Short Final

While a young second lieutenant at nav school at Mather Air Force Base in 1983, I was trundling along in a T-37 in the high teens on a training mission. I overheard the following conversation between an Air Force pilot and a controller who was apparently unfamiliar with the Northern California air space and the SR-71s and U-2s that routinely flew from Beale AFB. … Air Force Pilot: “Oakland Approach, Air Force XX for FL600.” … Oakland Approach: “AF XX, Oakland Approach. If you can reach it, it’s yours. Cleared for FL600.” … Air Force Pilot: “Roger that, Oakland Approach. Descending to FL600.” … The pilot and I just looked at each other and laughed! Only in America! — Chris Fairchild

Editorial Staff

Updated Jun 13, 2019 8:59 PM EDT

While a young second lieutenant at nav school at Mather Air Force Base in 1983, I was trundling along in a T-37 in the high teens on a training mission. I overheard the following conversation between an Air Force pilot and a controller who was apparently unfamiliar with the Northern California air space and the SR-71s and U-2s that routinely flew from Beale AFB.

Air Force Pilot:
"Oakland Approach, Air Force XX for FL600."

Oakland Approach:
"AF XX, Oakland Approach. If you can reach it, it's yours. Cleared for FL600."

Air Force Pilot:
"Roger that, Oakland Approach. Descending to FL600."

The pilot and I just looked at each other and laughed! Only in America!

Chris Fairchild

Editorial StaffAVweb