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-   -   Using Call Sign in uncontrolled airspace (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=164516)

greghughespdx 09-27-2018 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcladrv (Post 1291217)
I also use the call signs, however descriptive they may or may not be, and location to develop a mental traffic picture of the local airport area.

^^^ This, exactly. The content of your transmission is for consumption by others operating in the same area. Structure accordingly.

flion 09-27-2018 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallylancer122 (Post 1291098)
Guess the FAR's are pretty conclusive on using the N number.

With the RV's what's the consensus on type? I still use "Experimental 233M", but with 10,000 RV's out there have we earned our own type specific identifier. RV 233M? Vans 233M?

I used to fly a Meyers and they only built a hundred or so of those, but they got their own identifier. Heck, the other day I heard a Wing Derringer on frequency. The controller had to ask about that one.

DEM

I'm surprised no one answered this. It's been discussed on the forums before. We have been given several identifiers. See this document, page A132 (page 145 of 598), down at the bottom. -A models are not listed specifically, so I use 'RV6' for my RV-6A. Experimental is also acceptable but doesn't give ATC much information about your capabilities; are you an experimental WWI replica or an experimental V-jet?

On the subject of this thread, I've been toying with applying for a special telephony for my RV-10. 'One For Maxine' to go along with the nose art rather than 'One Four Michael X-ray' would suit me better. Special telephonies have to be pre-assigned and are usually only granted for commercial carriers or for special events, emergency response, etc. But nothing prohibits anyone from applying, so I may give it a shot.

Sixgun 09-30-2018 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmilingJack (Post 1291088)
+2

What good is my N number to people in the uncontrolled pattern? Can they read it from their position?

I think a color and type is a lot more valuable to identify me.

Have always thought the same as you about N numbers., Also color . The intent is to Voice your position in the pattern you cant do the looking for anyone else..

greghughespdx 09-30-2018 09:24 AM

One real benefit of an N number in the pattern is that it allows people to paint a mental picture of where each plane is and their relative movement. I may not be able to recall a list of the N numbers of all the planes currently in the pattern, but when I hear the second radio call with N number and position info from an aircraft in my mind, I'm painting a picture of where you were, where you are and logically where you're going. The brain can do that even if you can't remember the name of who just spoke.

That said, see and avoid of course.

If my home airport's pilots called out stuff like "blue and white cessna on downwind" or "white RV three miles east" no one would know who was who. There are do many RVs and blue and white Cessnas out there it would just be more confusing than no radio a lot of the time.

Northernliving 09-30-2018 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuhtenia (Post 1291141)
As a new'ish private pilot and even newer RV-6A person, I find the tail numbers to be increasingly useful as ADS-B becomes more the norm. After hearing the call I glance at the area traffic to confirm I know where that person is, and the tail number makes an easy confirmation (if so equipped).

+1 on that one. I like to hear the N-number and then also see them on the screen - with the N-number. N-number and field position is the best, IMO. Colors can be second guessed, especially if there are a couple of red/yellow/white planes in the patter. I think offering the color could add dangerous complacency if there happen to be more than one of that color in the area.

Smilin' Jack 10-01-2018 09:37 AM

I am late in the post but I do follow what the FCC states as they not the FAA would do the violation.

As far as using Experimental at a control tower I was told by the FAA center Atlanta and Memphis, that they only require the word experimental on an unfamiliar experimental aircraft that "your RV is a common aircraft and in the database and need not use experimental."

so go figure? I have at PDK in Atlanta never used experimental just RVN507H
or CF 07H if I am on an Angel Flight. CF is one of the mercy flight recognized call
for aircraft participating.

Probably just muddled up the mess.

Smilin' Jack

JonJay 10-01-2018 10:14 AM

Change is hard!
I have now switched over and identify myself with an abbreviated call sign:
RV4AA and position.
I sound like a total rookie, mess it up by still throwing in color occasionally, and have to think twice.
Anyway.... after 20 years of doing it one way, and now trying to change isn't easy. I also have more than one aircraft which makes it even harder.

Still hearing no N number in lots of communications. On a recent trip, I heard every derivative of what is being discussed here, from full and complete call signs including type an color, to hearing position only, nothing else.

I will stick with what is "legal" and appreciate the discussion.

rv7boy 10-01-2018 11:11 AM

Distinctive radio transmissions
 
Besides the legalities I think an important part of radio communication is the distinctive sound of one’s voice, and this includes the speech pattern as well as the modulation by the radio transmitter. In addition to WHAT is being transmitted by other pilots, I try to listen to the distinctive sound of the transmission. I’m sure we all detect the differences of pilots’ radio calls without effort. If our radios converted our speech into monotone robot-sounding sentences, we’d quickly appreciate the distinctive sound of our individual radio transmissions.

This has been a very educational discussion. Thanks for all of the replies.

Lars 10-01-2018 02:14 PM

To add a little levity to the discussion...

The pilot of a certain well-known unlimited Reno air racer that was based at my home field for many years always self-announced his position using the call "Race 5", which was the number on the tail assigned by the air racing association.

I enjoyed hearing that call when I was in the vicinity of the airport. Regardless of my position I'd break off and let him go first because I knew I'd get an aerial view of a very cool P-51 Mustang entering the pattern and landing.

MarkW 10-01-2018 02:49 PM

Call sign
 
Well I am now with JonJay on this one. I always felt N numbers to be a waste and I used type and color. This is what I would prefer other aircraft to use.
After hearing so many use the ADS-B call sign and reading the regs again, I will now switch to RV 14MW on uncontrolled airports.
I have always used RV 14MW with ATC.
I have once been mistaken for Army 14MW since they kinda sound the same.


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