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Wierd Airline Callsigns…Say What?
By miller22 | May 7, 2008
To reduce confusion, callsigns are used by air traffic control to designate an aircraft, and is typically phrased as the callsign then flight number. For example, Delta 202 would refer to Delta Air Lines flight 202. Likewise, American 128 refers to American Airline flight 128. But what about Brickyard 6557, or Speedbird 119? What is the true story behind these odd callsigns?
“Speedbird”
In a nice bit of nostalgia, British Airways retained their “Speedbird” callsign from their original logo back from when they were still called BOAC. (Hint: it’s just to the left of the “BOAC”).
“Candler” and “Acey”
Atlantic Southeast Airlines was founded by the then head of Coca-Cola, Asa Candler. This solves the mystery of the “Candler” call-sign, but what about “Acey”? Turns out, before “Candler”, the airline used the Atlantic SouthEast Airilnes name to produce the ASEA acronym. Once the name was switched back, it was only natural to use the original callsign, but spelled more phonetically. “Acey” is now the latest callsign for ASA.
“Clipper”
When I tell you this callsign belonged to Pan-American Airlines, it should be obvious where they got the name. For a trip down memory lane, check out this post about Pan-Am’s famous Flying Clippers that explains it all.
“Redwood”
Richard Branson never leaves a marketing opportunity behind, and with the growing popularity of going green, the callsign was a perfect candidate to advertise Branson’s new product. Factor in that Virgin America is based in Northern California, and the reasoning for the “Redwood” callsign becomes clear.
“Critter”
Not the most endearing of names, I must admit I’m basing this on rumors and conjecture. Valujet was known for that little playful looking “critter” painted on the side of their airplanes. Think that’s bad? During the transition to Airtran, they used the name “Manatee”.
“Citrus”
Born from “Critter” and “Manatee,” Airtran could not use the callsign “Airtran” because it was too close to American Trans Air’s “Amtran” callsign. Of course, Citrus referred to the destination of most of its passengers to leisure destinations where citrus was grown. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear this one referred to as “Citerus.” No further comment, your honor.
“Brickyard”
Race fans should be able to deduce where Republic Airways found their callsign. Would it help if I said they were based in Indianapolis?
“Windy City”
There should be no mystery about where this airline called home, but not many people know this airline. Chicago Express was a connection carrier that flew Saab 340’s for ATA (which is now gone as well). Their main base? You guessed it. Chicago Midway.
“BlueStreak”
Speaking of nostalgia, one of US Airways feeder airlines carries the name of PSA, one of several airlines merged into US Airways. This airline was given the “BlueStreak” callsign after ATC noticed blue streaks coming from the lavatory service doors on it’s aircraft. Actually, that’s a lie. I have no idea where they got the name.
Of course, I’ve missed quite a few, but I’ve left that to the comments section. So I’ll test the airline knowledge of those who read this blog. What airline’s callsigns are (were) “Hustler” and “Waterski?” For extra credit, why would a merger between Chautauqua and PSA never work?
Till next time…
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jtack
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paul
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shawn
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Eric
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David Aspirator