Page 1 of 3

Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:16 am
by David MacRay
Do you get to use your call signs talking with the military controllers?

That would be pretty fun. They should totally let civilians do that. "Springbank ground this is "call sign" I'd like to taxi for a run up, then depart VFR to Red Deer with information delta."

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 6:24 am
by Nark1
Can I play??  (Pesky helicopter aviator here)

No, we don't use callsigns on the radio.

"Callsigns" are on the ground/in the bar only.

For air traffic control callsigns, we use squadron (Battalion for us Army dudes) assigned ones.  For example, my unit in the US uses: "Lance."  As PIC I was able to chose a number (I'm "82")
So if you hear "Lance 82" that's me, and no one else.
Formation flights, we use the lead's callsign, since they normally are assigned with ATC duties. "Lance 82 flight" may be 2 or 10 aircraft.


Now, over yonder were we drop bombs on bad guys, squadrons/battalions call signs change.  The list and tasking order is classified, so I can't tell you specifics, but the concept changes. So if you hear "Lance 82" that isn't me.

Clear as mud?

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 10:56 am
by David MacRay
Thank you. That's still more fun than "November 8 2." Or other registration.

I was thinking about how I have flown a lot of different registrations but typically know the one I'm using at the time. Of course that resulted in me using the wrong letter in a call last flight.

The radio gene thread made me wonder if "This is Mavrick, I have the ball." Or that sort of thing was accurate. I have a vague understanding that a guy landing on a carrier would "call the ball." I was wondering about call signs.

I predict it will never happen but.. If I hear "Lance 82" while flying, provided the radio allows and it's not too busy, I'm probably going to say, "No way!" Then I will key the mike and say, "Naaaark." In some sort of Jeff Spicoli like manner.

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:28 pm
by Colonel
My father used to be "Musket 47". 

I have no idea what that meant.

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 8:53 pm
by John Swallow
"I have no idea what that meant."

I do, but if I told you, I'd have to kill you.  (;>0)

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 9:07 pm
by Colonel
Not sure if that was when he was at CEPE or the OTU.

I think CEPE?  Maybe weapons test?

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:56 am
by Fendermandan
When I fly thermal survey mission, I am HOT7. Hehe

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 10:09 am
by cgzro
Didnt “Musket 47”  bestow “Captain Chaos” on one of his uppity offspring :)

better than hyphen-boy..

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 3:27 pm
by John Swallow
Andrew:

When on the "Bluenose" squadron overseas, my call sign was "Hornet 69".  I remember the prefix "Musket" from somewhere but can't remember where...  (Probably Cold Lake)

j

Re: Questions for fighter pilots.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 6:05 pm
by David MacRay
[quote author=cgzro link=topic=7457.msg20574#msg20574 date=1510654174]
Didnt “Musket 47”  bestow “Captain Chaos” on one of his uppity offspring :)

better than hyphen-boy..
[/quote]

Is he named after Don Lykins?

Is there a story behind "hyphen-boy.."? I'd like to read it, even if it's not a great story.