OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
San Andreas Aviation Administration
Date: January 19, 2025
Subject: Guidance on the use of Custom Callsigns
Initiated By: OCG-100
1. Purpose
This Advisory Circular (AC) provides a set of guidelines on the use of custom callsigns by aircraft operators within the airspace of the State of San Andreas, as authorized by the San Andreas Aviation Administration (SAAA). The purpose of this AC is to inform, and place the aviation community on notice of the new guidelines for obtaining and utilizing custom callsigns.
2. Background
The SAAA understands and recognizes the benefits of allowing aircraft operators to utilize custom callsigns, including enhanced aircraft identification, and a greater sense of individuality amongst operators. This AC outlines the criteria, procedures, and considerations for the use of custom callsigns within the State of San Andreas.
Section IV, Clause 1 of the San Andreas Aviation Code prohibits the use of any callsign other than the designated aircraft's tail number when operating radio equipment in an Aircraft in the State of San Andreas, unless the aircraft has a valid permit from the SAAA to be identified under a different callsign in addition to the tail number.
Section II, Subsection C of the State Aviation Act of 2021 empowers and directs the San Andreas Aviation Administration to foster the development of civil aeronautics and air commerce in San Andreas. Section IV, Subsection C of the Act further authorizes the SAAA to prescribe rules and regulations governing the identification of aircraft.
3. Eligibility and Criteria
Government Agencies
- Custom callsigns for government agencies should reflect the agency's mission or function (e.g., "Sheriff's Air 21," "Police Air 20," "Fire 15").
- Government agencies whose primary purpose is that of public safety (e.g., law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services) are exempt from the application process outlined below.
- All other government agencies, who do not meet the above criteria must complete the application process.
- Government agencies whose primary purpose is that of public safety (e.g., law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services) are exempt from the application process outlined below.
- Custom callsigns for corporations should be directly related to the corporation's name or brand (e.g., "IMEX-AIR 25," "SkyBound 1").
- Commercial Air Carriers may use a common callsign (such as "IMEX") with a variable number up to 4 characters, the variable number may have various means (aircraft registration number, flight number, fleet number, etc.)
Private Pilots
- Use of custom callsigns must be:
- Concise and easy to pronounce.
- Unique and unlikely to cause confusion with other aircraft or agencies.
- In accordance with SAAA regulations regarding the use of profanity or offensive language.
- Reflect the pilot's personal or professional interests (e.g., "HighFlyer," "WingmanMike").
Applications for custom callsigns can be submitted electronically through the "Aircraft & Callsign Registration" section of the SAAA website. When an aircraft is registered, and assigned a tail number, they may also register for, and receive a custom callsign to accompany said tail number. Each application must provide the proposed custom callsign, as well as any and all justification for the chosen callsign.
Each callsign is subject to review by the SAAA to ensure compliance with these guidelines, and may, upon review require additional information or revisions prior to approval.
5. Renewal
Custom callsigns must be renewed annually. Renewal applications can be submitted electronically to the SAAA by appending a renewal application to the aircrafts current registration. Renewal applications should be submitted within 30 days prior to the expiration date of the current callsign. Late renewals are subject to temporary suspension of the custom callsign.
6. Callsign Assignment and Usage
Custom callsigns are assigned to the aircraft itself, and are not assigned to the individual pilot. Upon approval, the assigned custom callsign will be recorded in the SAAA aircraft registry.
- This policy does not supersede or contradict any existing rules or policies regarding callsign usage established by government agencies whose primary purpose is that of emergency services. Such agencies may continue to utilize custom callsigns assigned to individual operators within their respective organizations, provided such callsigns comply with all other applicable SAAA regulations.
7. Enforcement
The SAAA reserves the right to revoke or modify approved custom callsigns if they are found to be in violation of these guidelines, pose a safety risk, an operators license is revoked, or in lieu of any other disciplinary action required or taken by the SAAA against an operator, corporation, or entity. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in penalties as outlined in the State Aviation Act of 2021, the San Andreas Aviation Code, or the San Andreas Penal Code, where applicable.
8. Disclaimer
This AC provides guidance on the use of custom callsigns within the State of San Andreas. It is not intended to be a substitute for applicable federal regulations or other SAAA rules.
Effective Date and Prior Termination This circular, each of its separate provisions, and the use of custom callsigns is effective immediately. Any custom callsigns issued prior to issuance of this circular are hereby permanently revoked, null, and void.
Each operator, government agency, or corporation which requires or would request a custom callsign must submit a new application, appended to their current registration, with their requested callsign and justification.
