Transcript of Radio Communication

The following exchange took place in Chicago between the Meigs Field air traffic control tower (C) and a passing aircraft (last three letters of call sign, 8NG or Eight November Golf.) The aircraft was passing through Meigs’ airspace at approximately 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, southbound along the lake, under the control of the Meigs Field air traffic controller.

The other aircraft referenced was south of Meigs Field, proceeding northbound at the same altitude, approaching Meigs’ airspace, but not yet in radio contact with the control tower. The closing speed between the aircraft was over 300 mph, or 5 miles per minute.

The Meigs Field tower controllers are responsible for traffic in the busy lakefront “flyway” as well as arrivals and departures from Meigs Field itself. “Overflights” like both of these aircraft exceed the number of flights that arrive at Meigs Field, especially on good weather days. These overflights will continue regardless of the status of Meigs Field, and will increase if Meigs is closed.

This recording demonstrates exactly how the loss of Meigs Field would endanger aviators and passengers lives and safety. By the way, this happened with Meigs Field closed and the runway bulldozed.

Transcript:

Controller (C): Eight November Golf, I got opposite direction traffic with ya. He’s about 4 miles south of you, coming opposite direction. Same altitude and I’m not talkin’ to him at all.

Pilot (8NG): Alright, uhhh, Eight November Golf is looking.

(Seven seconds pause)

C: Eight November Golf, his altitude’s holdin’ the same. Why don’t you give me a descent down to about two point three [2,300 feet above sea level] please, so you can at least get underneath him, ‘cause he’s opposite direction, uhh.

(Three seconds pause)

C: Uhh, looks like we’ve got converging targets goin’ on here, sir, why don’t you descend down for me, please.

8NG: Hey, we’re headin’ down...real quick.

(8 seconds pause)

C: Okay, should be about a half mile in front of you, high, now, sir.

8NG: Right over the top of us...thank you, sir.

C: That’s why we need to be here.

8NG: Well, you tell Mayor Daley you just saved my life.

C: I would, but I don’t count. Why don’t you do it?

8NG: I guess we don’t count, either, though.

[End of exchange]

FMI: www.faa.gov