Question bout reading back IFR flight numbers

[Jason Collins]

I tried searching, this seems like a tough thing to search for though. When reading back a flight number to ATC, do I say each number or use a more casual reading? For example, if I'm DAL127 should I be Delta ONE TWO SEVEN or Delta One Twenty Seven? Or does it even matter? I've been flying around on the network for a few weeks now and I've heard both said to me by ATC so I've been inclined to read the numbers out individually regardless.

[Joshua Jenkins]

TECHNICALLY you’re supposed to read back the individual numbers (Deta ONE TWO SEVEN). Practically though, in areas where English is typically the strongest/native language for both controllers and (most) pilots, more colloquial phraseology is often used and understood perfectly fine. But if you want my 2 cents, keep working on making the official phraseology your habit.

[Christian Kovanen]

ICAO (most of the world) thinks you should read out each number separately

FAA (US) says that after initial contact, you can use "group form", for example, “American Fifty-Two.”

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html

4-2-4

Edited September 15, 2021 at 08:43 PM by Christian Kovanen

[Kirk Christie]

You can group them after ATC groups them.

Your first call will be call Qantas One Two Three, and if ATC replies Qantas One Twenty Three you can then use One Twenty Three from there on after. If they reply One Two Three you must continue to use One Two Three.