'Q' Codes

The Q code is a standardized collection of three-letter codes all of which start with the letter "Q", a brevity code initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication, and later adopted by other radio services, especially amateur radio. Although Q codes were created when radio used Morse code exclusively, they continued to be employed after the introduction of voice transmissions. To avoid confusion, transmitter call signs are restricted; no country is ever issued an ITU prefix starting with "Q".

Codes in the range QAA–QNZ are reserved for aeronautical use; QOA–QQZ for maritime use and QRA–QUZ for all services.

Only a limited number of 'Q' codes were in use at Croydon these are listed below

 QAA  Estimated position or time of arrival
 QAB  Clearance to .......
 QAC  A problem or emergency
 QAD  Departed from
 QAF  Advice place, time and altitude
 QAH  What is your height
 QAK  Is there any risk of collision
 QAL  I am going to land at ....
 QAN Advise surface wind direction and speed at your position
 QBF  Are you flying in cloud
 QBG  Altitude flying above cloud
 QBH  Altitude flying below cloud
 QBI  Fog regulations in force
 QDM  Magnetic heading to steer to destination (no wind correction)
 QFG  Overhead
 QFH  Permission to descend below cloud
 QFM  Maintaining flight level at (height)
 QFO  Permission to land immediately
 QFS  Request for radio facility to be in operation
 QGE  Distance from transmission station
 QGL  Request permission to enter control area
 QGN  Request clearance to land
 QGO  Permission to land denied
 QGP  Number to land on
 QSY  Change to another frequency
 QTE  True bearing from station
 QTF  Position of aircraft from bearings taken by D/F stations
 QTH  What is your position