Jim Logajan wrote:


The OP described two different transmissions - one from the ATC asking a
question and one presumably initiated by the aircraft. I'm still not sure
why ATC would ask or be interested in whether the aircraft has the sort of
numbers Jay mentions.


I can think of one. The AC had previously refused a clearance because of
the lack of "the numbers." Though I tend to agree with you that in both
cases they were probably talking about ATIS,