International Phonetic Alphabet
On the radio if you want the other person to understand you, you should use phonetics. You are encouraged, but not required, to use the International Phonetic Alphabet. Many operators use informal, alternate words (America, Germany, Sugar, etc.) for part or all of their call sign. Some use cute phrases, like “Whiskey One Artificial Intelligence” (for W1AI) to make their call more memorable. As long as your call sign is clear to anyone listening, these are all legal ways to identify.
| Letter | International Phonetic Alphabet |
| A |
Alpha |
| B |
Bravo |
| C |
Charlie |
| D |
Delta |
| E |
Echo |
| F |
Foxtrot |
| G |
Golf |
| H |
Hotel |
| I |
India |
| J |
Juliet |
| K |
Kilo |
| L |
Lima |
| M |
Mike |
| N |
November |
| O |
Oscar |
| P |
Papa |
| Q |
Quebec |
| R |
Romeo |
| S |
Sierra |
| T |
Tango |
| U |
Uniform |
| V |
Victor |
| W |
Whiskey |
| X |
Xray |
| Y |
Yankee |
| Z |
Zulu |
