Over Southern California, United 202 requested direct to Winslow, Arizona from Southern California. Instead, Center gave him this:
Center:
“United 202, I’ve cleared direct St. Louis.”
United 202:
“Direct St. Louis. Thanks.”
United 18 (foreseeing good fortune):
“Center, United 18. Request direct – uh – er – anywhere.”
Center:
“United 18, expect further clearance in 40 miles to direct Ah Anywhere.”
Harry W. Lerch
via e-mail