My last flight on the old MD80 into Amsterdam was on a sunny day, initially vectored for ils rwy 06.
After initial contact with tower they asked if we could make a short visual to be number 1. We were always ready to be no. 1 so we made a visual that just kept us within company regulations and stabilized wings level at 500 feet.
Just then a Speedbird called in on the freq. and was told that they were number 2 following an MD80. Speedbird asked what wake turbulence category is an MD80 and there was silence, so I transmitted that we were "Medium".
Thats when the tower said: "My college in the tower says you're not medium, you're rare".
About not knowing what stand you're on, thats easy with some airports very poor markings and you might have been on a nightstop arriving at the stand directly with the crew car. Sitting in the cockpit you have no clue, no signs, no board indication, so I have transmitted :"we are on stand somewhere in the teens I believe".
