FAA Addresses Use of Special Aircraft Callsigns

FAA Joint Order JO 7210.878, which takes effect on March 15, 2015, amends the existing order on the use of special aircraft callsigns. The goal is to offer operators that have an appropriate letter of authorization to use local callsigns for local operations under both IFR and VFR. The existing order is restricted to VFR flights. Guidance is provided for the authorization and assignment of special callsigns for those operators that need special call signs for IFR operations outside the local area. Operators will not normally be assigned a three-letter identifier to prevent conflicting with those already published by ICAO.