Altitude Dispute Between THY Pilot and Muscat Air Traffic Controller
During Turkish Airlines flight TK774 operating from Istanbul to Muscat, an Airbus A321neo experienced a communication dispute between the flight crew and Muscat Approach Control while on approach. Despite the tension, the THY pilot maintained a calm, solution-oriented attitude and completed the landing safely.
The disagreement began when the Muscat approach controller instructed the aircraft to descend to 2,200 feet. The pilot, however, stated that according to the onboard approach charts, the aircraft could descend only to 3,600 feet.
🎙️ Controller: “Sir, descend to 2,200 feet, that is my minimum altitude, you are under vectors.”
👨✈️ Pilot: “According to company procedures, I cannot accept vectors, THY2YJ. We can only descend to 3,600 feet, we are above the MSA.”
🎙️ Controller: “MSA is 2,200 feet, THY2YJ. You must follow my instructions. Instructions are instructions, sir.”
👨✈️ Pilot: “Sorry, I do not follow anyone’s instructions. We can discuss this after landing. Apologies again, I can only accept 3,600 feet. You may sequence us accordingly.”
The discussion continued in a normal tone, though altitude-related points resurfaced intermittently.
🎙️ Controller: “3,600 feet is the GESOS altitude restriction, not my minimum safe altitude. I am not compromising safety.”
👨✈️ Pilot: “Understood, however on my charts your minimum safe altitude is not shown as 2,200 feet. I will raise this with my company to verify the safe altitude for my aircraft.”
➡️ The controller continued to instruct descent to 2,200 feet, but this altitude was not published as a minimum safe altitude on the pilot’s approach charts. In line with company procedures and standard aviation safety practices, the pilot limited descent to 3,600 feet, prioritizing flight safety and strict procedural compliance.
