PilotEdge Forums

I was listening to the recordings from my last night flight and I heard the end of call sign 067Q.

My call sign is N2067Q.

To avoid confusion, should I change my call sign?

After shortening it there might be 2 067Q airplanes.

Not critical but I wonder what would be the response.

Thank you.

Cheers, AJ

Only ATC can shorten your callsign, *after* communications have been established(ie "Facility callsign, Full aircraft callsign, good day to you, how's it going" - "Full aircraft callsign, Facility callsign, great, how about you").

The shortening can also only happen if in controller's mind there isn't going to be a risk of confusion. Additionally, if two callsigns even resemble each other, the controller *has* to notify both of them, and seek acknowledgement that they are both aware of this fact.

Last, ATC can also assign you a different callsign, if needed.


So in summary, unless told otherwise, don't bother changing anything.

Alex,

Thank you very much. I knew and understand about shortening the call sign.

I expected Controller to notify both pilots in case are sounding close.

I had NO IDEA that ATC can assign a different call sign, wow. What would be an example of it? Bonanza 1067Q first/second? Just wondering.

I am not going to change my call sign but it will be interesting when the other N..67Q flies when I am flying...*smile.

Thank you again. Cheers, AJ

arb65912 wrote:I had NO IDEA that ATC can assign a different call sign, wow. What would be an example of it? Bonanza 1067Q first/second? Just wondering

Piper 2067Q, change your callsign to Cluster 1, until further advised.

Piper 2067Q, revert to flight plan callsign N2067Q.

Our system won't allow duplicate callsigns, this is more of a problem with airlines.

You don't need to change.

Thank you. Cheers, AJ

It's also not possible for two aircraft to have identical civil registrations (n numbers).

They can be close, which would result in the controller not using the shortened version, but that's about it.