One comment and a question from a PPL...
I was once flying with a FIS from Thames Radar in G-ABCD when I heard an exchange between another aircraft and the controller along the lines of:
Aircraft: Thames Radar, G-BBCD
ATC: G-BBCD use full callsign, pass your message
Aircraft: G-CD is a <...>
ATC: G-BBCD please use full callsign, similar callsign on frequency, QNH 1234, <...>
Aircraft: 1013, <...> G-CD
About four more exchanges went on like this, with the pilot even once reading back "use full callsign, G-CD", before I had cause to make my next call:
Me: G-ABCD passing <wherever>
ATC: Thank god someone's been listening to me! Break break G-BBCD you are entering the Stansted Control Zone. Immediate 180 turn.....
Now, the question... on the initial call, I usually say something like:
Me: Thames Radar, good morning, G-ABCD for zone transit
It's not in CAP413, but I figure that (a) the "pleasantry" gives the controller time to pick up his pencil and (b) including the outline of the request gives the controller some idea of the priority of the call. For example, when I'm flying near my local airfield, the calls might be:
Me: Redhill Tower, good morning, G-ABCD for circuits
Me: Redhill Tower, good afternoon, G-ABCD, local east
Me: Redhill Tower, good morning, G-ABCD, VFR to Duxford
Me: Redhill Tower, good evening, G-ABCD, Dorking inbound
Is this helpful? Is this a waste of airtime? No-one has ever criticised me for it, not even instructors flying with me, but it's not technically "by the book".
Your thoughts welcomed!
MD.