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Phonetic pronunciation of an N number

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 9 of 15 on Operations / Radio Communications. ACS element UA.V.A.K7 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONHow is the registration number N123AB pronounced in aviation terms using the ICAO phonetic alphabet?

  1. ANovember One-Twenty-Three-Alpha-Bravo
  2. BNovember One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo
  3. CNovember One-Two-Three-Bravo-Alpha
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. November One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo

  • A — incorrect The digits are spoken one at a time (One-Two-Three), not grouped as a number.
  • B — correct The study guide gives this exact pronunciation for N123AB: each letter is spoken with its phonetic word and each digit is spoken individually.
  • C — incorrect The letters must be spoken in the order they appear in the registration; AB is Alpha then Bravo.

BACKGROUND

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a phonetic alphabet that should be used in radio communications, and pilots use it to identify their aircraft when communicating with ATC. The study guide illustrates it with registration N123AB, pronounced 'November One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo'. Each letter is replaced with its phonetic word and each digit is spoken separately. The same words appear in the ATIS letter codes (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) and in self-announce broadcasts such as '123 Bravo Foxtrot'. Although a remote pilot is not expected to transmit, understanding the phonetic alphabet is necessary to follow the aviation language heard on the frequency.

STUDY TIP

Practice by converting your own small unmanned aircraft's registration into phonetic words; say the digits one at a time and keep the letters in order.

KEY POINTS

  • ICAO adopted the phonetic alphabet used in radio communications.
  • N123AB is spoken as November One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo.
  • Digits are spoken individually and letters stay in registration order.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Understanding Proper Radio Procedures"
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch7 "Aircraft Call Signs"
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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.