On The Air: July 2013

I was coming out of Long Island, New York on a Saturday afternoon recently, when I heard this:NY Approach: DL 123, say your airspeed.DL 123: Were indicating 270, slowing to 250, DL 123.NY Approach: DL 123, you have two choices: slow to 250 or lose your place in line. Which will it be?DL 123: Ah, DL 123, were slowing to 250.NY Approach: Good choice. …

Editorial Staff

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Air traffic controllers assert authority and manage airspace through direct communication, sometimes with a touch of humor or exasperation.
Pilot-controller interactions often involve witty banter, quick thinking, and even humorous slip-ups, highlighting the human element in professional aviation.
Pilots demonstrate cooperation and resourcefulness, for example, by offering to adjust flight plans to assist busy controllers.

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I was coming out of Long Island, New York on a Saturday afternoon recently, when I heard this:
NY Approach: “DL 123, say your airspeed.”
DL 123: “We’re indicating 270, slowing to 250, DL 123.”
NY Approach: “DL 123, you have two choices: slow to 250 or lose your place in line. Which will it be?”
DL 123: “Ah, DL 123, we’re slowing to 250.”
NY Approach: “Good choice.”

Don Kephart
Skaneateles, New York