A CRABBY exchange between an air traffic controller (ATC) and an Irish pilot departing JFK airport in New York has been shared online.
The Aer Lingus pilot had departed for Dublin on Sunday but was made to circle above New York for almost an hour.
The delay came after the pilot of the plane, dubbed ‘Shamrock 104 Heavy’ opted against taking his agreed heading after spotting a storm following take off.
The exasperated ATC replies: “Shamrock 104 Heavy, it’s light. I have six categories of weather here, that’s the lightest category.
“I’ve had no adverse ride reports south of the airport by 10 miles.”
The pilot defends his decision based on his readings and is told to wait until a new route can be worked out.
However when he is repeatedly given headings to circle the area, he enquires as to why he cannot head towards the GREKI waypoint north-east of New York.
“Shamrock 104 Heavy, unable direct GREKI now,” says the ATC. “You’ve got yourself in this position…”
The frosty exchange continues until the pilot eventually gets his departure procedures after circling New York for about an hour (the video was edited to remove unnecessary transmissions and excess gaps in audio).
“Before I go,” says the pilot, “we didn’t create any situation, we flew the aircraft in a safe manner and my boss will be in contact with your boss.”
The ATC adopts a conciliatory tone, explaining “there’s not too many options here in New York”.
“It’s not my first day in New York, it’s not my first day in an aircraft,” replies the pilot.
According to Dublin Aviation, who shared the video, Aer Lingus flight EI104 arrived in Dublin an hour late after departing New York at 5.15pm local time on Sunday.
