US Callsign Change

[JALTO]

Just wondering what it has been like for the controllers out there, especially in Philly and CLT, trying to get used to the new Cactus call sign?  Any slips yet? 

-Jalto

[rpd]

I've witnessed callsign mistakes on both the pilot and controller sides.  It would have made more sense if they just used the AWE three letter for the flight plans/ARTS (for the controllers anyway).

[w0x0f]

I've witnessed callsign mistakes on both the pilot and controller sides.  It would have made more sense if they just used the AWE three letter for the flight plans/ARTS (for the controllers anyway).

I've seen the same thing and agree that AWE would have made the transition easier, at least for the controllers.  This ill-conceived procedure is typical of the USAirways/America West merger mess.  The Piedmont fiasco is looking like a huge success now.   

w0x0f 

[tyketto]

I've witnessed callsign mistakes on both the pilot and controller sides.  It would have made more sense if they just used the AWE three letter for the flight plans/ARTS (for the controllers anyway).

I've seen the same thing and agree that AWE would have made the transition easier, at least for the controllers.  This ill-conceived procedure is typical of the USAirways/America West merger mess.  The Piedmont fiasco is looking like a huge success now.   

w0x0f 

In some ways, yes.. The European controllers would have no idea that AWE would be the AWE/USA company. They're used to seeing USA there, while AWE's last int'l flight was their ill-fated B742 service to Japan via HNL.

BL.

[PHL Approach]

I've witnessed callsign mistakes on both the pilot and controller sides.  It would have made more sense if they just used the AWE three letter for the flight plans/ARTS (for the controllers anyway).

I've seen the same thing and agree that AWE would have made the transition easier, at least for the controllers.  This ill-conceived procedure is typical of the USAirways/America West merger mess.  The Piedmont fiasco is looking like a huge success now.   

w0x0f 

In some ways, yes.. The European controllers would have no idea that AWE would be the AWE/USA company. They're used to seeing USA there, while AWE's last int'l flight was their ill-fated B742 service to Japan via HNL.

BL.

It's a Catch 22. I saw Cactus 734 Heavy depart last night to MAN. He sounded flawless with the callsign change all the way out of Philly. However, from what I read online. When he got to MAN, the Approach controller (or I guess Director  ) kept calling him US Air. The first East crew to depart with the new callsign was USA1420 - PHL-CLT at 5:40am. He checked in with departure "Good Morning Departure, this is East Cactus 1420 we're out of 1000 for 5" I got a kick out of that.

[Steel_Anxiety]

YES, BOSTON, BOSTON, BOSTON!!!!!!!

Every singe time they say US A...CACTUS!!!
Controllers and pilots alike, they really sound P/Oed about it too, cant really blame them.

Pilot: US...Cactus 1234 holding short...
Controller(Boston John):We will get used to it eventually.
Pilot:This is my 4th call sign change this year.

[keith]

Just heard JFK Approach (CAMRN) having a helluva time with "Cactus 12". 4:38pm and 4:40pm EDT (2038 and 2040z). 

Edit: It continues at 4:43....4:44... 

"US Air 12, descend and maintain [altitude]"

*crickets*

"Cactus 12, descend and maintain [altitude]"
pilot responds as expected.

Controller says, "you're going to make me pay every time, aren't ya?"

[MIAMIATC]

Well flight number 12 was always Cactus before the change so I think the pilot actually got a bit of a chip on his shoulder when the controller mentioned him as USAIR. Just like the east pilots I have been hearing have been giving some controllers here in Florida a hard time when mentioned as Cactus.

[jsapyta]

Here in Cactus country, its always been Cactus for AWE and US Air the same.. So now am reading right, both AWE and USAIR are going to use Cactus for there flights?

[Amante de Aviones]

Well flight number 12 was always Cactus before the change so I think the pilot actually got a bit of a chip on his shoulder when the controller mentioned him as USAIR. Just like the east pilots I have been hearing have been giving some controllers here in Florida a hard time when mentioned as Cactus.

but now on the radar screen it would have shown USA12 insted of AWE12 so thats y he might have called him USair

[cactushp]

To clarify again,
USA = Cactus

Before September 1st:
USA = US Air
AWE = Cactus

[Adrian8]

Well flight number 12 was always Cactus before the change so I think the pilot actually got a bit of a chip on his shoulder when the controller mentioned him as USAIR. Just like the east pilots I have been hearing have been giving some controllers here in Florida a hard time when mentioned as Cactus.

but now on the radar screen it would have shown USA12 insted of AWE12 so thats y he might have called him USair

Exactly. This is tough because the code is so damn near the actual callsign phonteically... you see "USA" and it's so easy to just say US Air.

[Chananya Freedman]

Hello there. Is AWE America West Airlines? And if so, what is the new call sign for AWE? Thanks.

Chananya

[PHL Approach]

Hello there. Is AWE America West Airlines? And if so, what is the new call sign for AWE? Thanks.

Chananya

Yes, AWE stood for America West. There is no new callsign for AWE. That ICAO is out the door.

[cactushp]

Hello there. Is AWE America West Airlines? And if so, what is the new call sign for AWE? Thanks.

Chananya

I think what you mean is if America West exist. AWA does not actually exist, you see, neither does the old US Airways, as they merged in 2005.