Why is the microphone in a Cessna 172R labeled 'Mike', instead of the correct abbreviation 'mic'?

October 12, 2008

Are the interior detailers at Cessna idiots?
Thanks Nick@Night. As you obviously work for Cessna, why don't you atleast attempt to answer the question. Aviation is supposed to be a very professional industry but an obvious and glaring spelling mistake by the worlds largest light aircraft manufacturer leaves me wondering what other mistakes they have made.
'Are we talking about this crap for a reason?' John B. If you didn't answer it you wouldn't be talking about it!

That's a good point. Some terms change over time, and spellings too vary from their original form to ones more recognizable for public acceptance. One example that comes to mind is the original "Duct Tape". But duct is not a common term with the public, and most people say "duck." So tape manufacturers label the tape as "Duck Tape." Maybe the design engineers had user friendly terms in mind when they labelled the mic. Part of the dumbing down of America I guess.

Comments

5 Responses to “Why is the microphone in a Cessna 172R labeled 'Mike', instead of the correct abbreviation 'mic'?”

  1. Derail on October 12th, 2008 7:32 am

    That's a good point. Some terms change over time, and spellings too vary from their original form to ones more recognizable for public acceptance. One example that comes to mind is the original "Duct Tape". But duct is not a common term with the public, and most people say "duck." So tape manufacturers label the tape as "Duck Tape." Maybe the design engineers had user friendly terms in mind when they labelled the mic. Part of the dumbing down of America I guess.
    References :

  2. nick@night on October 12th, 2008 8:16 am

    Why is it you feel it necessary to demean the fine people at Cessna over something so trivial. This "question" didn't really need to be posted. ADDED….I do not nor have I ever worked for Cessna. I just believe you are trying to pull the fly stuff out of the pepper. Either is an acceptable way of abbreviating microphone.
    References :

  3. John B on October 12th, 2008 9:04 am

    Mike is the correct abbreviation. That's where you plug in Michael. Jeez. Are we talking about this crap for a reason.
    References :

  4. Bit Pilsman on October 12th, 2008 9:23 am

    I've seen both used in USAF tech manuals.

    Why don't you take a nap, Augrum. It must be very tiring to be as perfect as you are.

    Added: He's the one that is nitpicking chilebreath.
    References :

  5. chilebreath on October 12th, 2008 10:08 am

    Darn good question, and the "holier than thous" who blasted you are bit too strident in their response. Yes, the correct short term for a microphone is "mic," but people who don't know better will often refer to it as a "mike." That's a lot like referring to the storage structure for aircraft as a hanger when the accurate term is hangar. You nitpickers can look it up if you doubt this. Attention to detail in aviation is an admirable trait in my book.
    References :

Got something to say?