Short Final

During the late 1970s, a Royal Air Force “Belfast” strategic freighter approached on final to Chicago O’Hare. (What’s a Belfast? Read on!) Callsign: “Ascot 1234.” Ascot 1234:“Chicago tower, Ascot 1234.” Chicago:“Ascot, say your aircraft type.” Ascot 1234:“Ascot 1234 is a Belfast.” Chicago:“Uhhh, what in heck’s a Belfast, Ascot?” Ascot 1234:“It’s a big 4-turboprop freighter – bit like a pretty C-132.” Chicago:“O.K., Ascot, you’re cleared to continue behind the landing 737. Do you have that visual?” Ascot 1234:“Ascot 1234, affirmative to continue.” United 123:“Chicago Tower, this is United 123.” Chicago:“United 123 Chicago, you’re cleared to continue behind the landing Belfast.” United 123:“The landing what?” Chicago:“United 123, don’t you know a Belfast when you see one?” Chicago (and United) could be forgiven for not knowing what in heck a Belfast was: Only 10 were ever built. But we (53 Squadron, Royal Air Force) flew them all round the world, and we loved ’em … . Sean Maffettvia e-mail