The recent story about the squawk code that included an “8” reminded me of a recent VFR clearance I got from my home base ground controller. I called for flight following with SoCal while on Ground, and the following conversation took place:
GND:
“Cessna 1234: After takeoff, turn right to 120; climb and maintain 3,000; squawk 4259; contact departure on 124.65.”
Me:
“Right to 120; climb and maintain 3,000; squawk 4259 – but my digits only go to 7.”
GND:
“Ah, squawk 4257. Can’t read my own writing.”
Me:
“O.K., 4257 and 124.65. But my radio volume control goes to 11!”
GND:
“Good one.”
Ray Stratton
via e-mail
