Normally, I stay out of these discussions. But since this one has some confusion in it, I thought it should be cleared up. And who is more knowledgeable than the actual controller that you listened to
The pilot was inbound, being worked by MCO Approach, and switched to the tower. MCO Approach had assigned the pilot to enter a midfield downwinf for RY 27R, and to maintain 1,500 feeet until advised by the tower. This is accomplished either by the approach controller stating it, or by the pilot accepting a signatory procedcure, which includes the instructions. I am not sure which was accomplished this particular time. The pilot never contacted the tower until you heard him, when he was already turned onto the downwind at 800 feet. The numerous attempts you heard me make were started when the radar indicated the aircraft was descending without contacting me first. At this particualr time, there was no other traffic involved on the downwind, but this is not normal. That is the reason for the altitude restriction.
Since this aircraft is know by the tower to belong to one of the flight schools, I asked if an instructor was aboard. You could not hear the pilot answer that no instructor was on board. In fact, he was a student cross country.
And yes, the other pilot is indeed an old friend of mine, trying to lighten things up. It made me laugh.
Keep listening, and asking questions. When I see one that I think needs an explanation, I'll try and help out.
Oh, yeah, just WHO is Biff?
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