Years ago, it was relatively easy to fly into Washington, DC class B airspace (or TCA at the time). Things have changed considerably in recent years for obvious security reasons.

One summer evening, I decided to fly along the Potomac river on the Virginia side. This is clear of prohibited airspace over the monuments, White house etc. Still, it provides an excellent view of the DC skyline. Heading south, I made the radio call to Washington tower, designated as such or just tower. My designation was 59A.

59A: Washington tower, helicopter 8559A

Tower: Washington tower, 59A, what is your location?

I was not ready for this, so I stumbled...

59A: Uhhh, uhhh, tower, 59A, uhhh standby...

USA-1: Washington tower, USA-1 inbound Legion bridge

USA-1 is a medevac helicopter. The unique designation is for priority routing purposes.

Tower: USA-1, Washington, be advised of another helicopter in area, he's not sure where he is

USA-1: Tower, USA-1

USA-1 acknowledges the advisory, which was about my clulessness. At this point, I got my act together:

59A: Tower, 59A, I figured out where I am

Tower: Well, we're all on the edge of our seat...

There wasn't much traffic that night and the air traffic controller had a sense of humor.

59A: Tower, 59A is south bound 10 miles

Tower: 59A, Washington, continue south

The rest was rather uneventful, but an obvious lesson learned: think before you speak, not the other way around.