Introduction to Aircraft Call-Signs and Phonetic Alphabet
This section is designed to help aspiring pilots prepare for the CASA PPL theory exam by focusing on aeronautical radio telephony. Specifically, it addresses the use of aircraft call-signs and the phonetic alphabet, with a focus on transmitting numerals effectively.
Aircraft Call-Signs
Overview of Aircraft Call-Signs
Aircraft call-signs are essential for clear communication between pilots and air traffic control. They are managed in collaboration with Airservices Australia and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Call-signs typically include:
- Two (2LD) or Three (3LD) Letter Designators: Used in flight plans and air traffic control displays.
- Telephony Designators: The primary method of communication between pilots and controllers.
Risk Management and Confusion Avoidance
To manage the risk of call-sign confusion:
- Use the aircraft’s three-letter registration for telephony designators unless a unique Flight Number Callsign (FNC) is necessary.
- Unique FNC designators help distinguish operators with similar aircraft registrations and must be managed to avoid similar suffixes. It is recommended to avoid designators that resemble geographical names, or existing terms.
Special Task Operations
Operators can request special task callsigns in line with AIP GEN 3.4, 5.21 guidelines. Queries regarding these callsigns can be directed to Airservices Australia.
FNC and IATA Airline Codes
- FNC Designators: Primarily for air traffic services.
- IATA Codes: Used mainly for commercial purposes like reservations and ticketing.
Application and Approval Process
- 2LD Approval: Managed domestically by Airservices Australia without charge.
- 3LD Approval: Requires ICAO approval for international and domestic use; incurs an assessment fee.
The designation process requires careful planning, as approvals can take up to 29 weeks.
For further details, refer to Airservices Australia.
ICAO Phonetic Alphabet and Numerals Transmission
ICAO Phonetic Alphabet
The phonetic alphabet is used for clear communication, especially under poor conditions. Below is the standardized ICAO phonetic alphabet:
| Letter | Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | AL FAH |
| B | Bravo | BRAH VOH |
| C | Charlie | CHAR LEE |
| D | Delta | DELL TAH |
| E | Echo | ECK OH |
| F | Foxtrot | FOKS TROT |
| G | Golf | GOLF |
| H | Hotel | HOH TEL |
| I | India | IN DEE AH |
| J | Juliett | JEW LEE ETT |
| K | Kilo | KEY LOH |
| L | Lima | LEE MAH |
| M | Mike | MIKE |
| N | November | NO VEM BER |
| O | Oscar | OSS CAH |
| P | Papa | PAH PAH |
| Q | Quebec | KEH BECK |
| R | Romeo | ROW ME OH |
| S | Sierra | SEE AIR RAH |
| T | Tango | TANG GO |
| U | Uniform | YOU NEE FORM |
| V | Victor | VIK TAH |
| W | Whiskey | WISS KEY |
| X | X-Ray | ECKS RAY |
| Y | Yankee | YANG KEY |
| Z | Zulu | ZOO LOO |
Transmitting Numerals
Numerals are transmitted with distinct pronunciations:
| Numeral | Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | One | WUN |
| 2 | Two | TOO |
| 3 | Three | TREE |
| 4 | Four | FOW ER |
| 5 | Five | FIFE |
| 6 | Six | SIX |
| 7 | Seven | SEV EN |
| 8 | Eight | AIT |
| 9 | Nine | NIN ER |
| 0 | Zero | ZE RO |
Additional Numerical Terms
- Decimal: DAY SEE MAL
- Hundred: HUN DRED
- Thousand: TOU SAND
Usage Examples
- Call Signs: “Air China two three eight” for CCA238.
- Headings: “Heading one zero zero” for 100°.
- Wind: “Wind two zero zero degrees two five knots” for 200° at 25 knots.
- Runways: “Runway two seven” for Runway 27.
- Altimeter Settings: Each digit is read separately, e.g., 1,000 hPa as “ONE THOUSAND.”
- Flight Levels: “Flight level three zero zero” for FL300.
For comprehensive phonetic guidelines, see ICAO Phonetic Alphabet | SKYbrary Aviation Safety. Practicing these guidelines ensures clarity and reduces miscommunication in aviation.