章 203: Returning back to the Philippines

October 14th, one o'clock in the morning. At Clark International Airport, the C-17 Globemaster was aligning for its final approach. Inside the cockpit, the pilot's voice was calm but focused as he communicated with the control tower.

"Papa-Alpha-Tango, this is C-17 Globemaster, callsign 'Globemaster Charlie-Three-Niner,' requesting permission for landing on runway two-niner," the pilot radioed.

The air traffic controller's voice crackled through the speakers, "Globemaster Charlie-Three-Niner, this is Clark Tower. You are cleared for landing on runway two-niner. Wind 320 degrees at 8 knots. Altimeter 29.92."

"Copy that, Clark Tower. Aligning for runway two-niner. Wind and altimeter noted," the pilot replied, adjusting the aircraft's trajectory slightly to compensate for the wind.

As the C-17 descended, the co-pilot methodically ran through the landing checklist. "Flaps set to 30 degrees, landing gear down and locked, speed reducing to approach velocity."