Definition
A call sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection or evaluation of navigation aids, instrument approach procedures, and other components of the National Airspace System. When the word "recorded" is added to the call sign (e.g., "Flight Check 320 recorded"), it indicates the aircraft is conducting automated flight inspection in a sterile cockpit environment and may require priority handling from ATC.
Plain English
A radio call sign telling controllers and other pilots that this aircraft is on a special FAA mission to test and verify the equipment and procedures that pilots rely on, like navigation signals and instrument approaches. If they say "recorded," their work is automated and they may need to be left alone to do it.
Context Anchor
Heard on aviation radios when FAA inspection aircraft are operating near airports, navigation equipment, routes, or approach paths.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots depend on accurate navigation aids; flight checks ensure these systems meet safety standards before they are approved for instrument flight.
Intuition Check
“Flight Check” does not mean a pilot’s preflight checklist or a quick check of your own airplane. In this FAA glossary sense, it means an FAA inspection aircraft using that phrase as part of its radio identity.
Example Sentence 1
Tower advised us to expect a short delay because Flight Check 47 was conducting a low approach to verify the ILS.
Example Sentence 2
Runway lights were inspected during the flight check after recent maintenance.