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The skies over Ireland are used to the sight of airplanes, but one particular flight recently caused a stir. It wasn't just any plane gracing the Irish airspace – it was a massive US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, a strategic airlifter known for its sheer size and power. What made this flight unique wasn't its destination, but a heartwarming detour that gave new meaning to the phrase 'homecoming'.
The C-17 was en route from the United States to its base at Baldonnel in west Dublin. However, the pilot, originally from Longford, Ireland, requested a slight alteration to the flight plan. With permission granted, the €200 million aircraft veered off course, treating the residents of Longford to a low-level flyby of their hometown.
But the pilot's Irish homecoming wasn't over yet. The C-17, likely turning heads wherever it flew, also made a pass over the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This unexpected sightseeing tour, captured in audio recordings from LiveATC.net, reveals the pilot's charming interaction with Irish air traffic control.
"Uh, I'm a native of Longford, Ireland, and so we're just giving everybody out here a little hello from us, okay?" the pilot can be heard saying.
This heartwarming display of local pride, coupled with the impressive sight of the C-17 against the backdrop of the Irish landscape, quickly became a talking point. It's not every day that a military aircraft gets cleared for a personal detour, especially one involving such iconic landmarks.
This feel-good story reminds us that even in the highly structured world of aviation, there's room for a touch of heart. It also highlights the unique relationship between Ireland and its diaspora, proving that you can take the pilot out of Ireland, but you can't take Ireland out of the pilot.
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