Peter wrote:
I thought “route 030” referred to something on the approach plate, or maybe the airway chart. Hence I didn’t read anything back because I was trying to work it out.
Maybe the’ve meant “fly track 030”?
Possible but a “track xxx” request is very unusual.
In my understanding, the controller didn’t understand you were asking for instructions of what to do once you reach OKPEM, but thought you were asking for directions to OKPEM. That’s why he offered to vector you.
