Srq (Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton: 2013, codes, airport)

[snivlem]

SRQ-Anybody know where the Q came from?

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by snivlem

SRQ-Anybody know where the Q came from?

The SRQ designation has evolved from the pre-World War II, two-letter assigned codes of RS to its present global designation of SRQ. In the early days of aviation, radios were used for aviation navigation purposes, and codes were assigned to each aviation facility. During those days, there were not many facilities, but as the aviation industry grew the need for coordinated codes grew. The International Transport Association (IATA) assigned new three-letter codes worldwide. By 1948, use of these new codes was standard practice, and they were given to all cities with scheduled airline service and any associated navigational facilities. A city with only one airport needed only one code. At the same time, Sarasota’s RS was changed to SSO, considered to be very recognizable. Less-used letters (Q,Z,X) were added to more or less recognizable codes as “filters”.

For example the Los AngelesLA became LAX. When a city was served by more than one airport, the name of each airport was coded. While NYC was assigned to the city itself, each of its servicing airports had special codes: LGA for La Guardia, IDL for Idlewild– now JFK, and EWR for Newark.

The Sarasota NDB (non-directional beacon) was the only radio navigational facility between Tampa and Ft.Myers. All aircraft fortunate enough to have radios routinely used it. Most private aircraft had neither radios nor instrument flight capability. The former Civil Aeronautics Authority flight service stations began getting reports of pilots misinterpreting Sarasota’s designation of SSO, for the International Distress code, SOS. The only difference was the length of the pause between the “O” and the “S”. Eventually, a change had to be made. Of the unused codes, IATA selected, as the best-unassigned combination of recognizable letters to replace SSO, the two letters SR, to which the “filter” letter Q was added. So around 1956, SarasotaBradentonInternationalAirport became SRQ. These three code letters today designate the area of Sarasota-Bradenton not only to the aviation world but also throughout the community.

[d4g4m]

I'm from NYC and knew about the airport desinations. During the 25 years that I've been here, I've asked people how, when, why was the airport given the SRQ designation and nobody knew, not even people who work at the airport.
So thanks for the info. Wonder how many people can remember the single metal building serving only Eastern and National airlines, going on the tarmack, climbing a ladder to get on the plane. And on the return, waiting outside at a long table to pick up baggage. AND PARKING WAS FREE.

[mr&mrssunshine]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

The SRQ designation has evolved from the pre-World War II, two-letter assigned codes of RS to its present global designation of SRQ. In the early days of aviation, radios were used for aviation navigation purposes, and codes were assigned to each aviation facility. During those days, there were not many facilities, but as the aviation industry grew the need for coordinated codes grew. The International Transport Association (IATA) assigned new three-letter codes worldwide. By 1948, use of these new codes was standard practice, and they were given to all cities with scheduled airline service and any associated navigational facilities. A city with only one airport needed only one code. At the same time, Sarasota’s RS was changed to SSO, considered to be very recognizable. Less-used letters (Q,Z,X) were added to more or less recognizable codes as “filters”.

For example the Los AngelesLA became LAX. When a city was served by more than one airport, the name of each airport was coded. While NYC was assigned to the city itself, each of its servicing airports had special codes: LGA for La Guardia, IDL for Idlewild– now JFK, and EWR for Newark.

The Sarasota NDB (non-directional beacon) was the only radio navigational facility between Tampa and Ft.Myers. All aircraft fortunate enough to have radios routinely used it. Most private aircraft had neither radios nor instrument flight capability. The former Civil Aeronautics Authority flight service stations began getting reports of pilots misinterpreting Sarasota’s designation of SSO, for the International Distress code, SOS. The only difference was the length of the pause between the “O” and the “S”. Eventually, a change had to be made. Of the unused codes, IATA selected, as the best-unassigned combination of recognizable letters to replace SSO, the two letters SR, to which the “filter” letter Q was added. So around 1956, SarasotaBradentonInternationalAirport became SRQ. These three code letters today designate the area of Sarasota-Bradenton not only to the aviation world but also throughout the community.

i know now who my 'phone a friend' will be on millionaire

[Big House]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

i know now who my 'phone a friend' will be on millionaire

Very interesting. I never heard of that, although I knew it was the Airport Code. People around Sarasota refer to SRQ often as the abbreviation for the area. I'm not used to that either. Thanks for the history lesson SoFLGal, you're so smart. You really do know just about everything relating to this area!

[SoFLGal]

Haha! You guys are funny. Well I guess I should know a little bit about the area since I was born and raised here. I've actually been asked that question several times over the years.

I think it's pretty interesting as well

[RhysNJ]

Edit: didn't see that this had already been answered, sorry.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Haha! You guys are funny. Well I guess I should know a little bit about the area since I was born and raised here. I've actually been asked that question several times over the years.

I think it's pretty interesting as well

I always abreviate. My girlfriend thought I was being a snob; I was just lazy

[MauiTiki]

Wow - that was very interesting. Thanks for the history Now if only Jet Blue would add a few extra flights from JFK to SRQ, I would not have to fly to RSW