...." When the gauges read "in the green" Opa Locka ground control cleared me to the active runway and I departed with my newly-found friend to Miami. The turn-around there was short, delayed only by our ground-handler's hitting his head against the baggage door as a result of looking at Alma, instead of where he was going. We reboarded the airplane; as I reached over Alma to latch the passenger-side door, my arm brushed the front of the outstanding T-shirt she was wearing, Her reaction was to look me directly in the eyes, and smile. "Miami Clearance Delivery, Beech Triple Nickel 8-Ball at Butler with the numbers." This was a game. The same controller worked the ground position nearly every night; but would not yield to the "triple nickel eightball" informality. So, as usual, he answered with: "Aircraft calling Clearance Delivery, say again your call sign." Resigned to the game, I replied, slowly: "November five five five five eight Bravo, standing by for clearance." "Roger, November five-eight Bravo is cleared to the Atlanta airport, as filed. Fly runway heading after departure, maintain 2000, expect 4000 one-five minutes after departure. Miami departure control, 131.55. |