Chinook Pilot Radio Lingo Glossary: What the Pilot Says vs. What He Means
A glossary of real helicopter radio calls, from Roger and Wilco to Short Final and Bingo, with the real meaning next to the joke meaning.
Read the translation →// CHINOOK • ARMY AVIATION • VETERAN-OWNED
What the pilot says.
What he actually means.
Heavy-lift humor from the back of the Hook: radio lingo translated, crew-chief truths and Chinook culture.
Photo: DVIDS / U.S. Army, public domain. Appearance does not imply DoD endorsement.
HE SAYS: "QUICK TURN."
HE MEANS: NOBODY GETS OFF. NOBODY GETS COFFEE.
HE SAYS: "WE'RE A LITTLE HEAVY."
HE MEANS: NOBODY ELSE GETS ON.
HE SAYS: "SHORT FINAL."
HE MEANS: STOP TALKING.
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