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On The Air September 2023

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) must strictly adhere to specified approach procedures, and flexibility like sidestepping to an unapproached runway requires cancelling IFR, even in clear visual conditions.
  • Pilot-ATC communications frequently involve humor, wit, and unique exchanges, which can be used to manage persistent requests, highlight industry quirks, or simply add a lighthearted moment to routine interactions.
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While I was flying into Boeing Field to pick up my Angel Flight passengers, I was on the ILS for 32L, which is a long (10,000 feet) runway. I was meeting my passengers at an FBO off the north end of 32R, which is a much shorter runway (3700 feet) roughly aligned at the north end of the field with the north end of 32L.

So while a few miles out on final in severe-clear-VMC, I asked tower if it was okay if I sidestepped to 32R because it would be a much shorter taxi once I landed. They said unable since there was no procedure to do so. No problem, I continued, landed on 32L, and off the runway called ground. They cleared me to taxi to the FBO, but gave me a phone number to call.

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