While doing some pattern work recently at our small rural airport in Pella, Iowa (KPEA), I was practicing wheel landings and 3-point landings with my 1946 Piper Cub when on the CTAF I heard a local business’ Lear-45 announce their approach to the airport from 5 miles to the south. Though the corporate pilots know me and are generally very courteous, I knew that I was somewhat of a nuisance to them in the pattern and would be hard to identify. I chose to climb to a 1000 feet above pattern altitude and make a broad circle over the airport, trying to visualize the jet and stay out of their way. I don’t know what possessed me, but as they made their call for downwind, I announced, “Learjet 1234 on downwind, use caution, Cub wake turbulence on one-six!”
I waited a few seconds and when I heard their call for final to one-six, I could hear laughter in the background, obviously acknowledging my mischievous behavior. I think it made their day!
—Dave Barnes, Pella, Iowa
A few years ago during my private-pilot solo long cross-country I was heading to a southern Wisconsin airport with a tower known to be easily annoyed. So I was an over-prepared nervous student pilot who had ATIS as soon as I could get it and listened to it more times than I needed. Full of anxiety and right before I was going to call tower this exchanged happened.
Pilot: “Tower N1234 we just finished eating at the restaurant but can’t seem to get a hold of ground.”
Tower: “Do you have information Romeo?”
Pilot: “Yeah I have Romeo.”
Tower: “Then you would know ground is closed and to contact tower, but anyway how can I help you, sir?”
I thought, wonderful now they’re annoyed and it is my turn next.
On the plus side, on that trip I did learn to listen and understand ATIS thoroughly.
—Christopher Nye, Mendota, Illinois
I was making a late-night approach to Des Moines International Airport.
Me: “Des Moines approach, Baron 12KA, 15 east at 3000.”
Tower: “12KA turn left heading 180, descend then right to land on 23.”
Me: “Roger, 12KA.”
I was on a heading of 270, then turned left to 180 and headed south. With the airport in sight, I started a turn to the right on an initial heading of about 195 toward the airport.
Tower: “Baron 12 KA, I realize you are the only plane in the sky but your clearance was to fly 180 until making a right turn to 23, not fly a loop.”
I kicked the nose back to 180 until the runway was off the right wing tip and then made the turn directly to 23.
The following night I was once again approaching the airport.
Me: “Des Moines approach, Baron 12KA, 15 east at 3000.”
The same air traffic controller as last night was on duty.
Tower: “Baron 12 KA, it’s the same procedure as last night. Do you think you can get it right this time?”
Me: “12KA. If I don’t, I’ll be back tomorrow night to try again.”
Tower: “12 KA, cleared to land on 23.”
Once taxing to the Elliott Aviation ramp, we shared a good laugh together.
—Jim Lightfoot, White Oak, Texas
I was taxing out for an instrument cross-country flight with my student, and noted that the female ground controller had a rather pleasant voice on the radio.
A fellow in his J3 Cub was returning to the airport. After getting his taxi clearance he invited the controller to take a ride and asked for her phone number! There was complete silence on ground control.
I wonder if the other pilots on frequency were laughing like we were.
—Jerome Bierut, Colorado Springs, Colorado
The TRUKN2 departure from KSFO will delight Grateful Dead fans, as two of the outbound waypoints are DEDHD and GRTFL. And the BDEGA3 arrival highlights the California wine country with MLBEC, MRRLO, and PEENO (SYRAH is an option for TRUKN2 as well!).
—Peter E. Cohen, Trinidad, California
