Short Final

The Swiss Air Force PC-7 aerobatic team was returning in nine-ship Formation to Locarno Magadino Air Field (LSZL) some years ago. … Team Leader: “Locarno Tower, Turbo 947 nine-ship inbound to split overhead.” … TWR Operator: [Gives clearance to enter and split and to report on downwind individually.] … Then: … Pilot 1: “Number One downwind.” … TWR: “Number One, report final — 26R.” … Pilot 2: “Number Two downwind.” … TWR: “Number Two, report final — 26R.” … And so on. For all nine aircraft. … Then it gets better, as they mix downwind and final: … Pilot 1: “Number One. Final, 26R.” … TWR: “Number One, cleared to land — 26R.” … Pilot 7: “Number Seven downwind.” … TWR: “Number Seven, report final — 26R.” … Pilot 2: “Number Two. Final, 26R.” … TWR: “Number Two, cleared to land — 26R.” … Until I hear the following: … Pilot 5: “Number Five. Final, 26R.” … TWR: “Number Five, you’re becoming Number Two. Do you have Number One in sight?” … There was some clicking of mic buttons, and a voice asked: … “Did someone check that?!” — Alex Husy