The German air controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They not only expect you to know your gate parking location, but how to get there without any help from them. So, it was with some amusement when a British Airways 747 (callsign Speebird 206) engaged in some back and forth with Frankfurt ground control.
Speedbird 206: “Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway.”
Ground: “Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven.”
* The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. *
Ground: “Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?”
Speedbird 206: “Stand by, Ground, I’m looking up our gate location now.”
Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): ”Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?”
Speedbird 206 (coolly): “Yes, twice in 1944 — but I didn’t land.”
Airport Codes
With so many three letter airport codes out there, you’re bound to find a few that make you smile. Here are some of our favorites that remind us of the joy of texting:
- LOL – Derby Field, USA
- OMG – Omega Airport, Namibia
- BFF – Western Nebraska Regional / William B. Heilig Airport, USA
- BRB - Barreirinhas Airport, Brazil
- SOL - Solomon State Field Airport, USA
