This thread springs, big and beautifully marked, out of the ‘A400M will not make 2009’ thread, which was creeping slowly and steadily, not unlike the magnificent Belfast itself. So, any fond (or otherwise) memories very welcome here
In the A400 thread, Barnstormer1968 said
Belfast's used to seem to be a nicer looking cousin (sort of) of the C133.
which reminded me of a conversation on approach into Chicago O’Hare. It went something like this
“Ascot 4321, Chicago, say aircraft type.”
“Ascot 4321 is a Belfast, Sir”
“What ‘n heck’s a Belfast, Ascot?”
“Oh.... it’s a big turboprop, bit like a Charlie 133, but prettier.”
“Ascot, Chicago, roger”
.......
“G’morning Chicago, United 678”
“United 678, Chicago, continue behind the landing Belfast”
“Behind the landing whaaat?”
microscopic pause while the controller ups his voice by a disbelieving semitone or two, then
“United 678, Chicago........ don’t you know a Belfast when you see one?”
airsound