Callsign only

[pilotsince99]

A quick question with regards to 'callsign only' when transferred to tower.

I am based in London Gatwick for a major airline and when transferred to tower from director we are asked to "contact tower 124.225, callsign only'

My understanding: Callsign only means "Gatwick tower, ABC123", as you normally have to address the station in full when you are calling a station at the first time (CAP413).

I do hear many aircraft checking in with just their callsign "ABC123"

So what is the correct way? I am not lying awake overnight over this and it doesn't get me to exited one way or the other, but I would just like to know the correct way.

[good egg]

From the tower I work at:

I'd go with "xxxx tower, ABC123"

Basically we don't want "xxxx tower, ABC123 established ILS runway yy, speed zzz knots but reducing now to final approach speed and commencing descent" or any other info - unless emergency/TCAS RA

(Please and thank you)

[10W]

Agree you should give the station you are calling, along with your callsign only. Otherwise there is no opportunity for the ground station to correct an error if you happen to select the wrong frequency, and hence station.

[Another_CFI]

I go with goodegg.

I'd go with "xxxx tower, ABC123"

Basically we don't want "xxxx tower, ABC123 established ILS runway yy, speed zzz knots but reducing now to final approach speed and commencing descent" or any other info - unless emergency/TCAS RA

Most embarrassing all round if you call "yyyy tower" instead of "xxxx tower"and they clear you to land.

[SINGAPURCANAC]

even further embarrassing if you land at wrong airport.



and it has already happened.

[pilotsince99]

Calling your station first and than your callsign was something I already thought It makes sense that if you are on the wrong frequency, it is a lot easier for a controller to identify and correct the problem. Thanks all for your feedback!

[Nimmer]

Remember you are also transferred to 118.95 with the instruction callsign only.

Gatwick ABC123, will suffice in this case.

[Talkdownman]

Originally Posted by pilotsince99

I do hear many aircraft checking in with just their callsign "ABC123"

Tacky.......

[pilotsince99]

A pumps.....don't worry about me.

In our company we are told to stick with RT discipline at all times to prevent radio clutter and we do get send memos in areas where to much or sometimes not enough is being said. Feedback from controllers is of invaluable importance and even small things like "callsign only" all helps towards making things better and eventually safer.

Therefore as I said earlier I am not lying awake over this, but just asked some controllers some feedback and pprune can be very useful to ask peoples opinions.

Now back to watch some more tennis