Callsign

A callsign is a unique nickname used primarily over wireless communications for brevity.

Callsigns assigned to pilots and flight officers can play on the aviator's name, or can be based on specific circumstances or attributes (sometimes comical). Examples:

Such callsigns are also used informally outside of wireless communication. For example, Karl Agathon is often in conversation referred to by his callsign "Helo" rather than his given name outside of the cockpit.

Specific military callsigns are reserved for certain positions or functions rather than any individuals. A ship's commander will assume the callsign "actual", e.g. "Galactica actual, "Pegasus actual", etc. These callsigns are not for informal use.

Ships can also have callsigns. Vipers and Raptors callsigns are based on their tail numbers (Viper 7242, Raptor 718). In a special case, "Colonial Heavy 798" assumes the callsign "Colonial One" after becoming the seat of the Colonial president.