Dick Move

The story about the jet guy being an asshole to the student pilot reminded me of a good one.

I was a regional captain on final to land back at base after a 5 day trip. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and we were 5 in trail of a Delta A319. As we got closer to the runway, I could see Delta lazily meandering down the full length of the 12,000ft runway. Then it hit me.

This asshole was trying to force me to go around, because I was going to land short and beat him to the gate. On Sundays, they only have 1 ramp crew working, and I'd have to wait out on the ramp until they unloaded him before they brought me in.

I told tower that I was going to make S turns for spacing, which was immediately approved. I landed, took the first high speed, and was taxiing ahead of Delta.

Delta gets on the radio and says with a groan, "I guess we'll follow the RJ."

You could just hear the smile on the controllers face when he came back, "I guess you can follow the RJ."

I made sure to taxi at an SOP perfect 10kts all the way to the gate.

It never pays to be a dick, and politeness is free.