February 16, 2009 Short Final

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Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"

After several practice instrument approaches into Lakeland, Florida, I stopped and headed to the restaurant. Later, when ready to leave, I called ground control:

Me:
"Control, ready to taxi VFR to X39."

Ground (chuckling) :
"Cessna Three Four Five, it would be quicker if you flew, but if you would rather taxi, I-4 is just up the road. Cleared via taxiway Bravo to Alpha Three for departure."

Me (somewhat embarrassed) :
"Ah — ground, Cessna Three Four Five cleared by Bravo to Alpha Three. And I think we'll fly."

Rick Stapleton
via e-mail