SkyHope has a new, unique ICAO call sign to be used for SkyHope missions, SKY HOPE.
The 3 letter designator (3LD) for air/ground communications will be SYH followed by a unique number assigned by SkyHope based on your SkyHope Member ID. You can find your number in the Pilot Community or day-of-flight email which includes your itinerary.
The call sign and instructions for use of the call sign were issued by the FAA.
Instructions
To use the new call sign:
File your flight plan with your SkyHope call sign SYH426 (for example), and put SKY HOPE and your usual tail number, for example, N345GW in the Remarks. Change the transponder ADS-B Flight ID to SYH426
• File a flight plan with whatever software you are currently using.
• For instructions on how to change the ADS-B Flight ID consult the following:
◦ Transponder owner’s manual
◦ Avionics shop
◦ Youtube
◦ AOPA’s ADS-B: Changing Flight ID
Your shutdown procedure should include changing the Flight ID back to the previous setting. For rental aircraft, it is imperative that you change the call sign back to the previous setting.
This ICAO call sign shall be spoken in group form, i.e. SYH426 spoken as SKY HOPE FOUR TWENTY SIX.
The call sign shall be used only on all legs associated with your SkyHope flight and exclusively for SkyHope flights.
The only call sign to be used on a SkyHope flight is “SYH” aka “SKY HOPE.” This call sign can be used on all legs associated with your SkyHope flight and cannot be used otherwise.
Your transponder must match your assigned call sign. If you were assigned “SYH123” and you file your flight plan using your call sign as SYH123, your transponder must match. Please see your transponder manual for instructions on how to change it, or contact your trusted avionics shop for directions. Please remember to change back to your normal “N” number after the SkyHope leg. Per the FAA: “Aircraft Identification – The proper use of authorized call signs and telephonies is essential to ensuring the safety and security of the NAS by providing distinct aircraft identification for ATC. The authorized call sign designator, together with a flight number, serves as the aircraft identification for the ATC system and is used instead of the aircraft registration number for ATC security and operational purposes. The FAA authorized telephony, when stated in conjunction with the flight number, serves as the aircraft identification in radio communications with ATC.”
If your transponder cannot be reprogrammed, you must use the N number of the aircraft both in the flight plan and in the telephony with ATC.
For SkyHope Pilots flying SkyHope flights, usage of “Compassion Flight or CMF” is NOT to be used. SkyHope is a member of the Air Care Alliance, however, SkyHope has our own unique call sign, and SkyHope is not authorized to use CMF which is unique to those Volunteer Pilot Organizations which are authorized under the Air Care Alliance. You are not permitted to fly a SkyHope flight using an unauthorized call sign. From the FAA: ” FAA ATO must ensure that every call sign is properly authorized, clearly related to the type of operation permitted, and is used within the NAS in accordance with its authorization.” SkyHope is responsible for making sure that call signs are properly utilized and can be cited for violations of improper usage
If you are not sure of your call sign SYH number, are a new pilot to SkyHope or would simply like more information, please contact the SkyHope office at 631-694-7257
FAA rules state it should not be a one-syllable word, typically 2 to 3 syllables is best
There are over 5,000 3LD Designators already in use. We needed to choose one that was not in use.
It may take time for you to grow accustomed to listening for the new call sign. If you do not respond, the controller may say “SIERRA YANKEE HOTEL” to get your attention. The more you use it, it will grow on you. You may want to keep a Post-it on the dashboard while you are starting to use it.
Air traffic controllers mostly become aware of new call signs through usage. New call signs are added all the time. Call signs are kept in a book and digital information system.
No. These numbers were assigned based on SkyHope member ID. We have to be able to provide frequent updates to FAA of the call sign numbers, and this system is the simplest way to ensure recordkeeping and compliance.
You can reach out to the place you rent the plane from and ask them to add the function on the transponder to change the call sign. At least one pilot has had success with this.
They must be the same. This is a very important requirement. You should not change the call sign in the flight plan without changing the transponder, you will not be ADSB compliant.
You do not need to use it if you do not want to. Some pilots report getting more direct routing based on using the call sign, which can be helpful if the passenger is uncomfortable. This is a courtesy. The call sign does not give you emergency routing. If you are unable to change your transponder, please do not use it in the flight plan.
File as you normally would file a flight plan with your N / tail number, and you may indicate “compassion flight” in the remarks section of your flight plan. This may help facilitate priority handling from ATC when available.
There are a few ways.
• File with tail number, flight plan in ID put SYH####
• File under SYH###, remarks SKY HOPE N####
• In flightplan.com, enter call sign SYH### and put in the remarks SKY HOPE and the tail number N#####
