On The Air: July 2018

I took off from Islesboro (an island off the coast of Maine) in a C-150. I was going south down the coast that took me through the Portland ATC area. I then realized that I was going to fly over Moodys Diner in Waldoboro. This diner was made famous by Maine comedians Bert and I, and again later by Tim Samples.

Editorial Staff

Friday, June 15, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article presents a collection of humorous and memorable radio exchanges between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Anecdotes highlight instances of pilot confusion or minor errors, often met with patient, witty, or surprisingly relatable responses from ATC.
The stories showcase the human element in aviation communication, from shared local knowledge and playful banter to unique personal observations and professional understanding.

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I took off from Islesboro (an island off the coast of Maine) in a C-150. I was going south down the coast that took me through the Portland ATC area. I then realized that I was going to fly over Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro. This diner was made famous by Maine comedians Bert and I, and again later by Tim Samples.

I called Portland Approach and advised them I would be flying through the Portland area and was over “Moody’s Diner.” The immediate response with a chuckle was, “Radar Contact. We all know exactly where you are. Come on through at 3000 feet.”