Originally Posted by
AF2Navy
When i want to go direct to SGF, I have to type in "KSGF", when i want to go direct 2H2, i have to type in "2H2".
Wondering why some airfields (those without numbers in ID) require the "K"?
I understand your question.
My 'Does it really matter' comment was in response to yours in your first response to mine when you said:
Does the K really matter when you are flying inside the lower 48?...........Just wondering
I understand what you mean when you say that you would type (assuming FMS here) KSGF to go direct to Springfield, MO airport. You would type (again in the FMS) SGF if you wanted to go direct to the SGF VORTAC correct. Conversely, you type 2H2 to go direct to the airport (which has numbers in the name) instead of using the 'K'; but there is no NAVAID with the same identifier (no NAVAID 2H2). Maybe that is why you differentiate between the two in the coding used by the avionics manufacturers.
Now if you really didn't understand my other response; I tried to use the KABQ airport as another example.
You need to use the 'K' to differentiate between the airfield (KABQ) and the VORTAC (ABQ).
I'm wondering too why it is the way it is....but again - I don't know the answer, only what is required. How about this identifier - K6TE6 (for the private 6666 ranch airport). Not even a 4 letter identifier.