December 31, 2006 Short Final

Email this article |Print this article

Returning to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y., on New Year's Day, I heard the following exchange between the tower controller and the pilot of a Piper Arrow:

Arrow: "Republic tower, Arrow Three Four Five, eight miles north, inbound with India."

Tower: "Arrow Three Four Five, report right downwind Runway 32."

Arrow: "Any chance we can get a straight in?"

Tower: "You said you were north didn't you?"

Arrow: "Yes, seven miles north."

Tower: "Arrow Three Four Five, the only way I can give you a straight in for Runway 32 is if you turn north and continue for about 24,000 miles."

Arrow: (momentary silence) "Uh, okay, sorry, Happy New Year..."