Angier, I guess the most authoritative guidance on this is the AIM Chapter 4 (Air Traffic Control) Section 2 (Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques) paragraph 4-2-3 (Contact Procedures) subparagraph a. (Initial Contact) bullet 1. which say to use your full aircaft identification as discussed in paragraph 4-1-4 Aircraft Call Signs.  And THAT paragraph says in bold letters that call signs should *never be abbreviated on an initial contact...*  and gives this example for experimentals:  quote::  Breezy Six One Three Romeo Experimental (omit "Experimental" after initial contact)  ::end quote  By analogy I guess it's "Lancair One Two Three Alpha Experimental" on first call and after that "Lancair Two Three Alpha"

There is indeed a wide variety of practices and opinions among ATC professionals and I find that one of the most common errors for my Legacy is that the type designation "LEG2" on the flight plan is misinterpreted as "LongEze".  I recently decided to switch from "Experimental 550KC" to "Lancair 550KC".  No one argues with it, and those who understand what a Lancair is, will have an easier time recognizing it.  I think we could probably all use "Lancair" and get the point across:  something generally fast, small, with a conventional low-wing arrangement and (mostly) retractable.

Charley

On Sep 27, 2013, at 6:33 PM, Greenbacks, UnLtd. wrote:

Question...When identifying yourself to ground, tower, approach, etc., is it a requirement that you say you are an experimental Lancair?
The local tower doesn't care and there seems to be some confusion amongst the local pilot community.

Angier Ames
N4ZQ
54hrs
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