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You are the Pilot-In-Command of a Commercial Air Transport flight operated by European Airlines. The aircraft type is a Boeing 747 with the registration mark OK-ABC. The flight number is 941 and the telephony designator of the Operator is pronounced as ‘’E-line’’. Which of the following is a correct initial full call sign for your flight?

  • A

    E-LINE ABC

  • B

    European 941

  • C

    747 Jumbo OBC Heavy

  • D

    Boeing OKABC Heavy

Be careful:

  • The question asks for the "initial full call sign".
  • The question states that the aircraft is a Boeing 747 - which is in the HEAVY wake category.

Looking at the answers:

'E-LINE ABC' --> INCORRECT. Missing 'Heavy' which is required on the first call

'European 941' --> INCORRECT. Missing 'Heavy' which is required on the first call

'747 Jumbo OBC Heavy' --> INCORRECT. 747 Jumbo? Use of the manufacturer's name is fine, but not the aircraft's nickname.

'Boeing OKABC Heavy' --> CORRECT. This meets all the requirements for an initial first call using a full sign. The name of the aircraft manufacturer (or aircraft model) can be used as a prefix to the full registration. More information from the regulation below.


ICAO Annex 10
Volume II - Chapter 5
5.2.1.7.2 Radiotelephony call signs for aircraft
5.2.1.7.2.1 Full call signs

5.2.1.7.2.1.1 An aircraft radiotelephony call sign shall be one of the following types:

Type a) The characters corresponding to the registration marking of the aircraft; or
Type b) The telephony designator of the aircraft operating agency, followed by the last four characters of the registration marking of the aircraft;
Type c) The telephony designator of the aircraft operating agency, followed by the flight identification.

Note 1: The name of the aircraft manufacturer or of the aircraft model may be used as radiotelephony prefix to the Type a) call sign.
Note 2: The telephony designators referred to in Types b) and c) are contained in Doc 8585 - Designators for Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services.
Note 3: Any of the foregoing call signs may be inserted in field 7 of the ICAO flight plan as the aircraft identification. Instructions on the completion of the flight plan form are contained in PANS- ATM, Doc 4444.

Table 5-1 Examples of full call signs and abbreviated call signs

Type a) Type b)Type c)
Full call signN57826CESSNA FABCDCITATION FABCDVARIG PVMASCANDINAVIAN 937

Your Notes (not visible to others)



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