Sunstate 477D?

[Edward Terry]

G'day all

I've been listening to the ATC feed just now and I'm wondering what the 'Delta' at the end of Sunstate 477D (for example) means?

Thanks!

Ed

[Nick W.]

Hey Ed

The 'Delta' is given to all the Q400 callsigns as they go considerably faster than other Dash 8 models. This allows ATC to factor in an increase in speed when dealing with these aircraft as compared to older Dash 8 models.

Nick

[Brad L.]

Hey Ed,

The 'D' indicates that the operating aircraft is a Q400. As they are considerably faster than the smaller Dash 8's, using a callsign like this helps ATC to better manage and integrate their approaches and departures with other traffic (from what I understand).

Hope this helps.

- Brad

[Brad L.]

LOL, beat me to it Nick!

[Nigel C]

Are you sure you're not sitting next to him Brad?

[Brad L.]

Umm, wait, let me check....

No, I'm not!

That was extremely similar! Scary!

[Edward Terry]

Haha thanks guys for that lightning-quick response!