Short Final: Be Advised

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot received an unusual air traffic control (ATC) advisory about nearby traffic capable of "abrupt changes in altitude and position."
  • When asked if the aircraft was military, ATC cryptically responded they were "not really allowed to say," only advising the pilot to watch out.
  • The encounter left the pilot curious about the nature of the mystery aircraft and what might have been tested in the skies.
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One flight recently, I had an interesting exchange with Jacksonville Approach, south of Jacksonville at 9000 feet.

Approach: “N1234, be advised traffic 11 o’clock 10 miles at 9500 can exhibit abrupt changes in altitude and position.”

Me: “Will observe. That a military aircraft?”

Approach: “I’m not really allowed to say. Just watch out.”

That’s a new one for me! I wonder what was being tested in the skies that day.

Andrew Doorey

Raleigh, North Carolina

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