Aircraft Type Designators

[Jim Ellis]

I've always wondered if Air Traffic Control recognized my type of aircraft when I told them I was an "RV9-A".

While reading an EAA email today I found a link to an ATC handbook that addressed my concern. It appears that all the RV models have an official abbreviation (except the RV10...must be too new).

To look it up yourself go to the following site. Scroll down to Chapter 5, Section 1. Click on "Encode" and then the letter "V" (for Van's):

http://www.faa.gov/ATPUBS/CNT/Cnthme.htm

Guess it doesn't matter to ATC if you have an "A" model or not.

Jim Ellis
RV9-A, tipup
flying

[TSwezey]

The RV-10 just received one last month. There is a post somewhere on VAF about it. I think it is RV-10/G.

[John Clark]

This has always been a bit of a mystery, after giving designators to Van's designs, there is a section for experimental aircraft with the HXA, HXB, and HXC codes based on cruising speed.

And yes, they don't care about your RV being an "A" or not. Putting an A at the end of the designator becomes an equipment designator. "A" indicates that you have a DME and encoding transponder. (AIM 5-1-8)

John Clark
RV8/G 18U (Flying)
KSBA

[jcoloccia]

Incidentally, as a controller I know has pointed out, this does not mean you can drop the "Experimental" from your initial contact with ATC. All it means is the computer won't barf on it.

[the_other_dougreeves]

When I fly the FlightDesign CT, I use "FDCT", which is, amazingly, the official designator. Kind of amazing for a total fleet of 120 airplanes. I have yet to find a controller who knows right away what a FDCT is, but most of the understand when I tell them we're a light sport aircraft.

FYI, here's the official FAA designator list.

[MCA]

I always file RV-7/G and never had a problem. A friend who works here at ABQ Center told me they are going away from using distinct call signs like Skylane, Golden Eagle, Warrior, etc. and using the generic 'November'. He suggested it is because all the new controllers being hired don't need to/want to (?) learn all the aircraft types.

Anyway, using 'November 227KV' seems to be working so far. I don't see why controllers need to know if you are experimental or not. What are they going to do differently? Anyone had any different experiences?

[n468ac]

Originally Posted by MCA

I always file RV-7/G and never had a problem. A friend who works here at ABQ Center told me they are going away from using distinct call signs like Skylane, Golden Eagle, Warrior, etc. and using the generic 'November'. He suggested it is because all the new controllers being hired don't need to/want to (?) learn all the aircraft types.

Anyway, using 'November 227KV' seems to be working so far. I don't see why controllers need to know if you are experimental or not. What are they going to do differently? Anyone had any different experiences?

They need to know ... helps them figure out spacing.

Flying into the quad cities, i was 5 miles behind a 182 ... ... after the controler asked what kind of plane I was in, he told me to slow down and the 182 to speed up!

[MCA]

Makes sense... experimental=fast, Cessna = sloooow.

[jcoloccia]

You're all wrong. Saying "Experimental" is simply our way of letting the controllers know that all of the installed equipment actually works.

The "N" in N-number could just as easily stand for "No-Op"...at least for the rentals available in my area.

[RVadmirer]

Homebuilt and Experimental Aircraft*

Designator Criteria
Type
Designator
Performance Information**



Climb Rate
(fpm)
Descent Rate (fpm)
SRS Cat.

Aircraft with cruise (indicated) airspeeds of 100 knots or less
HXA
500
500
I

Aircraft with cruise (indicated) airspeeds of greater than 100 knots, up to and including 200 knots
HXB
750
750
I

Aircraft with cruise (indicated) airspeeds greater than 200 knots
HXC
1,000
1,000
I


NOTE-
*Configuration diversity and the fact that airworthiness certificates are issued to aircraft builders, vice manufacturers, necessitates the assignment of generic aircraft type designators based on cruise performance, rather than specific manufacturer and normal descriptive/performance information.

**All performance criteria has been estimated because configuration diversity precludes determining precise aircraft-specific information.



I can't find a list of experimental aircraft anywhere in the FAA or the DOT. Everyone seems to know their designation but where is this information coming from??
Jim's reference back in 2006 is no longer a working link....