"Bill Denton" wrote in message
...

But if you always use a leading zero, then you always know you
have received the entire number.


But not necessarily the correct number.



If you're using a mix of single digit
and two digit numbers you can never be assured you received
correct information on the 10 numbers.


If the guy says "...runway two Podunk.", I know he's referring to runway two
at Podunk. If he says "...runway zero two Podunk.", I know there's the
possibility that he transposed the numbers and actually meant runway two
zero. The leading zero does nothing to improve communications if the pilot
properly ends his transmission with the airport name.