Call Sign Application

Call Sign FAQs

 

Q: Which subscription do I need to have to register for a ForeFlight Call Sign?

A: ForeFlight Call Signs are available to customers on Performance Plus or Business Performance.

Q: Do I need to pay extra to register for a ForeFlight Call Sign?

A: No, a call sign is available as part of the Performance Plus or Business Performance plans at no extra charge.  However, you may be billed for overflight charges that ForeFlight receives in association with your call sign.

Q: What do ForeFlight Call Signs look like?

A: Every ForeFlight Call Sign begins with the designator ‘FFL’ followed by a series of numbers (ex. FFL1234). When communicating with ATC, use the telephony ForeFlight followed by the number (ex. ForeFlight one two three four) to identify the flight.

Q: How will ATC refer to me during a flight that I filed with a ForeFlight Call Sign?

A: During a flight as “ForeFlight….” (ex. ForeFlight1234).

Q: Can I use a ForeFlight Call Sign on IFR and VFR flights?

A: You can use your call sign on both VFR and IFR flight plans within the U.S. airspace. If your flight leaves U.S. airspace at any point then you may not use your call sign on that flight.

Q: Do I have to file a flight plan in order to use my ForeFlight Call Sign on that flight?

A: No, you can use your call sign on VFR flights that you do not file. ATC will still refer to you by your call sign if you contact them during the flight.

Q: If I receive an overflight charge when using my Callsign, how will ForeFlight handle that?

A: If ForeFlight receives an overflight charge or other charge associated with your assigned callsign, we will bill your card on file. You can find receipts for these transactions on your account at https://foreflight.com.

Q: How long will it take after registering before I can start using my ForeFlight Call Sign?

A: ForeFlight Call Signs are assigned after receipt of your registration form. Our team will send you a confirmation of registration with your designated call sign.

Q: How do I file with a callsign in ForeFlight?

A: Take a look at this article for a step-by-step guide to filing flight plans with call signs in ForeFlight.

Q: If I register for a callsign, am I required to use it on every flight?

A: No. It is up to you whether you want to file with the callsign for a flight.

Q: Do I need to file in ForeFlight when I’m using my ForeFlight Callsign?

A: Yes. You MUST file your flight plan through ForeFlight when you are using your ForeFlight callsign. You must also specify the actual FAA registration number in the REG/ subfield.

Q: I use my ForeFlight callsign in a country other than the USA?

A: No. ForeFlight’s ICAO registered 3LD/telephony (FFL/FOREFLIGHT) is authorized by the FAA only for third party flights in FAA controlled airspace within United States Flight Information Region (FIR) boundaries including Oceanic.

Q: What else should I consider when conducting a flight using a ForeFlight callsign?

A: The mode S transponder or UAT ADS-B Out system must provide the pilot with the ability to enter the Flight ID to match the callsign or N number as appropriate. If this capability is not available or configured, you may not use a callsign. It is imperative that if you file with a callsign your Mode S transponder or UAT ADS-B out system has the same Flight ID entered.

Q: Are there any special considerations for aircraft flown by multiple pilots?

A: For club, rental aircraft, partnerships, or other pilots, you should clear the callsign from the aircraft and set it back to the N number. Failure to do so may result in a callsign mismatch for the next pilot. These are reported by the FAA as a potential violation of 91.227(d)(8). In this case, your callsign will be the one reported as being the mismatch.

Q: What does “FAA controlled airspace within United States Flight Information Region (FIR) boundaries” mean?

A: This includes any airspace controlled by the FAA including any FAA center, TRACON, tower, or FAA Oceanic airspace. So, a flight from San Francisco to Hawaii or Guam that stays within Oakland Oceanic airspace, or a flight from New York to San Juan Puerto Rico that stays within Miami Oceanic and NY Oceanic airspace, those would be solely within airspace controlled by the FAA. A direct flight from Seattle to Anchorage would go through Canadian controlled airspace, so this flight would not be authorized if you are using a ForeFlight callsign.

Q: Can I use a ForeFlight callsign in conjunction with PIA (Privacy ICAO Address)?

A: Yes. You should also register both your ForeFlight callsign and your N number with the FAA LADD program along with your PIA registration. Since you must disclose your callsign and N number to the FAA as part of the PIA program, the FFL callsign may only be used for flights with the PIA aircraft. Registering with LADD prevents companies that receive FAA flight plan and tracking information from disclosing aircraft identification to the public. The PIA system allows a level of privacy from ADS-B reception. If you are using the FFL callsign on an aircraft using PIA, you MUST specify the actual N number of the aircraft in the ForeFlight Callsign Registration Form Note: you should apply for LADD in advance of using your FFL callsign with a PIA address, as the FAA only updates the LADD list of protected callsigns and N numbers monthly.

Q: Should I still file using REG/ with my FAA registration number when filing using a callsign and PIA?

A: Yes. This is required by the FAA and the ForeFlight agreement. If you are part of the FAA LADD program, the FAA agreements will protect your N number in the flight plan from being disclosed.

Q: If I receive an overflight charge when using my call sign, how will ForeFlight handle that?

A: If ForeFlight receives an overflight charge or other charge associated with your assigned call sign, we will bill your card on file. You can find receipts for these transactions on your account at foreflight.com/account.

Q: Can I use one ForeFlight Call Sign with multiple aircraft?

A: Yes, one of the benefits of call signs is the ability to use it when filing flight plans with different aircraft. Using a callsign associated with an aircraft using PIA might compromise the privacy of the PIA aircraft.

Q: Can I choose which numbers are included in my call sign?

A: No, ForeFlight Call Signs are assigned randomly.