Question: Why are ATC always "Sir"?
Hello gents,
A genuine question for you ATC types regarding the practice of pilots addressing controllers as "Sir":
I once heard a controller tell a student, "Son, they call YOU sir, NEVER the other way around!"
Does anyone know why we do it, or indeed where the practice started?
Please note that this is a genuine enquiry as to the origins or reasons of the said practice. I don't get my knickers in a twist about it, neither should anyone else, so any "comedy" posts along the lines of "because we keep you in the air" aren't welcome thank you! I respect the work of our controllers, and am just after a serious reply, fact or speculation!
Many thanks all.