Funny answer to a ground control question

Those German ground control group at Frankfurt Airport tend to be a short-tempered lot.

They not only expect pilots to know their parking location but how to get there without any assistance.

So it was with some amusement that we (Delta 747) listened to the following exchange between a Frankfurt ground control official and a British Airways 747 (radio call Speedbird 206) pilot after landing.

Speedbird 206: “Good morning Frankfurt. Speedbird 206 clear to active.”

Ground: “Good Morning. Taxi to your gate.”

The British Airways 747 airplane pulls onto the main taxiway and stops.

Ground: “Speedbird, do you know where you are going?”

Speedbird 206: “Stand by, ground control. I’m looking up the gate location now.”

Ground (impatiently): “Speedbird 206, have you never flown to Frankfurt before?”

Speedbird 206 (coolly): “Yes, in 1944. But I didn’t stop then.”