RadioBanter - View Single Post - QR10-4

August 14th 03, 05:13 AM

In article ,
(Reverend Jim at the Taxi stand) writes:

In article , Radio Amateur KC2HMZ
writes:

On 12 Aug 2003 23:40:10 GMT, (N2EY) wrote:

Here's the definition anyway:

QFU? - What is the magnetic direction (or number) of the runway to be used?

QFU - The magnetic direction (or number) of the runway to be used is ...

I've never heard that on the ham bands, though.

I've never heard it on the aeronautical bands, either, even though
that's obviously the intended application of that particular Q-signal.

Of course.

Morse code was used in aviation from the earliest days until at least the
1950s.
Of course that's all gone now except for some range markers.

Please tell us all about when you flew those old "A-N" ranges. :-)

VORs have been in use on civil airways since before 1960. A lot more
accurate, easier to use, much less pilot error than the "range markers."

That's a relic from days long forgotten.

Gone, but not forgotten. Some years back I read an article in "Air and Space"
by someone who had been a commercial aviation radio operator in the '50s and
who had used Morse in that job.

Oh, my, you love the past. :-)

I bought my first PC from a former TWA radio operator, John, who
managed ComSoft in Sun Valley, CA. He was selling computer
stuff because he'd been downsized from international flying long
before. Just a block from the intersection of San Fernando Road
and Vineland. John and his Dragon Lady retired years ago, a victim
of capitalism, unable to compete with CompUSA and Fry's Electronics.

Nice guy, told a lot of stories. Of flying, not about morsemanship.

Today they get that info from
ATIS before they even contact approach control.

Of course.

You KNOW what "ATIS" is, right? :-)

Didja know that there used to be questions on the common Q signals on the
written tests?

Didja know you can address all your written test content complaints to
the VEC QPC? They are radio amateurs themselves.

I'm sure they would include a question on "QFU" if any ham is expected
to line up his ham aircraft on a runway bearing.

Beep, beep.

LHA