On 12/10/2006 11:45 AM, Newps wrote the following:


Mitty wrote:



To do this, I think my local ground control guy (KMIC) has to
telephone the KMSP TRACON for the code. Maybe the call goes to a desk
rather than to a possibly-busy controller where there could be a
workload issue?

It depends. Does MIC have a DBRITE? If so then they more than likely
will have something set up with MSP so MIC can get their own codes so a
call doesn't have to be made.


Yes, they have a DBRITE. Once in a while I get a code instantly, but usually
(90%) I get "code on request" and they come back with it in a couple of minutes.
For an IFR departure, I always get "clearance on request." and a short wait.
I have assumed that was to get the code as the tower should have the IFR flight
strip already, right?



One time out of Ames, IA talking to the Des Moines TRACON I got a
local code (0xxx). When I was leveled out I asked the TRACON
controller "Can you give me a code that will get me to Minneapolis?"
Got a "stand by" and in a couple of minutes he called back and gave me
the code. At the appropriate time he then handed me off to Center, no
problem.

He didn't call MSP, he simply input a VFR flight plan into the FDIO
which spit out a center code.

I didn't think he called MSP for the code but I didn't know how he got it. I
assumed there was some kind of "give me the next available code" button at his
position.