On The Air: January 2012

After cancelling IFR but still on my way into Providence, R.I.:Providence Approach: Skylane One Four One Whiskey Bravo, follow the MD80 to Runway 5.Me: Follow MD80 to five, One Four One Whiskey Bravo.Approach (after a couple minutes went by): Skylane One Four One Whiskey Bravo, are you following the MD80?Me: Affirmative, following the MD80. The squirrels are running as fast as they can.MD80: Providence, do you want us to slow down to let him catch…

Editorial Staff

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

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots and air traffic controllers frequently engage in humorous banter, wordplay, and witty exchanges over the radio, often sparked by call signs or flight conditions.
Anecdotes highlight pilot quirks and minor errors, such as accidental transponder activation or a general aviation plane struggling to keep up with a jet, which are met with lighthearted observations from ATC.
The collection also showcases instances where ATC responds to pilot mistakes with unexpected leniency or humor, rather than strict enforcement, emphasizing the human element in aviation.

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After cancelling IFR but still on my way into Providence, R.I.:
Providence Approach: “Skylane One Four One Whiskey Bravo, follow the MD80 to Runway 5.”
Me: “Follow MD80 to five, One Four One Whiskey Bravo.”
Approach (after a couple minutes went by): Skylane One Four One Whiskey Bravo, are you following the MD80?”
Me: “Affirmative, following the MD80. The squirrels are running as fast as they can.”
MD80: “Providence, do you want us to slow down to let him catch up? American Two Six Three.”
Approach: “American Two Six Three, negative, maintain speed. Skylane One Four One Whiskey Bravo, your squirrels need an exercise program.”

Stan Yavoroski
Warminster, Pa.