Short Final: The Lighter Side of Flight

While flying my Archer from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to Lancaster (PA), I heard this exchange. (Lancaster has a well-known pilot shop located on the field.) Cessna 12345:“Lancaster Tower, Cessna 12345 right base for runway 31, three miles out.” Lancaster Tower:“Cessna 12345: Cleared to land, runway 31.” Cessna 12345:“Cleared to land, runway 31.” [10-second pause] Cessna 12345:“We’re heading to the pilot shop.” Lancaster Tower:“I think it would be a good idea to land first.” Dr. Russell OwensWilkes-Barre, PA

Editorial Staff

Updated Apr 12, 2019 2:14 AM EDT

While flying my Archer from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to Lancaster (PA), I heard this exchange. (Lancaster has a well-known pilot shop located on the field.)

Cessna 12345:
"Lancaster Tower, Cessna 12345 right base for runway 31, three miles out."

Lancaster Tower:
"Cessna 12345: Cleared to land, runway 31."

Cessna 12345:
"Cleared to land, runway 31."

[10-second pause]

Cessna 12345:
"We're heading to the pilot shop."

Lancaster Tower:
"I think it would be a good idea to land first."

Dr. Russell Owens
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Editorial StaffAVweb