Short Final

Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During a very quiet early morning shift, a pilot checked in with Chicago Center and noted the lack of traffic.
The pilot then humorously requested a direct clearance to O'Hare, despite the potential unlikelihood of such a clearance.
The air traffic controller responded with a witty, sarcastic remark ("how about world peace?"), which the pilot good-naturedly accepted.

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Overheard on Chicago Center at 4 a.m., with a female controller working a frequency with almost no traffic.

Cessna 3AB: Cessna Three Alpha Bravo, radio check.

Chicago Center: Youre loud and clear Three Alpha Bravo.

Cessna 3AB: Not too busy this morning?

Center: Its not even four oclock. Doesnt pick up for another hour.

Cessna 3AB: [two minutes later] Chicago Center, Cessna Three Alpha Bravo, request direct OHare.

Center: Three Alpha Bravo, how about world peace?

Cessna 3AB: Worth a try.