While on a flight from NC to Cape May, NJ (along the coast of MD), I heard this exchange between Dover approach and a pilot:
Cessna 1234:
“Dover approach, we would like to fly down the coast at 3,000 feet.”
Dover Approach:
“Cessna 1234, proceed as requested.”
A few minutes later …
Cessna 1234 (frantic!) :
“Dover approach! There is really big airplane, and he is coming straight at us!”
Dover Approach (cool, calm, and collected) :
“Cessna 1234, that is a KC-135, and he is 1,000 feet below you. Should be no factor.”
Cessna 1234 (still frantic) :
“But he is coming straight at us!”
Dover Approach (very professional) :
“Cessna 1234, turn 30 degrees right. Piper 5678: Really big airplane, 10 o’clock, 2 miles, 2,000 feet.”
Piper 5678:
“Really big airplane in sight, no factor.”
Paul Forehand
via e-mail
