On The Air: January 2014

was a passenger listening to ATC on the A-319s audio system. We had just landed at a very busy Newark Liberty International Airport. I heard this exchange between Tower and a regional jet:Tower: RJ One One Zero, line up and wait.RJ: (Groaning) Unable. We just had a passenger stand up and go to the lavatory. What do you want us to do?Tower: There are seven aircraft behind you. Try to hurry them up.(30 seconds later)RJ:…

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The collection of aviation anecdotes highlights the humorous and human side of pilot-ATC interactions, featuring exchanges about unexpected passenger delays, aircraft identification nuances, and unusual ground speed reports.
One extended story demonstrates a private pilot's exceptional courtesy in offering to hold for a commercial airliner, leading to a memorable encounter that unexpectedly reveals his cross-country journey to his wife.

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was a passenger listening to ATC on the A-319’s audio system. We had just landed at a very busy Newark Liberty International Airport. I heard this exchange between Tower and a regional jet:
Tower: “RJ One One Zero, line up and wait.”
RJ: (Groaning) “Unable. We just had a passenger stand up and go to the lavatory. What do you want us to do?”
Tower: “There are seven aircraft behind you. Try to hurry them up.”
(30 seconds later)
RJ: “Tower, RJ One One Zero, passenger is back in their seat, ready for departure.”
Tower: “Must have been a number one. Cleared for takeoff.”

Fred Simonds
Juno Beach, Florida