Squawk [code] "coming down!"
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Joined: May 2001
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From: England
Squawk [code] "coming down!"
It appears some of my colleagues, including those who fly the same modern airliner as me, still have in their cockpits, transponders with great big levers that they have to pull down and then announce "coming down!" (poor buggers, must take some effort).
Seriously, what is the origin of the phrase "coming down"? Am I the only one who has never seen a transponder more archaic than this one?
Seriously, what is the origin of the phrase "coming down"? Am I the only one who has never seen a transponder more archaic than this one?
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
It can be countered by ATC telling you to "strangle your parrot" when changing to your en-route frequency.
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: last time I looked I was still here.
Seriously, what is the origin of the phrase "coming down"?
To, seriously, answer the question with what IMHO has some merit of belief:
ATC asks you, in the air way above mother earth, to send them a signal telling them where and who you are. It is sent from on hi to down below. I've not heard any better explanation.
To, seriously, answer the question with what IMHO has some merit of belief:
ATC asks you, in the air way above mother earth, to send them a signal telling them where and who you are. It is sent from on hi to down below. I've not heard any better explanation.
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From: Ankh Morpork, DW
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Australia
Folks,
"Coming down" was an affectation of British European Airways (BEA) starting back in the 1960s, and was, unfortunately, emulated by the impressionable, in the mistaken belief, in the UK, that the British "Corporations" were the height of professionalism.
On would have thought that the heaps of scrap aluminium they (BEA and BOAC) left around the landscape in those days, might have given pause for thought on that score.
Mercifully, it is only occasionally heard in this day and age.
Tootle pip!!
"Coming down" was an affectation of British European Airways (BEA) starting back in the 1960s, and was, unfortunately, emulated by the impressionable, in the mistaken belief, in the UK, that the British "Corporations" were the height of professionalism.
On would have thought that the heaps of scrap aluminium they (BEA and BOAC) left around the landscape in those days, might have given pause for thought on that score.
Mercifully, it is only occasionally heard in this day and age.
Tootle pip!!
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: UK
A bit like "Xx center, Acorn three too won comin' down too too oh passing three won oh smooth" (spoken rapidly as if speaker's hair is on fire)
Probably only sounds cool to the person speaking it. Why not simply say "squawk xxxx"?
Saying "coming down" might give the controller a heart attack!
Probably only sounds cool to the person speaking it. Why not simply say "squawk xxxx"?
Saying "coming down" might give the controller a heart attack!
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Talking of annoying r/t isms, why do certain airline pilots prefix their call sign with "The"? Obviously, it makes them sound stupid to everyone else but do they think it give them extra kudos or priority?
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Australia
It can be countered by ATC telling you to "strangle your parrot" when changing to your en-route frequency.
Or heard at Guam in the 1950's as a formation of F86 Sabres commenced their initial approach "Six out with six swords clearance to buzz and break the hot strip. And on final "On final, boots on and laced"
Last edited by Centaurus; 12th July 2016 at 12:39.
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: U.S.A
what is the origin of the phrase "coming down".
Probably the US
As a non American flying domestic in the US, every day I chuckle at the rubbish spoken on the radio.
"comin down" is common for a transponder code.
"Like to go on request for FLxxx" when simply "request FLxxx" would be much quicker.
"best forward speed" cracks me up every time.
"climb to and maintain" is my fave, like we are going to climb to 7000' and then just keep on climbing????
Probably the US
As a non American flying domestic in the US, every day I chuckle at the rubbish spoken on the radio.
"comin down" is common for a transponder code.
"Like to go on request for FLxxx" when simply "request FLxxx" would be much quicker.
"best forward speed" cracks me up every time.
"climb to and maintain" is my fave, like we are going to climb to 7000' and then just keep on climbing????
