Interchange Aircraft Identification

AIM ¶ 4-2-5 — Interchange Aircraft Identification

AIM 4-2-5 explains how to identify interchange or leased aircraft to ATC. Learn the proper first-contact phraseology for pilot oral exams and checkrides.

In Plain English

When an air carrier operates a flight using another company's airplane, the colors and markings on the fuselage may not match the operating airline. Because controllers often identify traffic visually based on airline livery, this mismatch can cause confusion and a potential safety issue.

Per AIM 4-2-5, if you're flying an interchange or leased aircraft that doesn't display the operating company's colors or markings, you should advise the terminal ATC facility on first contact with:

The operating company name and trip/flight number
The word "interchange" or "lease"
The company name as displayed on the aircraft
The aircraft type

Example: "Air Cal Three Eleven, United (interchange), Boeing Seven Two Seven."

This is a recommended practice in the AIM, not a FAR mandate, but it's an important professional habit. It lets the controller correlate the callsign with what they actually see on the ramp or in the air, helping them issue accurate traffic advisories and reducing the risk of misidentification.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-2-5

4-2-5. 4-2-5. Description of Interchange or Leased Aircraft Controllers issue traffic information based on familiarity with airline equipment and color/markings. When an air carrier dispatches a flight using another company's equipment and the pilot does not advise the terminal ATC facility, the possible confusion in aircraft identification can compromise safety. Pilots flying an “interchange” or “leased” aircraft not bearing the colors/markings of the company operating the aircraft should inform the terminal ATC facility on first contact the name of the operating company and trip number, followed by the company name as displayed on the aircraft, and aircraft type. EXAMPLE- Air Cal Three Eleven, United (interchange/lease), Boeing Seven Two Seven.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Why does ATC need to know if you're flying an interchange or leased aircraft?

Per AIM 4-2-5, controllers issue traffic information based on familiarity with airline equipment and color/markings. If a flight is dispatched using another company's equipment and ATC isn't told, confusion in aircraft identification can compromise safety.

Q2What information should a pilot of a leased or interchange aircraft give ATC on first contact?

Per AIM 4-2-5, the pilot should state the operating company's name and trip number, followed by the word 'interchange' or 'lease,' the company name as displayed on the aircraft, and the aircraft type — for example, 'Air Cal Three Eleven, United (interchange), Boeing Seven Two Seven.'

Q3Which ATC facility should you advise about an interchange or leased aircraft, and is this a regulatory requirement?

Per AIM 4-2-5, the terminal ATC facility should be advised on first contact. The AIM is informational, so this is a recommended practice rather than a FAR-mandated requirement, but it is important for safety.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-2-1

Pilot-Controller Communications

¶ 4-2-10

Radio Directions Phraseology

NORDO Tower Procedures

¶ 4-2-14