Controller have a LOT of patience: airliners on turbulent day

Sam D

Sam D

Pattern Altitude
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
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1,605
Location
Petaluma, CA
Display Name
Sam D
Home Airfield
Petaluma (o69)
I flew from Michigan to the SF bay area on Saturday. From somewhere in Utah until about Reno, I was basically talking to the same controller. Every single airline that checked in, did so with some form of:
-- United xxx FL360, what's the ride like ahead?
-- How long does this chop last?
-- How's the ride at FL3xx?

I totally understand that they were looking to get the best ride from their passengers, but this controller calmly answered the same basic question again and again for the couple of hours I was with him. It was an impressive display of professionalism.

I was tempted to chime in that the ride at 10.5 was bumpy and we'd suspended drink service and turned on the fasten seatbelt sign.
 
I bet that was a long day. I was wondering when you were headed back. I was up at 6Y9 over the weekend.
 
Fly more often. You will hear more "ride reports" than you will vectors.
 
EdFred said:
I bet that was a long day. I was wondering when you were headed back. I was up at 6Y9 over the weekend.
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It was a long day -- about 12 hours of flying time. Luckily my daughter came with me for a little company. We took the UP route around the lake but were well south of 6Y9. I'll get there eventually. We did get to fly by Mt. Rushmore which was pretty cool.
 
When I was out there it seemed to be SOP, even tho the winds down at 12K were light and ride smooth with occasional light chop.
 
Sam D said:
It was a long day -- about 12 hours of flying time. Luckily my daughter came with me for a little company. We took the UP route around the lake but were well south of 6Y9. I'll get there eventually. We did get to fly by Mt. Rushmore which was pretty cool.
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You flew by Jackson Hole..:dunno:..

And didn't even honk as you passed over...:idea:...:sad:
 
N801BH said:
You flew by Jackson Hole..:dunno:..

And didn't even honk as you passed over...:idea:...:sad:
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Our route was about 120 NM to the south. But now that I know there is a standing offer to stop by, I certainly will! :D
 
Keep listening you'll hear a rude one too. Controllers are people too and are subject to bad days just like anybody else.
 
SCCutler said:
I suppose so, but I've experienced very few...
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I have yet to experience one.

Even when I deserve it.

Even the one time I got written up for a "possible pilot deviation" (that eventually was ruled a controller error), I really can't complain the controller was rude. Just wrong. He gave a taxi clearance without meaning to.

I do interact with ATC frequently; most of my time is on flight following or (more recently) an IFR clearance.
 
Based in New Mexico I do hear that a lot. Sometimes at night when I would check in to a new controller....

Medivac 123 checking in 16000 smooth ride......

and then everyone would start asking where I was at....:lol::lol::lol:
 
Airliners talking about the rides is pretty normal. Wait until everyone starts asking for diversions for weather.
 
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