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
