Ground Station Call Signs — AIM 4-2-6 Explained

AIM Text

Pilots, when calling a ground station, should begin with the name of the facility being called followed by the type of the facility being called as indicated in TBL 4-2-1.

TBL 4-2-1
Calling a Ground Station

Facility	Call Sign
Airport UNICOM	“Shannon UNICOM”
FAA Flight Service Station	“Chicago Radio”
Airport Traffic Control Tower	“Augusta Tower”
Clearance Delivery Position (IFR)	“Dallas Clearance Delivery”
Ground Control Position in Tower	“Miami Ground”
Radar or Nonradar Approach Control Position	“Oklahoma City Approach”
Radar Departure Control Position	“St. Louis Departure”
FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center	“Washington Center”

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-2-6.

The short answer

This AIM section is FAA advisory phraseology guidance covering ground station call signs: when calling a ground station, pilots should begin with the facility name followed by the type of facility (for example “Miami Ground” or “Washington Center”) per TBL 4-2-1. It standardizes initial radio contact, supporting two-way communication under 14 CFR 91.123 and 91.129.

Research Notes

Common Questions

How do you address a control tower or ground control on the radio?

Begin with the facility name followed by the facility type, per AIM 4-2-6 and TBL 4-2-1. An airport traffic control tower is “Augusta Tower” and a ground control position is “Miami Ground.”

What do you call an FAA Flight Service Station on the radio?

TBL 4-2-1 in AIM 4-2-6 lists an FAA Flight Service Station call sign as “Chicago Radio” and an airport UNICOM as “Shannon UNICOM.” The format is the location name plus the facility type.

How do you call approach, departure, or center facilities?

Per TBL 4-2-1, a radar/nonradar approach control is “Oklahoma City Approach,” a radar departure control is “St. Louis Departure,” and an ARTCC is “Washington Center.” This is advisory guidance, not regulation.

4-2-6. Ground Station Call Signs