numbers

[jamall02864]

what do the pilots mean when they talk about  having there numbers?
thanks              
      greg

[Jason]

what do the pilots mean when they talk about  having there numbers?
thanks              
      greg

This refers to wind and/or altimeter information (usually transmitted to another aircraft, but they overheard the info)

[digger]

It's slang for having copied the ATIS (Automated Treminal Information System).

The information contained there is wind speed and direction, altimeter setting etc. If you listen to an ATIS broadcast, it will conclude with the phrase, "Advise on initial contact you have information Alpha", (or Bravo, or Charlie, etc.--the letter changes each time a new one is issued.)

It is slang. If the ATIS has changed recently, say from Zulu to Alpha, you'll often hear the controller ask, "Confirm you have Alpha?"

HPNPilot1200 beat me to the reply. My presumption was that what you have heard is something like "Anytown Tower, N123AC is with you and we have the numbers."

[PHL Approach]

Generally in the Bravo atmosphere it could also mean they have their weights etc. "Philly Tower, American 990, We'll be ready shortly, we're waiting for our numbers"

EJ

[digger]

So, I guess it depends on exactly what context you're hearing it in.

[Jason]

From my understanding, "have the numbers" is NEVER used to state you have "ATIS Whateverthecodeis"

It ONLY stands for the wind and altim. info given to aircraft in other transmissions.

[jamall02864]

Generally in the Bravo atmosphere it could also mean they have their weights etc. "Philly Tower, American 990, We'll be ready shortly, we're waiting for our numbers"

EJ

 thats the context i heard it in.        thank you guys big help

[davolijj]

I think it indicates runway, wind, and alimeter, as indicated in this paragraph from the 7110.65:

3-10-1. LANDING INFORMATION

Provide current landing information, as appropriate, to arriving aircraft. Landing information contained in the ATIS broadcast may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code. Runway, wind, and altimeter may be omitted if a pilot uses the phrase "have numbers." Issue landing information by including the following:

NOTE-
Pilot use of "have numbers" does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast.

[Jason]

I think it indicates runway, wind, and alimeter, as indicated in this paragraph from the 7110.65:

3-10-1. LANDING INFORMATION

Provide current landing information, as appropriate, to arriving aircraft. Landing information contained in the ATIS broadcast may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code. Runway, wind, and altimeter may be omitted if a pilot uses the phrase "have numbers." Issue landing information by including the following:

NOTE-
Pilot use of "have numbers" does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast.

Thats what I was getting at...Thanks JD!  

I guess the 7110 has good phraseology nonetheless.  

[PHL Approach]

Notice how it says "Landing Information". So therefore in this case, the aircraft was on the ground ready for departure and said "We've got our numbers" or "We're waiting for our numbers.

[davolijj]

3-9-1. DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Provide current departure information, as appropriate, to departing aircraft.

a. Departure information contained in the ATIS broadcast may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code.
b. Issue departure information by including the following:

1. Runway in use. (May be omitted if pilot states "have the numbers.")

2. Surface wind from direct readout dial, LLWAS, or automated weather observing system information display. (May be omitted if pilot states "have the numbers.")

3. Altimeter setting. (May be omitted if pilot states "have the numbers.")

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, Current Settings, Para 2-7-1.

I've often heard your scenario as well Ed.

[Sirclown82]

If it's a commercial airline, they are waiting for the loads to be transmitted to the planes via ACARS, thats how it is at American Airlines I know.

[Lexxx]

="davolijj3. Altimeter setting. (May be omitted if pilot states "have the numbers.").

Well there's a slight variation. In Canada we have to say the altimeter even it the pilot reports having the ATIS, or the numbers. I guess the argument is that an altimeter drop could occur from the time the ATIS was composed.

You also have to remember there are some smaller controlled airports out there that don't even have an ATIS. Perhaps not as many as a few years ago, but "We've got the numbers" was far more common back then, and may just be a phrase that has stuck will some pilots.

[digger]

NOTE-
Pilot use of "have numbers" does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast.

I stand corrected. (Although I'm certain my misunderstanding comes from having been told that in ground school, but that *was* quite a while ago.)

I did ask my wife about this. (It's funny how often I've begun to use that term since I started hanging around here.) She agrees with what has been stated above, but allows that if it's clear and a million, the controller may not make a big deal out of whether the pilot says they have the numbers, as opposed to quoting the current ATIS code, but if it's at all marginal, the controller is certain to verify that the pilot has the proper ATIS.