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The vastness of the sky often echoes with more than just the roar of engines. Sometimes, it carries whispers of loss, memories of those who once soared through the clouds. In the poignant world of aviation, where courage and camaraderie are woven into the fabric of everyday life, the loss of a fellow pilot is felt deeply.
This sentiment was profoundly evident in a moving exchange captured on October 6, 2019, at Bradley International Airport. A routine departure clearance request from a Collings Foundation B-25 crew transformed into a heartfelt tribute to their fallen comrades.
Just days prior, the aviation community mourned the tragic crash of a B-17 Flying Fortress, nicknamed "Nine-O-Nine," at the same airport. Among the seven souls lost were Ernest McCauley, a seasoned B-17 pilot with over 7,000 hours of experience, and his co-pilot, Michael Foster.
As the B-25 crew prepared for takeoff, the weight of their loss hung heavy in the air. The pilot, his voice thick with emotion, requested a moment from the tower. What followed was a testament to the profound brotherhood forged in the skies.
"This is difficult, but bear with us," the pilot began, his words echoing the shared grief of the Collings Foundation and the aviation community. He expressed gratitude for the support from the airport and the people of Connecticut, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the families involved.
Then, in a poignant departure from standard radio protocol, the pilot shared a personal message. "We got to leave behind two of our friends, Mac and Mike, and uh… our brothers… our brothers and fellow crew."
The silence that followed spoke volumes. It was a silence heavy with respect, understanding, and shared sorrow. The air traffic controller, in a voice filled with empathy, simply replied, "Thank you very much."
The B-25 crew concluded their message with a final salute: "Also, a salute to our good old friend, the 909." This simple statement encapsulated the depth of their loss, acknowledging the aircraft itself as a cherished comrade.
This poignant exchange, captured for posterity on live air traffic control recordings, serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of tragedy. It highlights the deep bonds that unite those who dare to touch the sky, bonds that extend beyond the cockpit and into the hearts of those left behind.
The B-25 crew's emotional farewell resonated far beyond the control tower that day. It served as a powerful reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the spirit of aviation, much like the human spirit itself, continues to soar.
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