Call signs
A call sign identifies an aircraft's radio station (RIC-21 5.6).
- Assigned by Transport Canada. Can match the aircraft's registration markings (RIC-21 5.6).
- Use at least on initial contact and when communication is concluded (RIC-21 5.6).
- Always pronounced phonetically (RIC-21 5.6).
Full call sign:
| Aircraft | Prefix | Suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air carrier | Telephony designator | Flight number (RIC-21 5.6.1 also allows last 3 registration characters) | Air Canada 452 |
| Canadian private (no designator) | Manufacturer or type | Last 4 registration characters (RIC-21 5.6.2) | Katana Golf Delta India Bravo |
| Foreign private | Manufacturer or type | Full registration | Challenger November 6739 X-ray |
| Helicopter, glider, ultralight | Helicopter, Glider or Ultralight replaces manufacturer or type |
Last 4 registration characters | Ultralight Golf Echo Echo Hotel |
Abbreviated call sign:
- Last 3 registration characters (private or foreign); type or manufacturer dropped.
- Full call sign on initial contact with any ATS unit; abbreviate only after ATS does.
Heavy (MTOW over 136,000 kg / 300,000 lb):
- State "Heavy" on initial contact with ATS.
- May drop "Heavy" once abbreviated to telephony designator + flight number.
Similar call signs: main cause of an aircraft taking a clearance meant for another. ATS fixes by one of:
- Add aircraft type to call sign.
- Tell one pilot to use full 4-letter registration.
- Tell one pilot to use telephony designator + 2 registration characters.
Trap: abbreviated call sign on initial contact or before ATS uses it.
References
- RIC-21 5.6, 5.6.2
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Aircraft Identification
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Similar Call Signs