Regarding Callsign

[whoispankaj]

Hi,

I am new to Pilotedge(one circuit old ) and am a simulator pilot.I am spending time reading radio comm books to get better at it. Recently for a pattern work at KSNA i used the callsign "Piper 180 Delta" .With my knowledge from the books I was of the understanding that I can use November or Aircraft make/type as the prefix.Since i was using a piper cherokee i used Piper 180 Delta. I was asked by the Controller whether its a US or outside US aircraft.After replying that is a US GA aircraft I was asked by the Controller to use November as the prefix and log back in again. So I am now a bit confused with regards to the call sign.

Another question is what would be a response to the ATC asking you "Piper ... How do you copy?" . I am of the understanding that this means ATC wants to know if you are able to hear the instructions clearly. What would be a response if you are able to hear the controller clearly and when you are not?

Thanks again for the replies for each of your contributions to help be get better at radio comms.

Pankaj

[Pieces]

You are correct that when you say your callsign you use either november or the make. Regardless of how you say it, the actual callsign of an (American registered) aircraft starts with an "N". The controller wants you to login to PilotEdge with a correct call sign. In your case that is N180D.

So, your callsign is N180D. To login to PilotEdge make sure you type in the callsign box N180D. To express it on the radio, you can say either "november one eight zero delta" or "Piper one eight zero delta".

Regarding responding to "How do you copy?" just answer . You can use normal English on the radio in order to communicate. Commonly used phrases are "loud and clear", or 5 by 5. Note, a controller asking "How do you copy?" probably indicates that they've been trying to contact you for awhile. It's possible that you've missed some calls and he wants to get your attention and make sure you haven't had a communication failure.

[whoispankaj]

Ok..cool..So that means you use the actual registration number starting with "N"(since its US) while logging in to Pilotedge.After that you are free to use your make/model/type as your prefix.Regarding the second question this actually happened
with one pilot(seemed new + sim pilot) misunderstanding the taxi instructions on pilotedge.The ground was trying to get in touch with him "...how do you copy?" with no response from his side. So i was wondering what would be my response in such a case..haha..But now its "Loud and Clear"

Thanks,
Pankaj

[Steven Winslow]

In addition, ATC wants to know what KIND of Piper you're flying. Is it an Archer or is it a Seneca? One is a single engine and the other is a twin. This helps ATC know your aircraft's capabilities. Instead of "Piper one eight zero Delta" you could say "Archer one eight zero Delta."

[Keith Smith]

Here's some more detail on tail numbers for the US: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_r ... ted_States