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Call sign of a light GA airplane

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 8 of 15 on Operations / Radio Communications. ACS element UA.V.A.K6 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA light general aviation airplane registered N123AB is operating near a non-towered airport. According to the Remote Pilot Study Guide, how would its call sign most likely be spoken on the radio?

  1. AThe manufacturer's name, then One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo
  2. BThe aircraft's model name, then One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo
  3. CThe airline company name, then the flight number
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The manufacturer's name, then One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo

  • A — correct The guide says that for a light general aviation aircraft, 'November' is usually replaced by the manufacturer's name, followed by the rest of the registration in the phonetic alphabet.
  • B — incorrect The model is used in the call sign for heavier general aviation aircraft such as a turbo-prop or turbo-jet, not for a light airplane.
  • C — incorrect Company name plus flight number is the pattern airliners typically use; a light general aviation airplane uses its registration number.

BACKGROUND

All aircraft registered in the United States have a unique registration number, or 'N' number. Registration N123AB is pronounced in aviation terms with the phonetic alphabet as 'November One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo'. In most cases, 'November' is replaced by either the manufacturer's name (make) or the type of aircraft (model). For a light general aviation aircraft, the manufacturer's name is usually used; for a heavier general aviation aircraft such as a turbo-prop or turbo-jet, the model is used. Airliners typically use their company name and flight number. A remote pilot who recognizes these patterns can tell what kind of aircraft is operating nearby.

STUDY TIP

Work in two steps: decide what replaces 'November' (make for light GA, model for heavier GA, company name for airlines), then spell the remaining characters phonetically.

KEY POINTS

  • A light GA aircraft call sign uses the manufacturer's name in place of 'November'.
  • Heavier GA aircraft use the model; airliners use company name and flight number.
  • The rest of the registration is spoken with the phonetic alphabet.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Aircraft Call Signs"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON OPERATIONS / RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.