Short Final: Windy

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An ATC tower and a C-17 crew had a humorous exchange while the crew practiced approaches in the High Desert of Southern California, known for strong winds.
  • Facing winds gusting to 37 knots, the C-17 pilot asked if the wind always blew so strongly.
  • The tower responded with dry wit, "No, sometimes it blows hard," highlighting the region's consistently intense wind 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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