Why do pilots say cactus?

The change means the end to "Cactus." That's the call sign that US Airways pilot use when communicating with air traffic control, i.e., US Airways Flight 1234 would be identified as Cactus 1234. The Cactus call sign originated with America West Airlines, which merged with the original US Airways in September 2005.

Why do they call planes Cactus?

That's what they painted on the outside of the airplanes, but in the cockpit, the call sign pilots used for the combined lines was “Cactus,” which had been the call sign for America West. A cactus figured in some of its graphics, and besides, it is still, to me, one of the coolest call signs out there.

Why was flight 1549 called Cactus?

A few hours after Flight 2026 landed, US Airways Flight 774 from London, the final flight to use Cactus, landed in Philadelphia. Captain Edwin Stadelman said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use the call sign for the last time after the plane was cleared to cross the runway. His sign-off: "Cactus, out."

What airline has the callsign Cactus?

US Airways employees said goodbye to a prickly longtime friend today: the airline's Cactus call sign. The call sign, a flight identifier used in communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, is a victim of the US Airways-American Airlines merger.

What does it mean when a pilot says they are pumpkins?

I'm ready to fly my last leg and running late. That leg is blocked at 2 hours even. If I started my day at 0600, I turn into a pumpkin at 2200. That means my two hour long flight must cross the hold short line no later than 1959.

Why do PILOTS say "ROGER / WILCO"? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE

Why do pilots say bravo?

Phonetic Alphabet

This is to avoid the possible confusion between letters if you would simply say the letter itself. For example, the letters B and V could easily be confused with each other when spoken on the radio. If we instead say "Bravo" or "Victor" it is almost impossible to confuse the two.

Why do pilots say Roger?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) officially defines the word "roger" to mean "I have received all of your transmission." For example, a pilot would say "roger" in response to an advisory from Air Traffic Control.

Why do pilots say Speedbird?

Speedbird – British Airways

In the early 1970's, BOAC become British Airways through a merger and continued to use “Speedbird.” The call sign was especially appropriate when used by the supersonic Concorde. When “Speedbird-Concorde One” was heard on the radio, you knew something really special was in the air!

What is the coolest callsign?

What airline is angry puppy?

This beloved workhorse entered service on April 1, 1987, flying to just about every city in Delta's North American network with 900 flights per day. Mad Dog retires: On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines retired the last McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series aircraft flying scheduled passenger service in North America.

Where is Sully today?

Former Captain Sully Sullenberger now works in Montreal as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization and seems to be enjoying his time in the city. Sullenberger rose to fame after landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009.

Was the Miracle on the Hudson a miracle?

And while it was a miracle, several passengers on board did suffer injuries, and many passengers and crew members spoke of the emotional and mental trauma they suffered in the years following. In a memorable image from the day, passengers exited the plane and stood on the wings and inflatable rafts, waiting for rescue.

Why is it called Speedbird?

With the advent of air traffic control and the adoption of call signs to identify aircraft and their operators, BOAC chose the name of their now well-known logo, "Speedbird", as their call sign when in flight.

Why is AA called Brickyard?

It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its call sign "Brickyard" is derived from the nickname of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Do pilots name their planes?

It is an honor to have your name on a plane, and it is done for morale reasons. It does not mean that that airplane is assigned to you alone. Names are painted based on seniority in the squadron.

Are pilots called captains?

A pilot is someone who takes direct part in flying an aircraft by manipulating flight controls. A captain is a person who can (in the sense of is capable of and legally permitted to) act as a pilot, and who has been hired or promoted by their employer to the rank of captain.

Do pilots choose their call signs?

Pilots and other aviators do not get to pick their own call signs, Harmer said. Instead, they are assigned their official nicknames when they join their first deployable squadron. These call signs are usually based on someone's personality or foibles and they tend to stick with aviators for their entire careers.

What does Brickyard mean in aviation?

Brickyard is the callsign for any Republic Airlines flight, since they are based in Indianapolis where the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or "The Brickyard" is.

What does it mean when a plane is called heavy?

The term heavy is used during radio transmissions between air traffic control and any aircraft which has been assigned a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) rating of 136 tonnes (300,000 lb) or more.

What do pilots say when they take off?

Once the crew completes the pre-flight gear inspection, it's time to ignite the engine and take to the sky. These days however, it's much more common to hear pilots announce that the plane is “cleared for takeoff” — particularly on commercial flights — for the sake of brevity.

Why is it Niner instead of nine?

Changing “nine” to “niner” adds another vowel sound, which may help distinguish them when radio reception is poor. Show activity on this post. "Niner" is spoken for the numeral 9 to avoid it being mistaken for 5. This would be better as a comment once you gain enough reputation.

What does the pilot say before crashing?

Mayday. And that's because it's a word that's been used for the last century to immediately indicate an emergency. The typical way of saying it is to call it three times in a row — Mayday! Mayday!

What does Lima mean in aviation?

Delta becomes Data, Dixie or David at airports with high Delta Air Lines traffic, to avoid confusion with the airline's callsign. Lima becomes London in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, where “lima” means five. Whiskey becomes White or Washington in Muslim countries where alcohol consumption is banned.