'United 25, you have time for a shoutout'
An LAX controller asks a United Airlines pilot to give his niece a personal shoutout.
Summary
Upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport, the tower controller makes an unusual request to the crew of United Flight 25. He asks the pilot to welcome his niece, Jenny Avalos, who is returning from a school trip on that specific flight. The pilot agrees to the request, adding a personal touch to the end of a standard flight.
Analysis
This recording captures a rare "human" moment in the high-pressure environment of Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC communications are typically governed by strict protocols and standardized phraseology to ensure safety and clarity. However, during moments of lower traffic or after a safe landing, controllers and pilots occasionally break character for brief, lighthearted exchanges. In this instance, the controller at LAX uses his position to send a message to a family member on board.
The exchange begins with standard procedures: United 25 is cleared to land on Runway 7 Left and provided with taxi instructions. The controller then asks for the gate number and, unusually, tells the pilot to stay on the Tower frequency rather than switching to Ground Control. This maneuver keeps the line open for the personal request without cluttering the busier ground frequency.
The controller's request—a "shoutout" for his niece Jenny—is met with professional courtesy by the pilot. The pilot even goes as far as to spell out the niece's last name (Avalos) using the phonetic alphabet or clear enunciation to ensure he gets the announcement right for the cabin address system.
While technically a deviation from standard radio procedure, such interactions are generally viewed as harmless morale-boosters within the aviation community. They highlight the personal connections that exist behind the callsigns and radar blips. The event is notable for its wholesomeness and serves as a reminder of the human element in the complex machinery of international air travel.