Originally Posted by
chevvron
'Service desired' is superfluous; if you're cleared through you'll be told 'radar control' when you enter.
How is it superfluous? He’s going to want a service outside controlled airspace as well before he gets a clearance to enter.
At one of the units I provide radar for, there is no requirement to allocate a discreet squawk to transit aircraft under certain circumstances. So if I have a basic service outside which requires a zone transit I may allocate that aircraft my conspicuity squawk (depending on the traffic situation and circumstances of the transit).
However, if that same aircraft is wanting a traffic service outside and a zone transit, I will issue a discreet squawk.
So again, requesting a zone transit and informing me what service you require outside is my preference, especially when busy. It most certainly is not superfluous.