On The Air: December 2013

It was the Christmas season. I was departing Palo Alto airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Class Bravo airspace above me. I contacted Departure while in a climb and was asked what my cruising altitude would be. I told him and he responded, Cleared through Class Bravo at..., then stopped short and admonished me since I was already in Bravo airspace. I apologized and he responded, Okay, this time! …

Editorial Staff

Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilot-controller exchanges often feature unexpected humor and witty remarks, injecting personality into professional aviation communication.
Anecdotes showcase controllers and pilots exhibiting a human side, from granting leniency during holidays to making pop culture references or playful jabs.
These interactions reveal a candid and sometimes lighthearted dimension of air traffic control, highlighting memorable moments beyond standard procedures.

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I told him and he responded, “Cleared through Class Bravo at…”, then stopped short and admonished me since I was already in Bravo airspace. I apologized and he responded, “Okay, this time!”