A useful discussion. I'm going to amend what I do.

I always expect to say n miles from so and so or overhead Burnley. But you're right - they don't need all that.

First thing is they give you a sqawk. So maybe say a PA28; you're south, heading 340, at 2000 feet on 1006mb. Doesn't matter where you've come from etc or precisely where you are.

Note Wharton aren't always 'friendly' but they work very well with Blackpool.

Dr_skyhigh,

We in the military are instructed during basic flying to use an APHLIT, this stands for:
A - Aircraft type
P - Position
H - Heading
L - Level, including pressure setting
I - Intentions
T - Transponder setting

Hope this is of assistance!

The "T" of APHLIT actually stands for "Type of service required", not transponder setting.

Bear in mind that if you are requesting to transit a MATZ or a Flight Information Service for example, you will be given a squawk applicable to that airfield (Providing thay are equipped with SSR of course). When you leave that frequency you should squawk 7000 (normally)unless you are "Handed over", in which case you will be given the new code before changing frequency.

[This message has been edited by You Aint Seen Me. Roit! (edited 12 April 2001).]