AIM

8/15/19

4

−

3

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28

Airport Operations

clearance is received or when commencing takeoff
roll at an airport without an operating control tower.

4

−

3

−

24. Flight Inspection/‘Flight Check’

Aircraft in Terminal Areas

a.

Flight check

 is a call sign used to alert pilots and

air traffic controllers when a FAA aircraft is engaged
in flight inspection/certification of NAVAIDs and
flight procedures. Flight check aircraft fly preplanned
high/low altitude flight patterns such as grids, orbits,
DME arcs, and tracks, including low passes along the
full length of the runway to verify NAVAID
performance.

b.

Pilots should be especially watchful and avoid

the flight paths of any aircraft using the call sign
“Flight Check.” These flights will normally receive
special handling from ATC. Pilot patience and
cooperation in allowing uninterrupted recordings can
significantly help expedite flight inspections, mini-
mize costly, repetitive runs, and reduce the burden on
the U.S. taxpayer.

4

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3

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25. Hand Signals

FIG 4

−

3

−

11

Signalman Directs Towing

SIGNALMAN

SIGNALMAN