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1415 Nov Bedlam at JFK
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
ATC
American 1969, you have an open gate, is that correct?
ATC
American flight 1969, I'm checking to see if your parking gate is ready for you, is that right?
PILOT
No, sir. It’s gate 38 and it should be about another 20 minutes before it’s open.
PILOT
No, sir. We're assigned to gate 38, but it's going to be another 20 minutes or so before the plane currently there moves out.
ATC
Alright, follow company short of Victor. Just monitor 121.65 short of Victor. Let them know when you have something.
ATC
Okay, follow that other American jet and stop just before you reach taxiway Victor. Keep an ear on the ground control radio at 121.65 while you wait, and let them know when you hear your gate is ready.
PILOT
Alright, follow company short Victor, monitor 21.65, American 1969.
PILOT
Got it, we'll follow our company plane and stop before Victor, listening in on 121.65, American 1969.
ATC
JetBlue 190, do you know your gate yet?
ATC
JetBlue 190, do you have a confirmed gate to park at yet?
PILOT
Yeah, JetBlue 190. We’re supposed to go to gate 22. We’re checking right now if it’s open.
PILOT
Yes, JetBlue 190. We're scheduled for gate 22. We're checking with our crew on the ground right now to see if it's actually clear.
ATC
Probably not. Let me know.
ATC
It's probably still occupied. Just let me know what you find out.
PILOT
Will do.
PILOT
We'll do that.
PILOT
Tower, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor. We were told by ramp to go to Mike Alpha for stand 10.
PILOT
Tower, this is Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor. The ground crew directed us to use taxiway Mike Alpha to reach parking stand 10.
ATC
Alright, sir. And your gate is open and available?
ATC
Copy that, sir. And have you confirmed that your gate is actually clear and ready for you?
PILOT
Affirm, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Yes, that's correct, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, can you—alright, standby. It’s going to be a while until I can move you over there. I’ll get back to you.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, can you—actually, just wait a second. It’s going to be a while before I can get you over there. I’ll call you back.
PILOT
No gate for JetBlue 190.
PILOT
JetBlue 190 here, we still don't have an open gate.
ATC
Thanks, JetBlue 190. Continue Yankee, short of Golf. You can cross 31 Right, but hold short of Golf on Yankee.
ATC
Thanks, JetBlue 190. Keep going down taxiway Yankee, but stop before you reach taxiway Golf. You have permission to cross runway 31 Right, but wait on Yankee before you get to Golf.
PILOT
Alright, Yankee short of Golf, JetBlue 190. We’re cleared to cross 31 Right.
PILOT
Okay, staying on Yankee and stopping before Golf, JetBlue 190. We’re cleared to go across runway 31 Right.
ATC
And 3 Romeo Victor, Norshuttle, what was your gate number again?
ATC
And Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, what was that gate number you were looking for again?
PILOT
Gate 10, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Norwegian flight 3-Romeo-Victor, we’re heading for Gate 10.
ATC
That is most definitely still occupied by a large triple-7.
ATC
That gate is most definitely still occupied by a massive Boeing 777.
PILOT
Roger. We were told to go to Mike Alpha, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Understood. We were told to head toward taxiway Mike-Alpha, Norwegian 3-Romeo-Victor.
ATC
Impossible, sir. The airport is near gridlock, and if I bring you to a gate you can’t get to, it’ll make it even worse.
ATC
That’s impossible, sir. The airport is near a total traffic jam, and if I send you toward a gate you can’t actually reach, it’ll just make the gridlock even worse.
PILOT
Roger.
PILOT
Got it.
ATC
Delta 2264, cross 31 Right at Yankee, hold short of Foxtrot.
ATC
Delta 2264, go ahead and cross runway 31-Right at taxiway Yankee, then stop and wait before you reach taxiway Foxtrot.
PILOT
Cross 31 Right at Yankee, hold short Foxtrot, Delta 2264.
PILOT
Crossing runway 31-Right at Yankee, and we’ll stop short of Foxtrot, Delta 2264.
ATC
JetBlue 1562, Foxtrot Bravo short of Yankee.
ATC
JetBlue 1562, stay on taxiway Foxtrot-Bravo and wait just before you get to Yankee.
PILOT
Foxtrot Bravo short of Yankee, JetBlue 1562.
PILOT
JetBlue 1562 is on taxiway Foxtrot Bravo, holding just before taxiway Yankee.
PILOT
Tower, Cathay 846. Our ramp is going to be free in five minutes.
PILOT
Tower, this is Cathay 846. Our parking spot at the terminal is going to be open in five minutes.
ATC
Cathay 846, roger. Just keep me advised if I don’t remember to call you back. Call me when you can actually get in.
ATC
Cathay 846, I hear you. Just give me a nudge if I forget to get back to you. Let me know once you’re actually ready to pull into the gate.
PILOT
Hello Tower, American 1388, 2,000 on the ILS 4 Right.
PILOT
Hello Tower, American 1388 is here. We’re at 2,000 feet, following the automated landing beam for runway 4 Right.
ATC
American 1388, JFK Tower. 4 Right, wind 080 at 25, gust 37, cleared to land.
ATC
American 1388, this is JFK Tower. For runway 4 Right, the wind is coming from the east at 25 knots with gusts up to 37. You are cleared to land.
PILOT
Cleared to land 4 Right, American 1388.
PILOT
We’re cleared to land on runway 4 Right, American 1388.
ATC
Delta 2262, Yankee short of Fox. Let me know if the gate is available. Most likely not, but let me know.
ATC
Delta 2262, stay on taxiway Yankee and stop just before taxiway Foxtrot. Let me know if your gate is ready for you. It probably isn’t, but keep me posted.
PILOT
Yankee, cross and hold short of Foxtrot. We’ll let you know, Delta 2264. We’re trying to get an answer.
PILOT
Cross Yankee and stop short of Foxtrot. We’ll let you know, Delta 2264. We’re currently trying to get an answer from our ground crew.
PILOT
Tower, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Tower, this is Norwegian flight 3 Romeo Victor.
ATC
Yes, sir.
ATC
Go ahead, sir.
PILOT
Gate is now open. They are pushing. Can we proceed?
PILOT
Our gate is open now. The other plane is backing out. Can we head over there?
ATC
Negative, sir. The aircraft is still at the gate.
ATC
No, sir. That plane is still parked right at the gate.
PILOT
No, they're pushing now.
PILOT
No, I'm looking at them; they are backing out right now.
ATC
Okay, and I have no way to get you there. They have not begun pushing yet. I will call you when I can get you there and the gate is actually available. I can see on my airport surface display when it’s going to be available. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I will move you when I can get you there.
ATC
Look, I don't even have a clear path to send you that way. They haven't started moving yet. I’ll give you a shout when the gate is actually free and I can fit you in. My ground radar screen tells me exactly when it’ll be ready. I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ll move you when there is actually room.
PILOT
Okay, we’re holding short of Two.
PILOT
Alright, we’re stopping just before taxiway Two.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, for now turn right on Juliet and hold short of Yankee, please.
ATC
Norwegian 3 Romeo Victor, for now take a right onto taxiway Juliet and stop just before you hit taxiway Yankee, please.
PILOT
Can you just confirm that was for 3 Romeo Victor?
PILOT
Could you just confirm if those instructions were meant for us, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor?
ATC
I’m sorry, 3 Romeo Victor. Juliet, short of Yankee.
ATC
My apologies, 3 Romeo Victor. Take taxiway Juliet and stop just before you reach taxiway Yankee.
PILOT
Juliet, short of Yankee, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Taxiway Juliet, stopping short of Yankee, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Tower, Delta 2940. We’re with you for 4 Right.
PILOT
Tower, Delta 2940. We’re checking in with you as we approach runway 4 Right for landing.
ATC
Yeah, Foxtrot Bravo short of Yankee, please, 2940.
ATC
Yes, please take taxiway Foxtrot Bravo and stop just before you cross Yankee, Delta 2940.
PILOT
Foxtrot Bravo short of Yankee, Delta 2940.
PILOT
Foxtrot Bravo, stopping before Yankee, Delta 2940.
PILOT
American 32, five miles from ZADAL, ILS 4 Right. 15 knots loss shear at 2,000 feet out here, five miles from ZADAL.
PILOT
American 32, we’re five miles from the ZADAL navigation point on the instrument approach for runway 4 Right. Just so you know, we hit some wind shear and lost 15 knots of airspeed at 2,000 feet near ZADAL.
ATC
Copy, minus 15 at 2,500. 4 Right, wind 080 at 25, gust 32, cleared to land.
ATC
Received, a 15-knot drop at 2,500 feet. For runway 4 Right, the wind is from the east at 25 knots with 32-knot gusts; you are authorized to land.
PILOT
Cleared to land 4 Right, American 32.
PILOT
American 32, we've got the green light to land on runway 4 Right.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo—excuse me, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor. Do you have room to pass the 75 or negative?
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo—sorry, I mean Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor. Do you have enough room to squeeze past that Boeing 757, or is it a no-go?
PILOT
Negative, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
No, we can't make it, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
ATC
Delta 1428, right Juliet, hold short of 22 Right.
ATC
Delta 1428, turn right onto taxiway Juliet and stop just before you reach runway 22 Right.
PILOT
Yeah, we’re trying to get people down to move.
PILOT
Yeah, we’re trying to get everyone settled so we can get moving.
ATC
As soon as you can, 1428. Juliet short of 22 Right.
ATC
Move as quickly as you can, 1428. Take Juliet and wait just before runway 22 Right.
PILOT
Short of 22 Right on Juliet, Delta 1428.
PILOT
Stopping before runway 22 Right on taxiway Juliet, Delta 1428.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor—I don't know why I keep doing that—Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, once Delta moves, follow him but hold short Runway 4 Left.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor—I don't know why I keep messing that up—Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, once that Delta plane moves, follow behind him but stop before you cross runway 4 Left.
PILOT
Once Delta moves, follow to hold short 4 Left, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Once that Delta jet pulls away, we’ll follow them and stop just before runway 4 Left, Norwegian Shuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Tower, Cathay 846. We’ve just been advised by ramp we can head towards Tango Alpha.
PILOT
Tower, this is Cathay 846. Our ground crew just told us we’re cleared to start heading toward taxiway Tango Alpha.
ATC
And who said they were good for Tango Alpha? Was that Cathay?
ATC
Now, who was it that said they were cleared for taxiway Tango Alpha? Was that the Cathay crew?
PILOT
Cathay 846, affirm.
PILOT
That's us, Cathay 846, that is correct.
ATC
Roger. You’ll be moving in probably three or four minutes, maybe a lot sooner.
ATC
Got it. Expect to start moving in about three or four minutes, though it might be even sooner than that.
PILOT
Alright, thank you.
PILOT
Okay, thanks for the update.
ATC
Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor, cross 22 Right, straight ahead Alpha, monitor 121.65. Goodnight.
ATC
Norwegian Shuttle 3 Romeo Victor, you're clear to cross runway 22 Right, keep going straight on taxiway Alpha, and then tune your radio to 121.65. Goodnight.
PILOT
Cross 22 Right on Alpha and monitor 121.65, Norshuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
PILOT
Crossing 22 Right, straight onto Alpha, and we'll listen in on frequency 121.65, Norwegian Shuttle 3 Romeo Victor.
ATC
Cathay 846 heavy, cross Runway 4 Left and continue short of Delta Bravo, please.
ATC
Cathay 846, you're a large aircraft, go ahead and cross Runway 4 Left but stop just before you reach taxiway Delta Bravo, please.
PILOT
Cross 4 Left and continue onto Delta Bravo, hold short Delta Bravo, Cathay 846.
PILOT
Crossing 4 Left and moving toward Delta Bravo, we'll stop right before we hit that taxiway, Cathay 846.
ATC
American 1388, you can make a left turn at Echo. Actually, give way to Cathay, please. He actually has a gate. Give way to Cathay and then continue on Charlie and I’ll have further for you in a few minutes.
ATC
American 1388, you can turn left at taxiway Echo. Actually, let that Cathay plane go first—he’s actually got a gate ready. Let him pass, then keep going down taxiway Charlie and I’ll have more for you in a few minutes.
PILOT
American 32, exit Foxtrot Bravo.
PILOT
American 32, we're exiting the runway onto taxiway Foxtrot Bravo.
ATC
Thanks, 32. Short of Yankee, please, and I’ll get back to you with more in a minute.
ATC
Thanks, 32. Stop just before you get to taxiway Yankee, please, and I’ll get back to you with more instructions in a minute.
PILOT
Short of Yankee, American 32.
PILOT
Stopping before Yankee, American 32.
ATC
American 1388, move up short of 4 Left.
ATC
American 1388, pull forward and stop right before you reach Runway 4 Left.
PILOT
Okay, move up short of 4 Left, American 1388.
PILOT
Okay, moving up and stopping just before Runway 4 Left, American 1388.
ATC
TACA 502, continue Charlie and hold short of Whiskey. Hold short of Whiskey, monitor 121.65, let her know when you have a gate.
ATC
TACA 502, continue on taxiway Charlie and stop just before you reach Whiskey. Stop there, switch your radio to 121.65, and let the controller know when you have a gate assigned.
PILOT
On Charlie then, hold short Whiskey and Ground 121.65, TACA 502.
PILOT
On Charlie, stopping before Whiskey and switching to ground control on 121.65, TACA 502.
ATC
Cathay 846 heavy, continue on Charlie, short of taxiway Delta Bravo—excuse me, make the left on Delta Bravo but hold short Charlie.
ATC
Cathay 846 heavy jet, keep going on Charlie, stop short of—actually, make the left onto Delta Bravo but stop before you cross taxiway Charlie.
PILOT
Left on Delta Bravo and hold short Charlie, Cathay 846.
PILOT
Left on Delta Bravo and stopping before Charlie, Cathay 846.
ATC
American 1388, follow Cathay, please.
ATC
American 1388, please follow that Cathay plane.
PILOT
American 1388, we'll follow the Cathay behind the Airbus.
PILOT
American 1388, we’ll follow the Cathay right behind that Airbus.
PILOT
Delta 2647 checking in on ILS 4 Right.
PILOT
Delta 2647 checking in, we’re on the instrument approach for runway 4 Right.
ATC
Delta 2647, JFK Tower. 4 Right, wind 080 at 27, gust 35, cleared to land. Loss of 15 knots reported at 2,000 feet, five miles from ZADAL.
ATC
Delta 2647, JFK Tower. Runway 4 Right, the wind is 27 knots gusting to 35. You’re cleared to land. Be careful, there’s a report of a sudden 15-knot drop in airspeed five miles out.
PILOT
Cleared to land 4 Right, Delta 2647. Where should we plan on turning off?
PILOT
We're all set to land on runway 4 Right, Delta 2647. Which exit path should we aim for once we're down?
ATC
Foxtrot Bravo is the first available.
ATC
The taxiway named Foxtrot Bravo is the first turn-off you can take.
PILOT
Thank you.
PILOT
Thanks for that.
ATC
Delta 2647, just hold that speed as long as practical.
ATC
Delta 2647, please keep up your current speed for as long as you safely can.
PILOT
Alright, this speed as long as practical, Delta 2647.
PILOT
Got it, we'll maintain this speed as long as possible, Delta 2647.
ATC
TACA 502, please turn right, turn on Charlie. Continue straight ahead right on Charlie.
ATC
TACA 502, go ahead and turn right onto taxiway Charlie. Just keep going straight then take that right on Charlie.
PILOT
All right, on Charlie, straight ahead on Charlie, TACA 502.
PILOT
Okay, turning onto Charlie and then straight ahead on Charlie, TACA 502.
ATC
American 32, follow the company ahead, hold short of 4 Left.
ATC
American 32, follow that other American Airlines jet in front of you, and stop just before you reach runway 4 Left.
PILOT
Follow company short 4 Left, American 32.
PILOT
American 32 here, we’ll follow our other company plane and stop just before reaching Runway 4 Left.
ATC
JetBlue 416, are you still with me?
ATC
JetBlue 416, are you still on this frequency?
PILOT
JetBlue 416, go ahead.
PILOT
This is JetBlue 416, go ahead.
ATC
You don't have a gate, is that correct?
ATC
You don't have a gate available to park at yet, is that right?
PILOT
It should be less than 10 minutes. We’re going to 28.
PILOT
It should be ready in less than 10 minutes. We’re heading to Gate 28.
ATC
Alright, short of Whiskey, monitor 121.65, let her know.
ATC
Alright, stop before you reach taxiway Whiskey, switch over to listen on frequency 121.65, and let the controller there know the situation.
PILOT
Will do, thanks.
PILOT
We'll do that, thanks.
ATC
JetBlue 514, short of Whiskey, monitor 121.65.
ATC
JetBlue 514, stop just before taxiway Whiskey and switch your radio to listen for instructions on 121.65.
PILOT
JetBlue 514, will do.
PILOT
JetBlue 514, we'll get right on that.
ATC
Cathay 846, cross Runway 31 Right at Delta Bravo and standby for further.
ATC
Cathay 846, drive across the right-hand runway 31 at the Delta Bravo intersection and wait there for my next instruction.
PILOT
Cross 31 Right at Delta Bravo, Cathay 846.
PILOT
Crossing runway 31 Right at the Delta Bravo intersection, Cathay 846.
PILOT
JFK Tower, American 2201 is with you outside ZADAL.
PILOT
JFK Tower, American 2201 checking in with you just outside the ZADAL waypoint.
ATC
American 2201, good evening. 4 Right, wind 070 at 26, gust 35, cleared to land. Wind shear report, loss of 15 knots, five miles from ZADAL, 2,000 feet.
ATC
American 2201, good evening. You're cleared to land on runway 4 Right. Winds are 26 knots gusting to 35. Be advised, there's a report of wind shear—a sudden 15-knot loss of airspeed—five miles from ZADAL at 2,000 feet.
PILOT
Alright, we’re cleared to land on 4 Right, American 2201.
PILOT
Alright, we’re cleared to land on runway 4 Right, American 2201.
ATC
Cathay 846, go to Ground. You can cross Runway 31 Right, Delta Bravo, turn right on Alpha and switch to 121.65.
ATC
Cathay 846, switch to ground control. You can cross the right-hand runway 31 at Delta Bravo, then turn right onto taxiway Alpha and change your radio to 121.65.
PILOT
Cross 31 Right, right onto Alpha, and 121.65, Cathay 846.
PILOT
Crossing 31 Right, turning right onto Alpha, and switching to frequency 121.65, Cathay 846.
ATC
Cathay 846 and do me a favor, hold short of Whiskey because they’re pushing out of the British terminal. You remember that from your time there, I’m sure, and Ground will move you around that traffic.
ATC
Cathay 846, do me a favor and stop before you reach taxiway Whiskey. A plane is backing out from the British terminal—I'm sure you remember how busy that gets from your time there. Ground control will help you navigate around them.
PILOT
Hold short Whiskey, Cathay 846.
PILOT
Stopping before taxiway Whiskey, Cathay 846.
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