Directions

Airline pilots, like any of us, can have a tough time finding their way around an unfamiliar airport. One day at SJC (San Jose, Calif.), a UAL DC-10 was headed into unfamiliar territory.

Controllers observed the aircraft come to a full stop just short of an intersecting taxiway and remain motionless. After a moment, Ground Control called and said, "UAL XXX turn right at that taxiway."

There was no response. Again the controller said, "UAL XXX turn right at that taxiway." No response.

After a few seconds, the controller tried a different approach: "UAL XXX, turn toward the copilot", at which point the aircraft made an immediate 90-degree turn to the right...

(Think about it...it'll come to you.)