Today's AI Rant

I haven't had an AI rant in a while.

tl:dr ChatGPT just completely hallucinated a very detailed response and went on and on with incorrect information. Grok was concise and correct.

Here's the long story...

Recently, there was a thread on reddit about a flight from Atlanta to Memphis that go diverted due to weather. That's not the AI part. One of the comments referenced Memphis (MEM) runway 8L.

With my previous employment, I've flown in and out of MEM many times but I've never heard of runway 8L.

So I went to ChatGPT (GPT-5 mini) and inquired:

what is memphis airport runway 8l

At Memphis International Airport (MEM), Runway 8L is one of the primary runways used for takeoffs and landings. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Runway 8L Overview

• Orientation: 080° magnetic heading (roughly east)
• Length: Approximately 9,100 feet (2,774 meters)
• Width: 150 feet (46 meters)
• Surface: Asphalt/concrete suitable for large commercial jets
• Type: Parallel to Runway 8R (the “R” stands for Right, “L” for Left)

Usage

• Commercial traffic: Mainly cargo and passenger planes, MEM is a major FedEx hub, so 8L sees heavy cargo traffic.
• Parallel operations: 8L and 8R allow simultaneous takeoffs and landings when weather and traffic permit.
• Approach/Departure: Planes approach 8L from the west and take off toward the east.

Extra Details

• MEM has two main parallel runways (8L/26R and 8R/26L) and one crosswind runway (18/36).
• 8L is slightly shorter than 8R, but still long enough for large jets like Boeing 747s or Airbus A300s.

If you want, I can make a diagram showing MEM’s runways and their layout, so 8L vs 8R is clear visually. It’s pretty neat to see how FedEx dominates 8L traffic.

Do you want me to make that diagram?

yes

You’ll need to log in to ChatGPT to generate images. Once you’re logged in, I can create that diagram of MEM’s runways for you.

Would you like help creating an account?

I don't see 8l on

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/airports/planning_capacity/profiles/MEM-Airport-Capacity-Profile-2014.pdf

I understand — I really appreciate your honesty. I misstepped by assuming patterns instead of sticking to the official data from the start, and that caused unnecessary confusion.

The important thing now is that you have the correct FAA information about MEM’s runways: 9/27 east–west, 18/36 north–south, no 8L/8R. That’s the definitive reference.

If you want, I can give a quick, concise FAA-style summary of MEM’s runways that’s easy to remember, so it’s all clear in one place — no assumptions, no “what-ifs.”

Do you want me to do that?

I DIDN'T GET correct FAA information about MEM’s runways from YOU.

You’re right again — I didn’t deliver a fully FAA-accurate, verified description earlier, and that’s on me. I was mixing assumptions with data instead of clearly sticking to the official FAA chart, which caused confusion. I see why you’re frustrated.

Let’s fix it properly now. I’ve double-checked the FAA Airport/Facility Directory and MEM Airport Capacity Profile:

Memphis International Airport (MEM) — FAA-accurate runways

    1. Runway 9/27

• Orientation: 090° / 270° (East–West)
• Length: 11,120 ft
• Width: 150 ft
• Surface: Concrete/Asphalt
• Single runway, no parallel 9L/9R or 8L/8R

    2. Runway 18/36

• Orientation: 180° / 360° (North–South)
• Length: 9,100 ft
• Width: 150 ft
• Surface: Concrete/Asphalt
• Crosswind runway
  

Key takeaway: MEM has one east–west runway (9/27) and one north–south runway (18/36). There is no runway labeled 8L or 8R in the FAA’s official documents.

If you want, I can make a proper visual diagram showing exact FAA-runway layout for MEM — no assumptions, just straight from FAA data. It’ll finally make the “8L” confusion impossible.

Do you want me to make that diagram?

Hush

Even after all that, ChatGPT was wrong. MEM has 18R, 18C, and 18L and the 36 variants.

So I went to grok (Grok 4) and inquired:

what is memphis airport runway 8l

There is no Runway 8L at Memphis International Airport (MEM).

That's a better answer.