Well, I guess I'm a tool as I've used the term.

It's part of the "Brevity code". It essentially means flying in reduced visibility or in and out of clouds.

Thus suppose ATC calls out traffic and you have the aircraft in sight but you know you'll lose the aircraft momentarily when you re enter the clouds.

I would guess you didn't fly in the military...

I'm trying to figure out how I've never even heard this before. I guess picking your nose in the cockpit and hiding the boogers in creative places is a full time job.

Toolishness. I like that!

Why would you use a term that a good portion of those on frequency have absolutely no idea what you are talking about? I don't remember seeing it in the pilot/controller glossary. I heard that term the other day and we both just looked at each other and said: "Did that guy just say he was Popeye?" It invariably turned into a discussion about whether not Olive Oyl was hot, and what she ever saw in Bluto, because we both agreed he was a real tool. So, we did in fact get a good laugh out of it. Although my time is all purely civilian, the Captain did have a military background and yet we were both clueless as to what the term meant. At least now I know.

I'll have to look it up, maybe it's an antique term no longer in the book. But, I agree with Wasatch, when you're trying to cut down the radio chatter from the traffic alert, a one word response that you ain't going to see the guy the controller is calling out to you is good. IMHO

But, if the controllers don't know what it means anymore, I'll stop using it.

Ferd <------I guess a tool

And saying "popeye" is way faster than saying "IMC", which actually is in the AIM and pilot controller glossary.:rolleyes:

They know what it means, but the brevity codes were more used for mil to mil radio brevity. I doubt if the controllers know or care if you are winchester, but its a useful term mil to mil, same as bingo.

Well, I guess I'm a tool or an asshat since I've said that. I'll exchange some pleasantries with the controllers when the time and situation permit. And they'll do the same from time to time. Just fostering better pilot to FAA relations. :D

Sorry Bluto, I didn't mean to call you a tool.

I think it is faster, but then again I'm a tool:rolleyes: