The following is from Spool-Up on AvCom:
Quote:
A number of different call-sign systems used by the SAAF:
1. "W24F" (letter,no, no, letter). Known as a mission number and allocated by the command and control system. The pilot will file this in place of a civilian registration on the ATC flightplan. Mission numbers are not sortie related, and are chosen from a list of available numbers for the day.
2. Aircraft numbers are not used during any radio calls.
3. "Piranha", "Texas", etc are the pilot's personal call-signs. Allocated for training (non-operational) sorties only, and usually decided on by one's squadron mates. The call-sign gets approved by HQ, and is logged against the pilot's name in the command and control system. Almost all squadrons... Not just the fighter squadrons, use this system. Will also be used in place of a registration on an ATC FLPN, as will those below.
4. Formation call-signs... "Blue formation"... Blue leader, Blue two, Blue three... Etc.
5. "South African 1 /2 / 3"... Etc... SAAF VIP / IP transport missions (normally 21 Sqn, but also choppers / Hercs / Caravans etc sometimes.
6. "LMG 233"... SAAF transport missions.
6. "Pelican 14": 35 Sqn maritime missions.
There are others, particularly during times of war.
Used to work this way.....
From Bushman:
Quote:
Just something more on the LMG callsigns: On flightplans, etc it is written as LMG XXX. On radio it is "South African XXX". The first XX denotes the Sqn, such as 28 or 41. The last X indicates who is on board. 1 is obviously the president, 2 dep pres, etc. This is set for 1 to 5. From 6 onwards is used for other VIPs or flights over the borders.
Other unique callsigns are: Anything prefixed with a R (will be "Rescue" in stead of Romeo); and P (will be "Pelican" in stead of Papa). R is obviously for rescue and humanitarean aid missions, while P is for maritime patrol missions.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Very interesting to take note - now I shall have a better idea of the mission a SAAF aircraft is on when listening in.
