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Thunderstorm tango at KROC
ATC manages multiple aircraft through a rapidly moving severe thunderstorm line at Rochester Airport.
Summary
A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms with winds gusting up to 50 knots crosses Rochester International Airport (KROC). Controllers attempt to sequence several aircraft, including Wisconsin 3566 and Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, before the weather hits, but both are forced to go around. The transcript captures the intense coordination required to safely vector multiple flights around extreme precipitation and turbulence.
Analysis
On April 28, 2011, Rochester Approach and Tower controllers faced a significant weather challenge as a narrow but intense band of "extreme precipitation" moved across the airfield. The storm was moving north-northeast at a rapid pace of 30-45 knots. The recording begins with controllers attempting to expedite Wisconsin 3566 to the runway to "beat the weather." Despite the pilot's increased descent rate, the leading edge of the storm arrived just as the aircraft reached the field, necessitating an immediate go-around into high winds and heavy rain.
The complexity of the situation is demonstrated by the sheer number of callsigns being managed simultaneously in a confined space. Flights including Delta 1118, Flagship 4150, and Piedmont 4231 are vectored in various directions—north, south, and west—to find "holes" or gaps in the storm. The controller’s task is a "tango" of altitude and heading changes to keep aircraft out of Level 3 and 4 precipitation while respecting the boundaries of nearby Canadian airspace to the north.
The transcript highlights several technical aspects of adverse weather operations. Controllers use "Levels" (1 to 6) to describe precipitation intensity on their radar, with Level 3-4 being significant enough to cause severe turbulence and "moderate chop." The report of winds gusting to 50 knots illustrates the hazardous conditions on the final approach path. A rare moment of levity occurs when the controller tells Lear 1 Romeo Alpha that the "Russian judge gives you a 9.4" for their go-around, acknowledging a well-executed maneuver under pressure.
This recording serves as a textbook example of proactive air traffic management. Rather than allowing pilots to fly blindly into dangerous cells, the controller provides constant updates on weather movement, width (6-7 miles), and intensity. This collaborative environment between pilots reporting real-time conditions and controllers providing strategic vectoring options ensured that while the airport's arrival flow was disrupted, safety was maintained throughout the passage of the front.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, can you increase your rate of descent, sir?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, can you drop down a bit faster, sir?
WISCONSIN 3566
We'll do that, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
We'll head down faster now, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, I'm trying to get you in front of the weather. You're number one for the field. The weather is about three and a half miles west of the field. So, if you can get in, increase your rate of descent, and we'll get you in close for a visual.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, I'm trying to get you in before the storm hits. You're first in line for the airport. The bad weather is only about three and a half miles west of the field. So, if you can drop down quickly, we'll get you in close so you can see the runway and land.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, we do have the airport in sight, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, we have the airport in sight now, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, roger. You're cleared for the visual approach, Runway 22. There's a Learjet ten northwest of the field that will be following you.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, understood. You're cleared to land on Runway 22 using your own eyes to guide you in. There's a Learjet ten miles northwest of the airport that will be coming in behind you.
WISCONSIN 3566
Cleared visual 22, Wisconsin 3566. And how fast is that moving, and in which way?
WISCONSIN 3566
Cleared to land on 22, Wisconsin 3566. And how fast is that storm moving, and which way is it going?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
It's moving north-northeastbound, and we're showing it at about 30 knots.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
It's heading north-northeast, and our radar shows it moving at about 35 miles per hour.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Rochester, Lear 744 November is 12,300 for 11,000.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Rochester, Lear 44 November is passing through 12,300 feet on our way down to 11,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, Rochester Approach. Altimeter 29.53. Fly heading 360, vectors for Runway 22. Descend and maintain 10,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, this is Rochester Approach. The local air pressure for your instruments is 29.53. Fly a heading due north, and I'll give you directions for Runway 22. Descend and stay at 10,000 feet.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
360, 10,000, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Heading north, down to 10,000, 44 November.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, descend and maintain 5,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, drop down and stay at 5,000 feet.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Rochester, 1 Romeo Alpha. We're breaking out now and we're seeing the ground below us. We can take vectors anytime you're ready.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Rochester, 1 Romeo Alpha. We're coming out of the clouds now and can see the ground below us. We're ready for you to guide us in whenever you're set.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
1 Romeo Alpha, roger. You'll be going through an area where we're showing—at 12 o'clock—about three miles of moderate to, excuse me, heavy to extreme precipitation. I'll put you on a vector to follow traffic that's five east-southeast of the field now on a left base.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
1 Romeo Alpha, copy that. You're about to fly through an area—straight ahead of you—with about three miles of moderate to, actually, heavy to extreme rain. I'll give you directions to follow another plane that's five miles southeast of the airport currently turning toward the runway.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Understood, Romeo Alpha.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, turn right heading 100.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, turn right to a heading of 100 degrees.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
100, 1 Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Learjet 1 Romeo Alpha: "Heading 100, 1 Romeo Alpha."
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, descend and maintain 5,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: "Delta 1118, descend and stay at 5,000 feet."
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, 5,000.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118: "Delta 1118, down to 5,000."
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, descend and maintain 6,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: "Learjet 44 November, descend and stay at 6,000 feet."
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
6,000, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Learjet 44 November: "6,000 feet, 44 November."
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566 to Tower.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: "Wisconsin 3566 calling the Tower."
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, Tower 118.3. Thanks for the help, sir.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: "Wisconsin 3566, switch to the Tower on frequency 118.3. Thanks for the help, sir."
WISCONSIN 3566
We'll see you, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: "We'll see you, Wisconsin 3566."
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, turn right heading 130.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: "Learjet 1 Romeo Alpha, turn right to a heading of 130 degrees."
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
130.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Learjet 1 Romeo Alpha: "Heading 130."
ROCHESTER TOWER
Wisconsin 3566, Rochester Tower. Wind 200 at 16, gusts 27. The weather's leading edge is about two miles west of the field at Level 1, and then it goes to Level 3 at about two and a half west of the field. But it looks like you might just beat it.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Rochester Tower: "Wisconsin 3566, this is Rochester Tower. The wind is from the south at 16 knots, gusting to 27. The edge of the storm is about two miles west of the airport with light rain, and it gets much heavier about two and a half miles out. It looks like you might just beat the weather."
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566. And we do have to go around. We'd like to make an immediate left turn to the east.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: "Wisconsin 3566. We actually need to abort this landing. We'd like to make an immediate left turn toward the east to get away from this."
ROCHESTER TOWER
Yes, Wisconsin 3566. In the event of a go-around, it's going to be heading 090. Climb and maintain 3,000.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Rochester Tower: "Roger, Wisconsin 3566. Since you're aborting the landing, turn to heading 090. Climb and stay at 3,000 feet."
WISCONSIN 3566
Heading 090, 3,000, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: "Heading 090, climbing to 3,000, Wisconsin 3566."
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, traffic to follow is at 1 o'clock, six miles. It's a CRJ-200, 2,300 on a three-mile left base.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: "Learjet 1 Romeo Alpha, the plane you're following is at your one o'clock position, six miles away. It's a regional jet at 2,300 feet, currently three miles out and turning toward the runway."
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
1 Romeo Alpha, roger. Maintain 2,500.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Lear 1RA, understood. Stay at an altitude of 2,500 feet.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November has the field at eight o'clock.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Lear 44N has the airport in sight, it's just behind us and to our left.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
44 November, roger. You'll be number two for the field, or number three for the field.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44N, copy that. You'll be either second or third in line to land at the airport.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Lear 44N, roger.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, fly heading 090.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn and fly a heading of 090, which is straight east.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Approach, Flagship 4150 is 11,000 with Whiskey.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Rochester, Flagship 4150 is at 11,000 feet and we've listened to the latest weather update, Information Whiskey.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, Rochester Approach. Altimeter 29.56.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, this is Rochester Approach. Set your altitude gauge to 29.56 to match the local air pressure.
FLAGSHIP 4150
29.56, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Setting 29.56, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, say in-flight conditions.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1RA, can you describe the weather conditions you're seeing in the air?
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Well, we just broke out and that line is moving pretty fast behind us. There was some, I'd say, light to moderate on the edge of it. In any case, the field is in sight.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Well, we just came out of the clouds and that storm line is moving pretty fast behind us. We hit some light to medium turbulence on the edge of it, but in any case, we have the airport in sight.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, cleared visual approach Runway 22.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1RA, you're cleared to fly a visual approach to land on Runway 22.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Cleared for the visual 22, Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Cleared to land by sight on Runway 22, 1RA.
FLAGSHIP 4150
And Flagship 4150 would like lower.
FLAGSHIP 4150
And Flagship 4150 is requesting a lower altitude.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, roger. Descend and maintain 9,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, copy that. Descend and stay at 9,000 feet.
FLAGSHIP 4150
9,000, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Heading down to 9,000, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, fly heading 360 for vectors for the sequence.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, fly due north on heading 360; I’m giving you directions to get you in line for arrival.
FLAGSHIP 4150
360.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Heading north at 360.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, descend and maintain 2,500.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, go down and stay at 2,500 feet.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
2,500, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Down to 2,500, 44 November.
WISCONSIN 3566
Heading 090, 3,000, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Turning east to heading 090 and holding at 3,000 feet, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, contact Approach 119.55. See ya.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, switch your radio over to the next controller on 119.55. See ya.
WISCONSIN 3566
119.55, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Switching to 119.55, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, roger. Would you like lower?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, I hear you. Would you like to fly at a lower altitude?
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, affirmative.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, yes we would.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, roger. Left turn heading 070, descend and maintain 4,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, understood. Turn left toward the east on heading 070, and drop down to 4,000 feet.
DELTA 1118
070 and 4,000, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
Heading 070 and down to 4,000, Delta 1118.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, Approach. Rochester Altimeter 29.61.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, this is Approach. The local air pressure for your altitude gauge is 29.61.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566 is with you at 3,000, turning left to the east.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566 is checking in at 3,000 feet, currently turning left toward the east.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, Rochester Departure. Radar contact.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, Rochester Departure here. I see you clearly on my radar screen.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
1 Romeo Alpha, Tower on 118.3. See ya.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
1 Romeo Alpha, switching to the airport tower on frequency 118.3. See you later.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, traffic is a CRJ-200 that went around on Runway 22 due to weather. Wind 270 at 36, gusts 50.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, there's a regional jet ahead of you that just aborted its landing on Runway 22 because of the weather. The wind is blowing from the west at 40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 57.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Runway 22, cleared to land, 1 Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
We're authorized to land on Runway 22, Romeo Alpha.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, in the event of a go-around, fly heading 160 and climb and maintain 3,000.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, if you have to pull up and try the landing again, turn to the southeast and climb to 3,000 feet.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Okay, in the event of a go-around, heading 160 and 3,000, Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Understood, if we have to go around, we'll head southeast and stay at 3,000 feet, Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
This is flight 44 November, we're listening.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left heading 270.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left and fly directly west.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn 270, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left to the west, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, climb and maintain 5,000. You can make your heading 130 now in the event of a go-around. Rain's hitting hard at the field.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, climb up to 5,000 feet. Start turning southeast now in case you have to abort your landing. The rain is really coming down hard at the airport.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
130, Romeo Alpha.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Turning southeast, Romeo Alpha.
WISCONSIN 3566
Yeah, that'll be good, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Yeah, that sounds like a good plan, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, roger. Maintain 5,000 and climb and maintain 5,000. Fly heading of 130.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, I copy. Stay at 5,000 feet and keep flying southeast.
WISCONSIN 3566
Up to 5,000 on the heading of 130, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Climbing to 5,000 and heading southeast, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn right heading 130.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn right and fly toward the southeast.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn right heading 100.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn right and fly toward the east.
DELTA 1118
100, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
Heading east, Delta 1118.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left heading 250.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left and fly toward the southwest on a heading of 250 degrees.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn heading 250, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left to 250 degrees, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, turn left when you're able. And be advised, the Russian judge gives you a 9.4 for that go-around.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 1 Romeo Alpha, turn left whenever you’re able. And just so you know, the Russian judge gives you a 9.4 for how you handled that aborted landing.
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
9.4!
LEAR 1 ROMEO ALPHA
Only a 9.4!
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, fly heading 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, fly toward the southwest on a heading of 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, fly heading 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, fly toward the southwest on a heading of 220.
WISCONSIN 3566
Approach, Wisconsin 3566. Is that band very wide? Does it look like it's going to be through fairly fast?
WISCONSIN 3566
Rochester, this is Wisconsin 3566. Is that storm band very wide? Does it look like it’s going to pass through fairly fast?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, it should be fairly fast. The heaviest stuff, extreme precipitation, should be through very quickly. It's only about six miles wide.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, it should be pretty quick. The heaviest rain and worst weather should pass by fast; the storm is only about six miles wide.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, wonderful. Thanks.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, wonderful. Thanks.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left heading 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left and fly straight south on a heading of 180 degrees.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn heading 180 for Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left to head south, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn right. Right turn heading 090.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn right. Turn right to head due east on a heading of 090.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Right turn 090, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Right turn to the east, Flagship 4150.
WISCONSIN 3566
Is weather moving pretty quickly over the airport?
WISCONSIN 3566
Is the weather moving over the airport pretty quickly?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
40 knots, north-northeastbound.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
It's moving about 45 miles per hour toward the north-northeast.
WISCONSIN 3566
Thank you. How wide is it?
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: Thank you. How much room do we have across that storm?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
About seven miles.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: It's about seven miles wide.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, fly heading of 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: Delta 1118, turn and fly directly south.
DELTA 1118
Heading 180, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118: Turning south now, Delta 1118.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, can you accept a 260 heading?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: Wisconsin 3566, are you able to turn slightly more toward the west?
WISCONSIN 3566
I'd like to stay on this heading if we could, Wisconsin 3566. There may be a little bit left.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: I'd prefer to stay on our current path if we could. It looks like there's a clear opening just a bit to our left.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, roger. That heading will put you into another area of weather that's moving north-northeastbound, about 28 miles ahead.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: Wisconsin 3566, I understand. Just be aware that if you stay on that path, you'll hit another storm cell moving north about 28 miles ahead of you.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, yeah, actually this is pretty good. Maybe just 10 degrees left at most.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: Okay, yeah, actually the ride here is pretty smooth. We might just nudge it ten degrees to the left at most.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, roger. Advise when you turn west. We'll get you on the west side of the weather.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: Understood, Wisconsin 3566. Just let me know when you're ready to turn west, and we'll guide you around the far side of this weather.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566. We can take a heading to the west for Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: Wisconsin 3566. We're ready to take that turn to the west now.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn right heading 270.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: Wisconsin 3566, turn right and fly due west.
WISCONSIN 3566
Right to 270, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Wisconsin 3566: Turning right to fly due west, Wisconsin 3566.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Approach, 44 November. What's your plan with us?
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Lear 44 November: Rochester, this is 44 November. What’s the plan for getting us through this?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
44 November, I'll take you south of the weather, in between the two areas of the extreme precipitation, west of the field for an approach coming from the west.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Rochester Approach: 44 November, I’m going to guide you south of the storm, right through the gap between those two heavy rain cells, then bring you around the west side of the airport to come in for a landing.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Okay, 44 November, sounds good.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Lear 44 November: Copy that, 44 November, that sounds like a good plan.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, Rochester Tower. Fly heading 160.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, this is Rochester. Turn and fly toward the south-southeast, heading 160.
STAR CHECK 244
160, Star Check 244.
STAR CHECK 244
Turning to 160, Star Check 244.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Flagship 4150, fly heading 160.
ROCHESTER TOWER
Flagship 4150, fly toward the south-southeast on heading 160.
FLAGSHIP 4150
160 heading, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Heading 160, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, fly heading 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn to the southwest on heading 220.
DELTA 1118
220, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
Heading 220, Delta 1118.
WISCONSIN 3566
Approach, Wisconsin 3566. How does it look for us ahead here?
WISCONSIN 3566
Rochester, this is Wisconsin 3566. What does the weather look like for us up ahead?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, we're showing light to heavy precipitation, Level 3. Nothing greater than Level 4. It's at your 12 o'clock, five miles to six miles, then you'll be in the clear.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, we’re seeing light to heavy rain, about a Level 3 on our radar. Nothing worse than a Level 4. It’s straight ahead of you, five or six miles out, and then you’ll be in the clear.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay.
WISCONSIN 3566
Okay, understood.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, descend and maintain 7,000 for Rochester.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, drop down and stay at 7,000 feet for your arrival into Rochester.
FLAGSHIP 4150
We'd like a left turn.
FLAGSHIP 4150
We'd actually like to make a left turn here.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, a left turn to the west bound?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, you want a left turn to head back toward the west?
FLAGSHIP 4150
North or west would be fine.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Either north or west would work fine for us.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, left turn heading 270.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left and fly due west on heading 270.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn back 270, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left back to 270, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, when you're able, sir, fly heading more north-northwesterly to 300 when you're able.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, when you’re able, sir, turn more north-northwest to a compass heading of 300.
WISCONSIN 3566
Heading 300, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Turning to heading 300, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, looking to put you on a 255 heading to go around an area of weather and then further westbound once you're on the outside. Does that work for you, sir?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, I’m looking to put you on a heading of 255 to steer you around this area of bad weather, and then I’ll turn you further west once you’re on the other side. Does that work for you, sir?
DELTA 1118
That'll work for us, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
That’ll work for us, Delta 1118.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, roger. Heading 255. If you need something different, just let me know and I'll get you back on the west side of the weather.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, understood. Turn to heading 255. If you need to try a different path, just let me know and I’ll get you back to the west side of these storms.
DELTA 1118
All right, heading 255 for now, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
All right, we’re heading 255 for now, Delta 1118.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, fly heading 250.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn to a compass heading of 250.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
250, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Heading 250, 44 November.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, how's the ride through that area?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, how’s the turbulence through that area?
WISCONSIN 3566
It was pretty good, but it got smoother as we went into it. But initially, there were some pretty good bumps. Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
It was actually okay; it got smoother as we got into it. But right at the start, we hit some pretty good bumps. Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118 and Lear 44 November, traffic that flew through the area reported pretty good bumps entering the weather and then it smoothed out as they got towards the west.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118 and Lear 44 November, the plane that just flew through there reported some pretty good bumps as they entered the weather, but said it smoothed out as they moved toward the west.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Got it, 44 November.
STAR CHECK 244
Rochester, Star Check 244 on Departure, climb and maintain 3,000. Fly heading 110. I just observed lightning west. Runway 22 cleared for takeoff, wind 240 at 19.
STAR CHECK 244
Rochester, Star Check 244 departing, climbing to stay at 3,000 feet. Turning to heading 110. We just saw some lightning out west. We’re cleared for takeoff on Runway 22, wind is from the southwest at 19 knots.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, fly heading 360.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn due north to heading 360.
WISCONSIN 3566
360, 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Heading 360, 3566.
PIEDMONT 4231
Rochester, Piedmont 4231 is at 13,000 descending 11,000.
PIEDMONT 4231
Rochester, Piedmont 4231 is passing through 13,000 feet and heading down to 11,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, Rochester Approach. Altimeter 29.63.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, this is Rochester Approach. The local air pressure for your altitude gauge is 29.63.
PIEDMONT 4231
63 now, Piedmont 4231.
PIEDMONT 4231
Setting it to 29.63 now, Piedmont 4231.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, contact Departure.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, switch over to the Departure controller now.
STAR CHECK 244
Departure, Star Check 244, 1,300 climbing 3,000, left turn 110.
STAR CHECK 244
Departure, this is Star Check 244. We’re at 1,300 feet, climbing to 3,000, and turning left to a heading of 110 degrees.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, Rochester Departure. Radar contact.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, Rochester Departure here. We have you on our radar.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, we've got moderate chop on through there, so I wouldn't recommend passing anybody that way.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, we’re hitting some moderate turbulence through here, so I wouldn’t suggest sending anyone else along this path.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, proceed as requested. Deviations are approved.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, go ahead as you requested. You have permission to steer around the rough air.
STAR CHECK 244
Star Check 244, up to 7,000, 110. Moderate chop, we just went through. I wouldn't recommend that for anybody else.
STAR CHECK 244
Star Check 244, climbing to 7,000 on a heading of 110. We just hit that moderate turbulence too; I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone else.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, traffic at 12 o'clock, five miles, reporting moderate chop.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, there's another plane five miles directly ahead of you reporting moderate turbulence.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November, roger.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November, understood.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left heading 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left to a heading of 180 degrees.
WISCONSIN 3566
Left 180, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Turning left to 180, Wisconsin 3566.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, when you're able, direct Romeo, maintain 7,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Star Check 244, when you can, fly straight to the Romeo navigation point and stay at 7,000 feet.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, how's your ride up there, sir?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, how’s the air treating you up there? Is it a smooth ride?
PIEDMONT 4231
Piedmont 4231, affirmative, sir. Fly heading of 250.
PIEDMONT 4231
Piedmont 4231, that’s correct, sir. Fly a heading of 250 degrees.
PIEDMONT 4231
250 on the heading, Piedmont 4231. Thank you.
PIEDMONT 4231
250 on the compass, Piedmont 4231. Thank you.
PIEDMONT 4231
Would you like to keep us coming on down, if we may, for Piedmont 4231?
PIEDMONT 4231
Would you like us to keep descending to a lower altitude, if we can, for Piedmont 4231?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, maintain 8,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, stay level at 8,000 feet.
PIEDMONT 4231
8,000 now, down we go. Thank you.
PIEDMONT 4231
Heading down to 8,000 feet now. Thank you.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, fly heading 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn and fly a heading of 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, right turn heading 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, make a right-hand turn to a heading of 180.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Right turn heading 180, Flagship 4150. Sir, Flagship 4150 here. You're kind of missing the point. We don't want to go to the south.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Right turn to 180, Flagship 4150. Sir, Flagship 4150 here. You’re kind of missing the point—we really don’t want to be going south.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, roger. I've got to keep you south of the airspace to the north, Canadian airspace, and try to keep you near the area where we're trying to keep you out of the weather, sir.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, understood. I have to keep you south of the Canadian border to the north, and I’m trying to keep you in this area to stay clear of the bad weather, sir.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Okay, left to 180, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Okay, turning left to 180, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
4150, thank you.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
4150, thank you.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, fly heading 360. Delta 1118, the heaviest stuff is through the final. Would you like to be vectored up to get near the final for approach?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, fly north on a heading of 360. Delta 1118, the worst of the storm has passed the final landing path. Would you like me to give you directions to get you near the final approach?
DELTA 1118
What are the winds at the airport now?
DELTA 1118
What is the wind speed and direction at the airport right now?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wind 250 at 20.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
The wind is coming from the west at 20 knots.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, sounds good.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, that sounds good to us.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, roger. Fly heading 040.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, I’ve got you. Turn and fly a compass heading of 040 degrees.
DELTA 1118
Heading 040, Delta 1118.
DELTA 1118
Turning to heading 040, Delta 1118.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Beechjet 3 Bravo Bravo, 270 heading and about to level at 11,000.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Rochester, this is Beechjet 3 Bravo Bravo. We’re on a heading of 270 and just about to level off at 11,000 feet.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, roger, sir. We'll vector you in the sequence, sir. Number three, Bravo Bravo, fly heading 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, I hear you, sir. We’ll give you steering directions to slot you into the landing line. 3 Bravo Bravo, you’re third in line; turn to heading 220.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
220 heading, 3 Bravo Bravo.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Heading 220, 3 Bravo Bravo.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, fly heading 220.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, turn and fly a heading of 220.
PIEDMONT 4231
220, here we go, 4231.
PIEDMONT 4231
Turning to 220, here we go, 4231.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left heading 090.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left to a heading of 090.
WISCONSIN 3566
Left 090, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Left to 090, Wisconsin 3566.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
And for 3 Bravo Bravo, are you going to continue that left turn for us? Because we're headed towards weather.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
And for 3 Bravo Bravo, are you going to keep us turning left? We’re heading right toward some bad weather clouds.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
3 Bravo Bravo, affirmative. The more extreme stuff is to the north. I'm going to take you south of the weather, sir.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
3 Bravo Bravo, that’s the plan. The more intense storms are to the north, so I’m going to guide you south of the weather, sir.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Okay.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Okay, thanks.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn right heading 310.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn right to a heading of 310.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Right 310, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Right to 310, 44 November.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left heading 040.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, turn left to a heading of 040.
WISCONSIN 3566
040, Wisconsin 3566.
WISCONSIN 3566
Turning to a heading of zero-four-zero, Wisconsin thirty-five sixty-six.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Number 3 Bravo Bravo, descend and maintain 10,000. Rochester Altimeter 29.61.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Beechjet three Bravo Bravo, drop down and stay at ten thousand feet. The local air pressure for your altitude gauge is twenty-nine point sixty-one.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, Rochester Altimeter 29.61.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin thirty-five sixty-six, the Rochester altimeter setting is twenty-nine point sixty-one.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, Rochester Altimeter 29.61.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Learjet forty-four November, the local air pressure for your altitude reading is twenty-nine point sixty-one.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Copy that, forty-four November.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, altimeter's 29.61.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship forty-one fifty, the altimeter setting is twenty-nine point sixty-one.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Beechjet 3 Bravo Bravo, descend and maintain 9,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Beechjet three Bravo Bravo, descend and level off at nine thousand feet.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Lear 44 November, turn right heading 040.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Learjet forty-four November, turn right to a heading of zero-four-zero.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Right 040, 44 November.
LEAR 44 NOVEMBER
Right to zero-four-zero, forty-four November.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, descend and maintain 2,500.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta eleven eighteen, descend and stay at twenty-five hundred feet.
DELTA 1118
Delta 1118, 2,500. We're still painting some heavy precipitation on the final. Has anybody been down that way recently?
DELTA 1118
Delta eleven eighteen, down to twenty-five hundred. Our radar is still showing some heavy rain on the final approach path. Has anyone been through there recently?
ROCHESTER APPROACH
No, sir. You'll be number one.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
No, sir. You’ll be the first one through.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont 4231, descend and maintain 6,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Piedmont forty-two thirty-one, descend and stay at six thousand feet.
PIEDMONT 4231
6,000, Piedmont 4231.
PIEDMONT 4231
Six thousand, Piedmont forty-two thirty-one.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, it's moving northeast at about 45 knots. By the time you get to the final, it should be clear.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta eleven eighteen, that weather is moving northeast at about fifty miles per hour. It should be clear of the runway approach by the time you get there.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Number 3 Bravo Bravo, fly heading 180.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Beechjet 3 Bravo Bravo, fly a heading of 180 degrees, straight south.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
180 heading, 3 Bravo Bravo.
BEECHJET 3 BRAVO BRAVO
Heading 180, 3 Bravo Bravo.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, descend and maintain 4,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Wisconsin 3566, descend and stay at 4,000 feet.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left heading 040.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left to a compass heading of 040.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn 040, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left to 040, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn right heading 130.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Delta 1118, turn right to a compass heading of 130.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, descend and maintain 6,000.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, descend and stay at 6,000 feet.
FLAGSHIP 4150
6,000, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Down to 6,000, Flagship 4150.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left heading 360.
ROCHESTER APPROACH
Flagship 4150, turn left to a heading of 360, which is straight north.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Left turn heading 360, Flagship 4150.
FLAGSHIP 4150
Turning left to 360, Flagship 4150.
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