AIM
4/3/14
4−2−4
Radio Communications Phraseology
b. Air Ambulance Flights.
Because of the priority afforded air ambulance flights
in the ATC system, extreme discretion is necessary
when using the term “MEDEVAC.” It is only
intended for those missions of an urgent medical
nature and to be utilized only for that portion of the
flight requiring expeditious handling. When re-
quested by the pilot, necessary notification to
expedite ground handling of patients, etc., is provided
by ATC; however, when possible, this information
should be passed in advance through non−ATC
communications systems.
1.
Civilian air ambulance flights responding to
medical emergencies (first call to an accident scene,
carrying patients, organ donors, organs, or other
urgently needed lifesaving medical material) will be
expedited by ATC when necessary. When expedi-
tious handling is necessary, include the word
“MEDEVAC” in the flight plan per paragraphs 5−1−8
and 5−1−9. In radio communications, use the call
sign“MEDEVAC,” followed by the aircraft registra-
tion letters/numbers.
EXAMPLE
−
MEDEVAC Two Six Four Six.
2.
Similar provisions have been made for the use
of “AIR EVAC” and “HOSP” by air ambulance
flights, except that these flights will receive priority
handling only when specifically requested.
3.
Air carrier and air taxi flights responding to
medical emergencies will also be expedited by ATC
when necessary. The nature of these medical
emergency flights usually concerns the transporta-
tion of urgently needed lifesaving medical materials
or vital organs. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE
COMPANY/PILOT DETERMINE, BY THE
NATURE/URGENCY OF THE SPECIFIC
MEDICAL CARGO, IF PRIORITY ATC ASSIST-
ANCE IS REQUIRED. Pilots must include the word
“MEDEVAC” in the flight plan per paragraphs 5−1−8
and 5−1−9, and use the call sign “MEDEVAC,”
followed by the company name and flight number for
all transmissions when expeditious handling is
required. It is important for ATC to be aware of
“MEDEVAC” status, and it is the pilot’s responsibil-
ity to ensure that this information is provided to ATC.
EXAMPLE
−
MEDEVAC Delta Thirty
−Seven.
c. Student Pilots Radio Identification.
1.
The FAA desires to help student pilots in
acquiring sufficient practical experience in the
environment in which they will be required to
operate. To receive additional assistance while
operating in areas of concentrated air traffic, student
pilots need only identify themselves as a student pilot
during their initial call to an FAA radio facility.
EXAMPLE
−
Dayton tower, Fleetwing One Two Three Four, student
pilot.
2.
This special identification will alert FAA
ATC personnel and enable them to provide student
pilots with such extra assistance and consideration as
they may need. It is recommended that student pilots
identify themselves as such, on initial contact with
each clearance delivery prior to taxiing, ground
control, tower, approach and departure control
frequency, or FSS contact.
4
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2
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5. Description of Interchange or
Leased Aircraft
a.
Controllers issue traffic information based on
familiarity with airline equipment and color/
markings. When an air carrier dispatches a flight
using another company’s equipment and the pilot
does not advise the terminal ATC facility, the possible
confusion in aircraft identification can compromise
safety.
b.
Pilots flying an “interchange” or “leased”
aircraft not bearing the colors/markings of the
company operating the aircraft should inform the
terminal ATC facility on first contact the name of the
operating company and trip number, followed by the
company name as displayed on the aircraft, and
aircraft type.
EXAMPLE
−
Air Cal Three Eleven, United (interchange/lease),
Boeing Seven Two Seven.
4
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2
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6. Ground Station Call Signs
Pilots, when calling a ground station, should begin
with the name of the facility being called followed by
the type of the facility being called as indicated in