Background:
In the C-141 at the time, there was a three-position switch on the right side of the yoke. Up was interphone, neutral was off, and down was transmit on the active radio.
And in a USAF “crew-served” aircraft, you identify yourself by position when responding to a question or checklist item. (I.e., “Ready for take-off?” “Pilot ready.” “Co-pilot ready.” Etc. In order of precedence: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, load master.)
So:
Many years ago, a new co-pilot (me) on his first operational MAC trip to Hawaii out of McChord Air Force Base had just finished the after-take-off-climb checklist, and … .
Loadmaster:
“Who wants coffee?”
Pilot:
“Pilot will take Black”
Co-Pilot:
“Co-pilot will take cream and sugar.”
ATC:
“Seattle Center will take two black and one with sugar.”
Oops!
James Partridge
via e-mail