Short Final: Callsigns

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller engaged in humorous banter with a pilot whose flight callsign was "Twinkles 345."
  • The pilot, transporting a college men's basketball team, expressed their dislike for the unusual "Twinkles" callsign.
  • Despite the lighthearted exchange, the controller ultimately used the full, distinctive callsign "Twinkles Three Forty-five" for flight instructions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Upon checking into a Kansas City Center sector, I caught the following conversation already in progress:

Kansas City Center: “Uh Three Forty-five, what type of cargo are you carrying?”

345: “We’re carrying a college men’s basketball team.”

Center: “Ah, roger. I was just wondering about your callsign.”

345: “We don’t like it better than anyone else.”

Center: “Do they wear sparkly pink uniforms?”

345: “Don’t go there, Center.”

Center (with forced seriousness): “Roger … Twinkles Three Forty-five, fly heading 230. Descend and maintain 4000.”

Doc Copley

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE