AIM Text
- Controllers issue traffic information based on familiarity with airline equipment and color/markings. When an air carrier dispatches a flight using another company's equipment and the pilot does not advise the terminal ATC facility, the possible confusion in aircraft identification can compromise safety.
- Pilots flying an “interchange” or “leased” aircraft not bearing the colors/markings of the company operating the aircraft should inform the terminal ATC facility on first contact the name of the operating company and trip number, followed by the company name as displayed on the aircraft, and aircraft type.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-2-5.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on identifying interchange or leased aircraft. Because controllers issue traffic based on familiarity with airline equipment and color/markings, pilots flying an aircraft not bearing the operating company’s colors should tell terminal ATC on first contact the operating company and trip number, the company name displayed on the aircraft, and the aircraft type. It supports two-way communication under 14 CFR 91.123.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What should I tell ATC when flying a leased or interchange aircraft?
Per AIM 4-2-5, inform terminal ATC on first contact: the operating company name and trip number, followed by the company name displayed on the aircraft, and the aircraft type — for example, “Air Cal Three Eleven, United (interchange/lease), Boeing Seven Two Seven.”
Why does it matter if the aircraft’s markings don’t match the operating company?
AIM 4-2-5 notes controllers issue traffic information based on familiarity with airline equipment and color/markings. If the pilot does not advise the facility, confusion in aircraft identification can compromise safety.
When does this interchange/lease callout apply?
When an air carrier dispatches a flight using another company’s equipment that does not bear the operating company’s colors/markings. AIM 4-2-5 is advisory guidance recommending the pilot make this clear on first contact.