Call Signs

[bbuckley]

I usually fly a P28A as "Archer 3744Q", same as RW. I notice many of the PE controllers will use "Piper" or "Cherokee" and I listen up for that and I'm fine with that. I know that P28A on the flight info covers quite a few Piper Cherokee models. What would be the preferred call sign on PE, or is there a way in the flight plan data to make it easier for the controllers? In RW I use Archer because we have so much training in the area and they go by Warrior most of the time (or the school local call sign). If it doesn't matter to the PE controllers I'd like to continue to go by Archer but I'll do what is preferred.
Thanks.

[Keith Smith]

archer and warrior have the same icao identifier, and since the icao code is all the controllers see on the scope, it can be hard to recall the aircraft model. you can absolutely say archer. ATC can say November, piper or the specific model, if known.

[Cirruspilot787]

I fly warriors and archers (RW) and controllers seem to always use Cherokee. I think since they are (as you said) models of the cherokees. Goes the same with a cirrus and lots of others. Doesn't matter if your flying an SR20, 22, or 22T they will always refer to you as "Cirrus"

[Keith Smith]

Cirrus is a manufacturer. Is there actually a model name for the SR20, SR22 or SR22T? I'm not sure that controllers have much choice other than "Cirrus"

[bbuckley]

Thanks both. I'll stay with Archer.

[Cirruspilot787]

Cirrus is a manufacturer. Is there actually a model name for the SR20, SR22 or SR22T? I'm not sure that controllers have much choice other than "Cirrus"

Well then I guess that wasn't a very good example then...

[Ryan B]

Cirrus is a manufacturer. Is there actually a model name for the SR20, SR22 or SR22T? I'm not sure that controllers have much choice other than "Cirrus"

Nope

By the way no one files S22T around here... Must be an east coast thing. You're either an SR22 or SR20

[Keith Smith]

I didn't realize the SR-22 Turbo had its own designation...turns out it does!

[mm007.emko]

Recently I've flown in BE35 (fork-tail Beech Bonanza), controller called me "Baron ...". The question is - does it really matters that much?

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Recently I've flown in BE35 (fork-tail Beech Bonanza), controller called me "Baron ...". The question is - does it really matters that much?

This was most likely in error as you are a Bonanza. It matters for when we give traffic pointouts so everyone knows what exactly to look for.

It happened to me while flying inbound my home base airport. Local reported that the "Cessna" I was to follow was off my right on a 2 mile base to final. This was of course one of many aircraft inbound FRG at the moment. As I looked, I did not notice any high wing aircraft on final but did see a Piper Cherokee. I questioned the controller as to the validity of his pointout by simply saying, "Republic Tower, negative contact with a Cessna; however, I do see a Piper Cherokee in that position. Verify traffic?" Sure enough, the controller was in error (it was very busy, totally understand) and he apologized and verified that that was indeed my traffic to follow.

As far as the nuances within the similar body type, I would think it matters especially when aircraft performance is taken into account. Whether I pointout a Warrior or an Archer doesn't matter; however, if I pointout a Bonanza vs a King AIR (both made by Beechcraft) it does make a difference as far as multiple engines, speed, wake displacement, etc. I would never just say "Beechcraft" especially when issuing a pointout or sequencing traffic for arrival or departure (as in either a takeoff or landing clearance).