Changes to ICAO and FAA call sign requirements are prompting a new procedure for pilots using the compassion call sign and CMF identifier on public benefit flights, the Air Care Alliance (ACA) announced this week. Effective December 15, the new procedure requires pilots of authorized volunteer pilot groups using the call sign to register for a discrete compassion call sign through the ACA website instead of the previous filing procedure using a portion of the pilot’s aircraft registration number.
“ACA has worked with the FAA on behalf of volunteer pilot organizations to develop a process that meets the new requirements and allows the pilots to continue using the 'compassion' call sign,” said ACA chairman and founder Rol Murrow. Pilots should become familiar with the new procedures for use and take measures to avoid call sign mismatch, according to ACA. After January 1, a pilot-programmable ADS-B Out transponder will be required for use of the call sign in designated airspace.
“This requires the pilot to be able to edit the flight ID on their ADS-B Out unit,” Murrow advised. “The good news is that most units can be edited by the pilot; they may just require the feature to be enabled by an avionics shop.”
Use of the compassion call sign allows volunteer pilots to identify to ATC that they are bona fide public benefit flights, providing a measure of safety and security for passengers with special needs that might result in better routing and special handling for the pilot.