May 18, 2008 Short Final

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Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"

While flying practice approaches at Sioux City, Iowa I heard:

Tower:
"Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area."

[a short silence, presumably while the Skylane pilot questioned passengers on the transmission]

Skylane:
"Eight Seven Charlie, say again?"

Tower:
"Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area."

[again, a short silence]

Skylane:
"Ah, cleared for the approach — but what do you mean by the waterfall caution?"

Tower:
"Waterfall. You know, ducks and geese — water fowl."

Larry Gerek
Omaha, Nebraska