In the late ’70, I was flying up the East Coast in the early morning, in the low stratus along the Atlantic beaches. Our flight, an Allegheny Commuter Twin Otter en route to Atlantic City’s Bader Airport, was operating IFR with Atlantic City approach. Essentially, we were on top at 2,000 with high cirrus above.
Normally, at this time of the morning, there would be no other aircraft operating, so it was a nice distraction to hear a Cessna request assistance from Atlantic City approach regarding the weather ahead, as conditions were deteriorating under the clouds as he proceeded up the coast. Approach asked our flight conditions, and we happily passed along the “smooth ride with tops about 1,000 feet, clear above.”
The Cessna then asked for an IFR to VFR on-top and, after the usual fuel on board, SOBs, instrument qualified, etc., approach asked,”Cessna 12345, you’re a Skymaster, correct?”
The pilot responded,”No, sir — private pilot.”
Stephan Gnecco
