Short Final: Windy

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot observed a C-17 crew practicing approaches in Southern California's High Desert amidst strong, gusty winds.
  • The C-17 pilot inquired if such intense wind conditions were typical for the region.
  • The Air Traffic Controller humorously responded that the winds don't always blow *that* hard, but sometimes they just "blow hard," implying consistently challenging conditions.
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I fly in the High Desert of Southern California. We often get very strong, gusty winds. While practicing approaches, I heard this interaction between tower and a C-17 crew, also practicing.

Tower: “…wind 200 at 25 gusting to 37, cleared for the option Runway 17.”

C-17 pilot after acknowledging information: “Does the wind always blow like this?”

Tower: “No (pause), sometimes it blows hard.”

George White

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