Why bother with the G in an abbreviated callsign?
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Daventry UK
Englishal
Sorry, I wasn't clear. this has happened repeatedly to me in the US, specifically with Prescott flight service but I'm sure elsewhere. It's like they want me to use the 'November' as well. I don't, because it doesn't say that in the regs and anyway I think the type is helpful to other pilots.
(I wasn't suggesting using the 'Cessna' call in the UK - that would be a ticket to a serious shouting at!)
Maybe they are trying to clarify that they are talking to a US aircraft when responding to the opening 'Cessna' call, rather than a foreign registered one with an English sounding pilot?
Has anyone else experienced this?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. this has happened repeatedly to me in the US, specifically with Prescott flight service but I'm sure elsewhere. It's like they want me to use the 'November' as well. I don't, because it doesn't say that in the regs and anyway I think the type is helpful to other pilots.
(I wasn't suggesting using the 'Cessna' call in the UK - that would be a ticket to a serious shouting at!)
Maybe they are trying to clarify that they are talking to a US aircraft when responding to the opening 'Cessna' call, rather than a foreign registered one with an English sounding pilot?
Has anyone else experienced this?
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: He's on the limb to nowhere
Prescott radio can be a bit weird sometimes 
, but using November is usual when calling FSS.
Nothing wrong with sticking November on the front of things, controllers will say it all the time. If on initial callup you say 'November 12345' they appear to have some mouse click thing they can use to look up your type (and name, date of birth, inside leg... ), but generally they will take the easy option and come back with SAY AIRCRAFT TYPE (with occasionally 'AND EQUIPMENT SUFFIX'). Had one the other day who had never heard of a cutlass, sometimes easier to say 172 for any cessna with poor performance.
, but using November is usual when calling FSS.Nothing wrong with sticking November on the front of things, controllers will say it all the time. If on initial callup you say 'November 12345' they appear to have some mouse click thing they can use to look up your type (and name, date of birth, inside leg... ), but generally they will take the easy option and come back with SAY AIRCRAFT TYPE (with occasionally 'AND EQUIPMENT SUFFIX'). Had one the other day who had never heard of a cutlass, sometimes easier to say 172 for any cessna with poor performance.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 487
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From: Daventry UK
I don't want to give the wrong impression here. I have found Prescott and every other FSS, ATC, Center etc that I have spoken to in the US to be completely courteous and helpful (well, almost every one!)
I expect SS has hit the nail on the head: they are typing November etc into the database and reading it back at the same time. Hence the note of concentration in the voice.
So is there any chance of the UK adopting 'type' in the callsign? If any mandarins are reading this, please take note: it would be an important ancilliary to the new safety frequency to know the type of the other aircraft in each call.
I am definitely 'Skyhawk' from now on (in the US, not here!).
I expect SS has hit the nail on the head: they are typing November etc into the database and reading it back at the same time. Hence the note of concentration in the voice.
So is there any chance of the UK adopting 'type' in the callsign? If any mandarins are reading this, please take note: it would be an important ancilliary to the new safety frequency to know the type of the other aircraft in each call.
I am definitely 'Skyhawk' from now on (in the US, not here!).
Moderator
Joined: Jul 1997
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: Europe
So is there any chance of the UK adopting 'type' in the callsign? If any mandarins are reading this, please take note: it would be an important ancilliary to the new safety frequency to know the type of the other aircraft in each call.
e.g Piper G-BSZT which can then be abbreviated to Piper ZT.
Joined: May 2001
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From: Spanish Riviera
Fraught with problems. Most of us could relate to Piper, Cessna, Citation etc, but what about the more diverse breeds of aircraft. How about the German system where the full 5 letter callsign idicates the 'class' of aircraft. For example, most of the biz jet type stuff is/used to be D-Ixxx
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: UK
I've noticed an increasing amount of clubs applying for heir own callsign and then giving each instructor and member a number.
This solves the problem of abriviation, callsigns are never duplicated, and pilots who fly many different aircraft don't get their callsigns mixed up (I know I've done it!).
The ATCO's I've talked to prefer it.
Although still mainly used only by commercial FTO's, company calsigns are getting ever more popular in GA.
Other advantages include:-
Being able to supplement the callsign with a letter such as 'T' to denote a skills test, or 'S' to indicate solo student.
ATC will know wich company an aircraft is with, which helps parking alocation and billing.
Local ATC will often get a good idea of pilots experience by there callsign: i.e assign 01-09 Instructors, 10-29 solo students, 30-69 PPL, 70+ IMC or IR.
I've flown using reg and company callsign, I much prefer the later.
This solves the problem of abriviation, callsigns are never duplicated, and pilots who fly many different aircraft don't get their callsigns mixed up (I know I've done it!).
The ATCO's I've talked to prefer it.
Although still mainly used only by commercial FTO's, company calsigns are getting ever more popular in GA.
Other advantages include:-
Being able to supplement the callsign with a letter such as 'T' to denote a skills test, or 'S' to indicate solo student.
ATC will know wich company an aircraft is with, which helps parking alocation and billing.
Local ATC will often get a good idea of pilots experience by there callsign: i.e assign 01-09 Instructors, 10-29 solo students, 30-69 PPL, 70+ IMC or IR.
I've flown using reg and company callsign, I much prefer the later.
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Bordeaux, France
What do France, Germany and Canada use?
I've flown in locally registered aircraft in all three countries - and they all used X-XX.
I've flown in locally registered aircraft in all three countries - and they all used X-XX.
Regards, SD..
