a new control tower. One day when the main structure was up, but without windows and a few walls, I was taxing out to the runway and overhead this after a Lear jet landed:
Tower: “Turn right at Golf and taxi to park.”
Lear: “Right at Golf. Our tower is going to look like your new one.”
Tower: “Really, where did you come from?”
Lear: “Daytona Beach.”
Tower: “Are you also getting a new tower?”
Lear: “No, we are getting a hurricane. That’s why we are here.”

Bob Orth
Garland, Texas