Sam Spade wrote:

John R. Copeland wrote:

"Sam Spade" wrote in message
...

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"We need to declare an emergency," a pilot radioed air traffic
control. "We got a low fuel situation. We're not sure if it's a fuel
leak or what, but we need to get on the ground, right away, please."


I still think the imperative has to be stated, rather than what can
be taken as future intent.



No part of "need" sounds wishy-washy to me.
According to the quote above, the pilot *twice* said "need".


Nonetheless, it turned out "wishy-washy, didn't it.

Only because of an incompetent controller. The words used by the pilot
wouldn't have changed that.

Matt