On The Air: November 2015

I file IFR in the Los Angeles Basin because it makes things easier transitioning the complicated airspace. Usually, ATC likes to leave you high over the Ontario traffic and then slam dunk you into Santa Ana.

Editorial Staff

Friday, November 06, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article compiles several humorous anecdotes from pilots, often involving witty exchanges with Air Traffic Control or other aircraft.
Stories include a general aviation pilot humorously confirming he's faster than a commercial jet and another playfully issuing a wake turbulence warning to a regional jet.
The collection also highlights unique aspects of aviation culture, such as instrument approach fixes named after local sports affiliations.
It features amusing misunderstandings and observations about flying from non-pilots, showcasing the humorous side of aviation.

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One evening, while returning from Lake Havasu to Santa Ana, ATC gave me the usual late descent. The air was smooth, so I just nosed it over and came down like a rock to intercept the ILS. The final controller and I had the following exchange: