Quick question for any American ATCOs out there.
I've been listening to KJFK ATC feeds recently, and it's been quite interesting noting the differences between US and UK/European communications.
I was wondering whether IFR clearances especially to Europe are given directly by the delivery controller, or whether they are automated. It's just that the controller seemed to be using quite a different tone when giving clearances, and it was very slow and clear i.e. 'Speedbird5820 <Pause> Cleared to Heathrow <Pause> Merit 3 departure <Pause> The Canarsie climb <Pause> Climb 5000 feet <Pause> Expect FL370 10 minutes after departure...and on it went.
Perhaps it's just the controller purposely speaking slowly and clearly so the pilot can easily copy the clearance, but I was just curious. Also I found it interesting that pilots only readback their assigned Squawk code.
Kirk