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.
Research Notes
AIM 4-2-5 covers contact procedures with ATC — the format and sequence for initiating radio contact with a controller.
The initial call format: The standard first call to a new facility:
[Facility name], [Aircraft type] [Call sign], [Position], [Altitude], [Request or report]
Example: "Anchorage Approach, Cessna Two-Three-Uniform, ten miles south of Birchwood at 4,500, request flight following to Talkeetna."
The two-step contact: For some facilities (Class B, busy Approach), the initial call is just facility + aircraft. Wait for the controller to acknowledge with your call sign before stating the full request. This avoids transmitting a long request that the controller might not be ready to process.
What goes in the position report: Reference to a published fix, VOR radial/distance, or geographic landmark. "Ten miles southeast of Big Lake" is fine. "Over my house" is not.
The frequency change procedure: When changing frequencies, set the new one on the standby radio first. Read back the new frequency when ATC issues it ("contact Approach one-two-five point eight"). Switch the active and standby ("flip-flop"). Then transmit on the new frequency.
Reference: AIM 4-2-5; FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary.