"Tango" Call Signs

[AV8RBOY]

Per AIM 4-2-4 (4):

[Air Taxi of other commercial operators not having FAA authorized call signs should prefix their normal identification with the phonetic word "Tango." Example: Tango Aztec Two Four Six Four Alpha.]

I know of several charter operators in my area that do not use "Tango" with their N-numbers, even though they do not have FAA authorized call signs. Any charter guys/gals out there using "Tango" and know what the big deal is about filing/flying under a "Tango" call sign?

On an associated note... Since the AIM says that "Tango" call signs **SHOULD** be used, but there is not regulation requiring it, it would appear that the use of these call signs is not mandatory. However, it is my understanding that unless there is a compelling reason for non-compliance, anything the AIM says should happen SHOULD happen. I can't imagine a compelling reason not to do this, other than just being too lazy to put a "T" before your N-number on the flight plan. Comments please!

 

[minitour]

Tango = Code for "Ramp check here, please."

I don't use tango when filing/flying.

-mini

 

[Skillet]

Tango = Code for "Ramp check here, please."

That's funny :yup:

 

[ricecakecm]

I never used the Tango prefix in 2.5 years of flying 135 at my last job. Don't use it at my current job either, but we have a company callsign.

 

[minitour]

I never used the Tango prefix in 2.5 years of flying 135 at my last job. Don't use it at my current job either, but we have a company callsign.

We did have a callsign at the last place, but don't at this place. We're trying to push "Bottom feeder" through as our callsign, but can't get anyone to move on it.

-mini

 

[Crockrocket94]

haha what company is this mini?

 

[TFaudree_ERAU]

haha what company is this mini?

Seagravy

Least that's what I think he's talking about

Also, to the OP. There is a difference between an air taxi operator and an on demand charter operator. Maybe the company in question is the latter.

It has been a while since I freshened up on the 135 regs, but I believe an air taxi operator has a route schedule but is limited to a certain number of flights per day/week/month.

 

[AV8RBOY]

Also, to the OP. There is a difference between an air taxi operator and an on demand charter operator. Maybe the company in question is the latter.

Yes, I do work for an on-demand operator. I misquoted the AIM in my original post; it should have said: "Air Taxi AND other commercial operators not having FAA approved call signs" must file this way.

As a side note, I have heard back from my CP on this. He personally files this way on every 135 flight leg. Per his email to me, the "Tango" call signs were a way after 911 of getting charter flights back in the air, since they were some of the first allowed flights. However, as he and others pointed out, this is a flag to the FAA to ramp check. After 911, the CP said his was ramped 4 times in as many days.

We also fly lifeguard legs. Per the CP, this is the only acceptable time we should not be filing this way, other than Part 91 legs.

Also, another interesting observation: Companies that use approved call signs, like "Flightworks", use those call signs irregardless of whether the leg is 91 or 135. Go figure!

 

[FlyinTim]

Amen to that

 

[ppragman]

I use tango when I'm going someplace that isn't accustomed to seeing my operation around, otherwise I use my company call sign.