Callsign

Callsigns are wireless nicknames given to pilots or flight officers. Most callsigns are typically of a derisive or comical nature, sometimes given for a specific circumstance, and usually based off of some attribute for the christened pilot. Examples of callsigns are "Apollo" (Lee Adama), "Starbuck" (Kara Thrace), "Racetrack" (Margaret Edmondson), and "Husker" (William Adama).

A callsign can be used to identify an individual regardless of the circumstance in which it is used. For example, Karl "Helo" Agathon is often referred to simply by his callsign "Helo" as opposed to his given name "Karl", even by his wife and regardless of whether he is piloting or not.

A different type of military callsign is generic, often referring to a position that person occupies. A ship's commander will typically assume the callsign of "actual". For example, the commanding officer of Galactica will be referred to as "Galactica actual" over comm traffic.

Some ships also have callsigns. For example, Colonial One was originally referred to over comm traffic as Colonial Heavy 798, but assumed the callsign Colonial One after becoming the seat of the Colonial president.