"Say Type Experimental..."

[RV7A Flyer]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

As someone pointed out earlier, it doesn't matter what one's Ops Lims say, since the requirement is codified in CFR 91.319(d)(3).

You're also not supposed to shorten your callsign unless and until ATC does it first...and yet, it's done all the time, especially at one's home field, isn't it?

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

As someone pointed out earlier, it doesn't matter what one's Ops Lims say, since the requirement is codified in CFR 91.319(d)(3).

You?re right Carl which may be why it is no longer the Ops Lims - that would be redundant, and there?s no need, since it is already required.

[catmandu]

Originally Posted by Ironflight

- that would be redundant, and there’s no need, since it is already required.

But on topic, near Philly yesterday a plane popped up on frequency: "Experimental 58RV" which complied with regulations and also identified type right away. So, no more initials at the end of your number reservations, just use RV (currently 135 of those available)!

[falcon900guy]

Originally Posted by Mconner7

I have been owned my -10 now for over a year. I have flown it transcontinental twice, logged over 140 hours, at least 1/2 IFR and never uttered the phrase experimental. I have never been questioned by the FAA or ATC.

If IFR, the flight plan identifies the type, if VFR, ATC knows what an RV-10 is. I am not experimenting with anything and don?t feel a need to identify my plane as such despite the controller/pilot golassarie.

i would love to chat regarding your transcontinental flights. very interested in transcontinental in the future.

kenny

[BillL]

The whole Army thing had me puzzled . . how could ATC think that? I looked up the cruise speeds and found the CH-47 - 160kt and BlackHawk - 152Kt. OK, now it make sense.

Back to the topic.

I say "experimental" and full number once on take-off, then shorten. It doesn't much matter as typical just talking to myself. I think that meets the regs.

My local controllers know its an RV and my tail number (when entering the Charlie). They call me RV even if I don't. Great bunch of people!!

[Dan B]

Some additional information and call sign guidance:

The AIM provides "basic flight information and ATC procedures for use in the National Airspace System." The AIM, Chapter 4, Section 2 provides Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques information.

Para 4-2-4 is titled "Aircraft Call Signs". Some of the information in this paragraph, relevant to this post, includes:

a. Precautions in the Use of Call Signs.
1. Improper use of call signs can result in pilots
executing a clearance intended for another aircraft.
Call signs should never be abbreviated on an initial
contact or at any time when other aircraft call signs
have similar numbers/sounds or identical letters/
number; e.g., Cessna 6132F, Cessna 1622F,
Baron 123F, Cherokee 7732F, etc.

3. Civil aircraft pilots should state the aircraft
type, model or manufacturer?s name, followed by the
digits/letters of the registration number. When the
aircraft manufacturer?s name or model is stated, the
prefix ?N? is dropped; e.g., Aztec Two Four Six Four
Alpha.
EXAMPLE−
1. Bonanza Six Five Five Golf.
2. Breezy Six One Three Romeo Experimental (omit
?Experimental? after initial contact).

[DanH]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

... the requirement is codified in CFR 91.319(d)(3).

I suspect quite a few miss the specific control tower wording.

The word "experimental" is only required somewhere in an initial exchange with a tower.

That said, I use "RV 5551" with C and B controllers, and then skip the E-word when I get handed off to the tower. Perhaps not perfectly legal, but the tower already knows the aircraft type.

[F1R]

I wonder if "MENTAL" is an FAA approved abbreviation.

[AlexPeterson]

Originally Posted by DanH

I suspect quite a few miss the specific control tower wording.

The word "experimental" is only required somewhere in an initial exchange with a tower.

That said, I use "RV 5551" with C and B controllers, and then skip the E-word when I get handed off to the tower. Perhaps not perfectly legal, but the tower already knows the aircraft type.

It says to notify the tower of the experimental nature of the aircraft - describing one's plane as "RV xxxx" does this, doesn't it? However, I guess since there are now LSA certified RV12's, perhaps saying "RV" doesn't quite cut it anymore.

[Saville]

Originally Posted by AlexPeterson

It says to notify the tower of the experimental nature of the aircraft - describing one's plane as "RV xxxx" does this, doesn't it?

Only if everyone knows what an RV is. Part of the disagreement here is whether or not everyone knows what an RV is.

My Class D airport ATC did not. Had absolutely zero clue.