Correct Use of Callsign Suffixes & GA Callsigns

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Hey folks,

I see so many rookies and new players using callsign suffixes incorrectly like using “Super” on a A320 or “Heavy” on an A380.

And I get it, this stuff isn’t covered clearly in the manual, and there’s no dedicated thread explaining which suffix to use with the specific aircrafts.

What Are Callsign Suffixes Like “Heavy”, “Super”, and “Flight of”?

Callsign suffixes give important info to ATC and nearby aircraft, usually about:

  • The size/wake category of your aircraft
  • If you’re part of a formation flight

When to Use “Heavy”

Use “Heavy” only for aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight over ~136,000 kg (300,000 lbs).

Aircraft in IF that should use “Heavy”:

  • A330-300, A330-900neo, A330F
  • A340-600
  • A350-900
  • B747-200/400, B747-8
  • B767-300
  • B777-200ER/LR, B777-300ER, B777F
  • B787-8/9/10
  • C-17 Globemaster III
  • DC-10, DC-10F, MD-11, MD-11F

When to Use “Super”

Use “Super” only if you’re flying Airbus A380 (the only “Super” aircraft in IF)

What “Flight of” Means

If you’re flying with 2 or more aircraft as a coordinated group, you can use this suffix so ATC and other players know you’re sticking together. Formation Flight Tutorial

  • “Flight of 2” = 2 aircraft in formation
  • “Flight of 3” = 3 aircraft, and so on (up to 10)
    ( Use this only when you’re actually flying in formation)

General Aviation (GA) Callsigns

For C172s, SR22s, XCubs, TBMs, etc., follow tail number formats or use appropriate GA options

IMG_2125
IMG_21252388×1668 261 KB

For Example-

  • US: N123AB
  • UK: G-XXXX
  • INDIA: VT-ABC

For military aircraft (F-16s, C-130s, KC-10s, etc.), use realistic callsigns like:

  • Reach 520
  • Moose 33
  • Bolt 2
  • Air Force One

Don’t mix civilian airline callsigns with military planes🤡

5 Likes
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I’ve seen at least three threads where community members have provided an explanation of this in the comments, so I’m aware that there are a few. However, I wanted to make the thread clearer and more targeted.
The intention is to make the information more accessible and easier to locate for rookie pilots.

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Is it a must to use “Heavy” for A330?

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Yes, you should use Heavy suffix when flying an A330 coz of its mass and the resulting strong wake turbulence and its maximum takeoff weight is well over 300,000 lbs too.