To By George,
I learnt to fly many decades ago & when we were told about the 'Q' codes ie QNH,QFE,QDM and so forth,no one asked how those letters referred to what they mean. My son who recently studied CPL subjects asked the lecturer why 'Q' codes. The answer is in the real old days aviators transmitted just 3 letters via morse to the ground station. QNH= Query Nil Height ie what's the sea level air pressure at your field. QFE= Query Field Elevation. QDM=Query Direction Magnetic (must have been to ask the ground station for a radio bearing).
Anyhoo, I was amazed that I'd been using the 'Q' words for years & never knew the history behind them....never too old to learn.