February 13, 2012 Short Final

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Long time ago!

Army Caribou:
"Raleigh Durham Tower, Army 73080 in position, runway 23, ready for take-off. Wait a minute, Tower — there is a turtle crossing the runway!"

Tower:
"Army 080, hold for crossing turtle; advise when clear."

Army 080 (several minutes later) :
"Raleigh Tower, turtle has cleared runway!"

Tower:
"Army 080, winds 240 at 6; cleared for take-off, runway 23. Use caution. Wake turbulence from departing terrapin."

Scott McMillan
via e-mail