Section 2. FAA Aircraft

1. IDENTIFYING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) AND FAA FLIGHTS

The following alphanumeric identifiers and radio/interphone call-signs are established for use in air/ground communications when the Secretary of Transportation, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, FAA Administrator, or FAA Deputy Administrator have a requirement to identify themselves:

1. DOT.

1. Secretary:

1. Identifier: DOT-1
2. Call-Sign: Transport-1

1. Deputy Secretary:

1. Identifier: DOT-2
2. Call-Sign: Transport-2

1. FAA.

1. Administrator:

1. Identifier: FAA-1
2. Call-Sign: Safeair-1

1. Deputy Administrator:

1. Identifier: FAA-2
2. Call-Sign: Safeair-2

1. FLIGHT INSPECTION AIRCRAFT

1. FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection of navigation aids must be provided special handling by ATC facilities to the maximum extent possible. FICOs/flight inspectors are expected to coordinate with the facility's air traffic supervisor on duty, or a designated representative, prior to conducting flight inspections. Occasionally, due to unplanned/special flight inspection requirements, flight inspectors may attempt to conserve flight hours and accomplish additional opportune flight checks with minimal advance coordination.
2. Unless otherwise agreed to, direct contact must be maintained between the flight inspection pilot and the ATC facility to provide for an exchange of information regarding the intention of the pilot and the known traffic in the facility's area of responsibility.
3. Many terminal and en route flight inspections are accomplished using automatic recording equipment, and an uninterrupted flight is necessary for the successful accomplishment of the flight. Maximum cooperation will help the FICOs accomplish their job within their limited aircraft resources. FAA Order 8240.41, Flight Inspection/Air Traffic On-site Coordination Requirements, provides additional details as does FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.
4. Facility procedures must provide a means of passing impending flight inspection information on to subsequent shifts and/or immediately notifying FICOs/PICs when facility air traffic activities make it impossible to handle flight inspections expeditiously.

1. HIGH ALTITUDE INSPECTIONS

1. High altitude flight inspection operations are generally conducted on IFR flight plans; “VFR-on-top” will not be requested except when weather conditions are ideal and excessive delays would result from operating at an assigned flight level.
2. The pilot must contact the STMCIC of the appropriate facility for coordination prior to flight when special handling is required for the successful completion of the flight check.

1. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FLIGHTS

1. Aircraft participating in FAA research and development test activities are sometimes required to deviate from standard procedures to accomplish the mission. These aircraft should be provided maximum assistance by control facilities subject to other traffic. Direct radio contact should be maintained between the aircraft and the control facility to provide for an exchange of information regarding the pilot's intention and known traffic.
2. Upon request by the pilot, the air traffic manager of the controlling facility may authorize the use of special flight procedures to be used by aircraft participating in FAA research and development activities. Control personnel must be thoroughly briefed on the procedure prior to the flight.