PRACTICE 01
Addressed aircraft 1
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline two fife one, descend flight level one one zero.
FREE · 17 ITEMS · AUDIO + ANSWERS
Similar Call Signs: Listening and Safety Drill
Train your ear for similar call signs in short radio instructions and visual safety checks. Identify the addressed aircraft before deciding what the instruction means.
BRIEFING
How to separate similar call signs
Similar call signs can sound almost identical when digits change order or a transmission is busy. Listen for the complete aircraft identity first, then separate it from the heading, level, frequency or squawk that follows.
If you are unsure who was addressed, ask the controller to confirm; do not assume another aircraft’s instruction is yours. Controllers can catch a mismatch by listening to the full call sign in the readback and resolving it explicitly.
- Listen once and select the addressed aircraft.
- Replay the audio and compare every digit with the options.
- Use the scene questions to practise checking before acting.
PRACTICE
Work through the exercise
0 done
PRACTICE 02
Addressed aircraft 2
Transcript
- ATC
Nordair tree six two, turn left heading two four zero.
PRACTICE 03
Addressed aircraft 3
Transcript
- ATC
Coastal fife one niner, maintain flight level one four zero.
PRACTICE 04
Addressed aircraft 4
Transcript
- ATC
Fastair two zero six, contact Approach one two four decimal tree fife.
PRACTICE 05
Addressed aircraft 5
Transcript
- ATC
Lakeair one seven fife, reduce speed to two one zero knots.
PRACTICE 06
Addressed aircraft 6
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline six tree one, climb flight level two zero zero.
PRACTICE 07
Addressed aircraft 7
Transcript
- ATC
Nordair fife zero two, fly heading zero niner zero.
PRACTICE 08
Addressed aircraft 8
Transcript
- ATC
Coastal seven two niner, descend flight level eight zero.
PRACTICE 09
Addressed aircraft 9
Transcript
- ATC
Fastair four tree eight, maintain altitude six thousand feet.
PRACTICE 10
Addressed aircraft 10
Transcript
- ATC
Lakeair niner one fife, turn right heading one eight zero.
PRACTICE 11
Addressed aircraft 11
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline two six fife, contact Tower one one niner decimal fife.
PRACTICE 12
Addressed aircraft 12
Transcript
- ATC
Nordair eight four tree, squawk four two one six.
PRACTICE 13
Look before you decide
Use the picture as well as the spoken question. A picture cannot identify an aircraft’s call sign.
Check your answers and compare your speaking with the model, then see your practice debrief.
DEBRIEF
Your practice debrief
KEEP PRACTISING
More free ICAO English exercises
FAQ
Common questions
Why are similar call signs a problem for ATC?
A pilot can mistake an instruction for one addressed to a similar-sounding aircraft. Listening to the whole call sign and the readback helps both sides notice a mismatch.
What should I do if I am unsure the clearance is for me?
Ask the controller to confirm the addressee. Continue to follow your existing clearance while resolving the uncertainty; do not act on a clearance you cannot identify as yours.
How can I practise call sign confusion?
Listen without looking at the transcript, select the addressed aircraft, then replay the call sign digit by digit. Compare the digits with the heading, level or frequency in the same message.
Are these real radio calls or exam items?
No. They are original fictional training examples. Test formats vary by provider, so check the format with your own provider.
Does the picture tell me an aircraft’s call sign?
No. The photographs give operational context. The spoken or written exchange provides the call sign; clarify it if the address is unclear.
