For the past two years aircraft of the 479TFW AT-33 Section have been penetrating the Control Zone of Palmdale Airport. Following various and diverse pattern maneuvers which are sometimes of a rather capricious and astounding nature, we have been pouncing onto your runways from all angles and impacting at grossly divergent points. The call signs of: Jack 11, 12, 13, 14; Lawn 11, 12, 13, 14; Secret 1, 2, 3, 4; and all multiples, variations, and mispronunciations in between -- our chatterings have frequently been confusing and confounding. As we flit through your traffic of: F-4's, 707's, T- 38's, F-104's, C-141's, Company Planes, T-29's, Cessnas, 727's, F-lil's, F-5's, DC-8's, off course light aircraft, gliders and free balloonist; we are constantly and universally impressed with the fact that if it weren't for the extreme efficiency and professionalism of the Tower Operators at Palmdale Airport -- "This would be one hell of a mess."

    In the way of explanation for our own contribution to your manifest problems, we offer the following. The mission of our AT-33 Section is to conduct an introductory and familiarization training program in fighter operations for selected trainees prior to their entry into the F-4 Replacement Training Unit at George AFB. Our Combat Air Trainee pilots come from extremely diverse sources and the only common denominator in their backgrounds is the fact that none are really competent fighter pilots. The "front-seater" in Secret 1 may be a young pilot who has been medically grounded for the past year following his graduation from pilot training one year and one day ago, the operator in Secret 2 could be an "old head" who has spent the past five years giving position reports from the right seat of a B-52. Our trainees are just proficient and confident enough to present serious problems. And, if the view from the tower is sometimes disconcerting, be aware that the outlook for our instructor pilot in the rear cockpit is much more impressive and the outcome more relevant to personal longevity.

    In addition to attempting to acquaint you with our situation and, hopefully, garnering some understanding and rapport, our primary purpose is to extend our appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous service afforded by the tower operators at Palmdale. The success of our program would be greatly curtailed without the training accomplished through the multiple touch and go landings we perform at Palmdale on an almost daily basis. Without this facility, many of our CATS would never gain the required degree of proficiency to progress on to an F-4 assignment in Southeast Asia. Your ability to handle traffic efficiently and expeditiously is a direct and telling contribution to our mission. The outstanding skill constantly apparent in your methods and actions is far superior to any tower that our pilots have encountered in their many travels and assignments. Our sincere congratulations on the degree of profession- alism you have attained and our deepest appreciation for the benefits we have received due to your outstanding efficiency.

William L. Clutter
Major USAF