Flogging down to Dakar at a gentle M0.86 up where the air is rare and the Vickers Funbus likes to play, we hear some low life in a C-130 many miles behind us trying to make contact with Dakar on VHF.
Having tried unsuccessfully ourselves, we know he is miles out of range.
Co-pilot (later to become Hero of the Sovietski Soyuz when on C-17s) gives me a knowing look and replies in a very 'African' accent:
"Airrcraft ..'lling Dak.., .ay again yourr me.sage"
C-130 co-piglet reads out his life history of "Checked this at blah, flight level (something appallingly low), estimate that at blah..."
Future C-17 HofSS continues: "Ascot.... this.. .s Dak.r not un.erstan. ...say again"
This goes on for about 5 minutes, before future C-17 HofSS finally concludes:
"Ascot C-130 calling Dakar, we 'ave message pour vous"
"Go ahead"
"All Hercules pilots are wan*ers!"