Using a callsign

[ilovecornfields]

So, I’ve heard more people on the radio using a “Foreflight” callsign so after eating my high fiber cereal I did some “research” and was happy to find that my ridiculously expensive Foreflight subscription (even with the 30% off with SAFE or NAFI) includes it. All I had to do was email them and fill out a form and two days later they sent me my very own callsign. Apparently the FAA also has a program so I can get a new ADS-B code to put in my transponder and then I’ll be totally anonymous to those bored souls who would actually care to track me.

I figured out how to program my transponder with the new callsign and how to file it, so my only question is when can I use it? Is it only when I’m on an IFR flight plan or can I use it anytime VFR instead of my N number? 
 

The data is preliminary, but I think ATC is nicer to me now that I have a cool callsign. Now I just have to get a Nomex flight suit to go with it and start flying formation with some of the local RV pilots.

[Bob R]

1 hour ago, ilovecornfields said:

So, I’ve heard more people on the radio using a “Foreflight” callsign so after eating my high fiber cereal I did some “research” and was happy to find that my ridiculously expensive Foreflight subscription (even with the 30% off with SAFE or NAFI) includes it. All I had to do was email them and fill out a form and two days later they sent me my very own callsign. Apparently the FAA also has a program so I can get a new ADS-B code to put in my transponder and then I’ll be totally anonymous to those bored souls who would actually care to track me.

I figured out how to program my transponder with the new callsign and how to file it, so my only question is when can I use it? Is it only when I’m on an IFR flight plan or can I use it anytime VFR instead of my N number? 
 

The data is preliminary, but I think ATC is nicer to me now that I have a cool callsign. Now I just have to get a Nomex flight suit to go with it and start flying formation with some of the local RV pilots.

Interested to hear about this as well. Garmin Pilot has this feature but never even thought of using it.

[EricJ]

The flight schools around here use their call signs all the time, VFR, primary training, whatever.    When I did my MEI I had to remember we were "Aviator 9" and not the tail number on the panel.   The local warbird group has call signs as well and use them a lot.

I've no qualms using my tail number, but if I could get any call sign I wanted this would be on the list:
 

 

Edited May 19, 2022 by EricJ

[N201MKTurbo]

2 minutes ago, EricJ said:

The flight schools around here use their call signs all the time, VFR, primary training, whatever.    When I did my MEI I had to remember we were "Aviator 9" and not the tail number on the panel.   The local warbird group has call signs as well and use them a lot.

I've no qualms using my tail number, but if I could get any call sign I wanted this would be on the list:
 

 

You can't say that on Mooneyspace!

[ilovecornfields]

52 minutes ago, Bob R said:

Interested to hear about this as well. Garmin Pilot has this feature but never even thought of using it.

Just noticed that my flights show up on flightaware now. My tail number was “private” so it just didn’t show up but when I use the Foreflight call sign you can see the flight. I guess this would be a way of deciding if you want to let people track you or not if you’re meeting up somewhere.

[Pinecone]

The point is, with the callsign, it can be separated from your personal info.  They can track your flight, but don't know who you are.

You can also take the next step and be invisible on the tracking sites.

As for using the call sign, I fly for CAP, and we use call signs all the time.

Edited May 20, 2022 by Pinecone

[ilovecornfields]

I’m already blocked on the sites. I guess the next step is getting an anonymous hex code.

I found the answer:

Q: WHAT KIND OF FLIGHTS AM I ALLOWED TO USE MY FOREFLIGHT CALL SIGN ON?

A: You can use your call sign on any VFR or IFR flight plan within the U.S. airspace. If your flight leaves U.S. airspace at any point then you may not use your call sign on that flight.

Q: DO I HAVE TO FILE A FLIGHT PLAN IN ORDER TO USE MY FOREFLIGHT CALL SIGN ON THAT FLIGHT?

A: No, you can use your call sign on VFR flights that you do not file. ATC will still refer to you by your call sign if you contact them during the flight.

 

https://foreflight.com/support/call-signs/

[0TreeLemur]

A few years ago we volunteered with an organization to deliver humanitarian aid.  When performing that function we were instructed to use call sign "Careflight XXXX".  It seemed that controllers were kinder and gentler.

[211º]

I wonder if Air Force 3 is a reserved name? It might provide expedited routing.

[Hank]

12 minutes ago, 0TreeLemur said:

A few years ago we volunteered with an organization to deliver humanitarian aid.  When performing that function we were instructed to use call sign "Careflight XXXX".  It seemed that controllers were kinder and gentler.

I had the same feeling as "Compassion XXX" delivering hurricane relief supplies.

What type of callsigns does Foreflight create? I use Avare and put the FF subscription costs into CFII time.

[EricJ]

53 minutes ago, 211º said:

I wonder if Air Force 3 is a reserved name? It might provide expedited routing.

"Air Force" may already be in use. 

[ilovecornfields]

2 hours ago, Hank said:

I had the same feeling as "Compassion XXX" delivering hurricane relief supplies.

What type of callsigns does Foreflight create? I use Avare and put the FF subscription costs into CFII time.

It’s just “Foreflight 1234” or whatever number they give you.

[Hank]

5 minutes ago, ilovecornfields said:

It’s just “Foreflight 1234” or whatever number they give you.

So safe and boring . . . .

[ArtVandelay]

The point is, with the callsign, it can be separated from your personal info.  They can track your flight, but don't know who you are.
You can also take the next step and be invisible on the tracking sites.
As for using the call sign, I fly for CAP, and we use call signs all the time.

I don’t think that works with adsb exchange site, they key off transponder code, not tail number or callsign, and that you can either get curiosity of FAA or just find out when your target lands at an airport (use liveatc to get time of arrival) and check adsb data for what code you’re using.
You would need to be able to dynamically change transponder code for every flight.

[Mooney Dog]

20 hours ago, ilovecornfields said:

when can I use it? Is it only when I’m on an IFR flight plan or can I use it anytime VFR instead of my N number? 

From Foreflight's own website.

Q: WHAT KIND OF FLIGHTS AM I ALLOWED TO USE MY FOREFLIGHT CALL SIGN ON?

A: You can use your call sign on any VFR or IFR flight plan within the U.S. airspace. If your flight leaves U.S. airspace at any point then you may not use your call sign on that flight.

 

These callsigns also help with PDC if you use that at one of the 70 or so participating airports. 

Edited May 20, 2022 by Mooney Dog

[midlifeflyer]

I don't  really care about the limited anonymity. I got mine mostly to test out the ability to get PDC in the airports which have it no matter what airplane I am flying, Now I use it periodically just so I can keep it.

[ilovecornfields]

3 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

I don’t think that works with adsb exchange site, they key off transponder code, not tail number or callsign, and that you can either get curiosity of FAA or just find out when your target lands at an airport (use liveatc to get time of arrival) and check adsb data for what code you’re using.
You would need to be able to dynamically change transponder code for every flight.

You can get a Mode S code not linked to your tail number once you get your call sign to complete the process:

Once you are registered with the FAA for PIA, the FAA will assign you a new Hex Code and Tail Number to enter into your transponder. You will use those assigned codes for your PIA flights. That data will be what is shown on Flight Aware.

You can learn more about the registration process here: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/privacy/

[Niko182]

Whats stopping anyone from using a childish call sign?

asking for a friend.

[M20F]

I have been using Maverick for years, see my new movie out soon. 

[Mooney Dog]

2 hours ago, Niko182 said:

Whats stopping anyone from using a childish call sign?

asking for a friend.

They do have to be approved sadly. I looked into it. 

[The Other Red Baron]

With ADSB Exchange I'm not convinced any of these privacy measures are worth anything unless none of these rich folk know how to hire someone to set it up properly.  From what I have seen anything appearing as BLOCKED, or only the type of aircraft, or even not appearing at all on Flightradar24 or Flightaware has always shown up clear as day on ADSB exchange.

I was looking into this for a few weeks recently and couldn't find a way to have some privacy in flight.  Even the big boys with big pockets seem vulnerable.  I'd love for someone to prove me wrong though.

[EricJ]

3 hours ago, Mooney Dog said:

They do have to be approved sadly. I looked into it. 

Apparently there's even different levels of approval.   One of the local flight schools initially got approved for call sign use at their home airport, and then later for everything beyond that.   

[ilovecornfields]

25 minutes ago, The Other Red Baron said:

With ADSB Exchange I'm not convinced any of these privacy measures are worth anything unless none of these rich folk know how to hire someone to set it up properly.  From what I have seen anything appearing as BLOCKED, or only the type of aircraft, or even not appearing at all on Flightradar24 or Flightaware has always shown up clear as day on ADSB exchange.

I was looking into this for a few weeks recently and couldn't find a way to have some privacy in flight.  Even the big boys with big pockets seem vulnerable.  I'd love for someone to prove me wrong though.

Try this link:

ADS-B Privacy (faa.gov)

With the callsign and anonymous hex code I think you get pretty good privacy. Someone could still track your flight but it wouldn't be linked to you. I just applied for my PIA code so I'll see if it works. It actually wasn't that difficult, probably took 30 minutes total + 1 flight to produce the PAPR report.. 

[The Other Red Baron]

2 minutes ago, ilovecornfields said:

Try this link:

ADS-B Privacy (faa.gov)

With the callsign and anonymous hex code I think you get pretty good privacy. Someone could still track your flight but it wouldn't be linked to you. I just applied for my PIA code so I'll see if it works. It actually wasn't that difficult, probably took 30 minutes total + 1 flight to produce the PAPR report.. 

I don't have the fancy Foreflight subscription otherwise I'd try it out.  Let us know how it goes and make sure someone is trying to spot you on adsb exchange when you test it.

[midlifeflyer]

7 hours ago, ilovecornfields said:

Try this link:

ADS-B Privacy (faa.gov)

With the callsign and anonymous hex code I think you get pretty good privacy. Someone could still track your flight but it wouldn't be linked to you. I just applied for my PIA code so I'll see if it works. It actually wasn't that difficult, probably took 30 minutes total + 1 flight to produce the PAPR report.. 

we have a feed on a video screen at out airport which pulls data to show what airplanes are taking off and landing. I know someone with a FFID/PIA combo. What we see is an unrelated N-Number. 
Makes sense that something shows up. One purpose of TIS-B is to see other traffic so something has to. If we can see it it can be tracked. And if someone works in it, I guess they can find out what airplane is associated with the munged N-Number.