Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot wished the Bakersfield air traffic control a "Merry Christmas."
  • The controller responded with "Humbug."
  • The pilot questioned the response.
  • The controller's retort was, "Have you ever been in Bakersfield?"
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One clear Christmas night, my wife and I were returning to San Diego after visiting our son in central California. There was little radio traffic, but check-ins with controllers were invariably prefaced with “Merry Christmas.” So, as we proceeded into Bakersfield’s air space:

Me:
“Good evening, Bakersfield. Merry Christmas.”

Bakersfield Tower:
“Humbug.”

Me:
“Why ‘humbug’?”

Bakersfield Tower:
“Have you ever been in Bakersfield?”


Jerry Hansen

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