Short Final: Competition Parking

At Valdez, Alaska for the annual fly-in and STOL competition, a couple of planes arrived in short succession: a tailwheel Cessna with big Alaskan Bushwheel tires, followed by a Lake amphibian (not known for its short takeoff or landing capabilities).

At Valdez, Alaska for the annual fly‑in and STOL competition, a couple of planes arrived in short succession: a tailwheel Cessna with big Alaskan Bushwheel tires, followed by a Lake amphibian (not known for its short takeoff or landing capabilities).

Tower: "Cessna 123, turn left if you're competing, or right if you're just here to park."

Cessna: "Cessna 123, turning left for competition parking."

Tower: "Lake 456, turn right to park."

Lake: "Hey, you're not going to ask me if I'm competing?"

He didn't ask. The Lake turned right.

Jim Freeman
Mobile, AL