I used to use my tail number all the time in radio calls, then I realized at any distance you probably can't read tail numbers. I like color and type of aircraft. Who you are, where you are, and what your going to do or want is the way I teach my students. There are times when you have to use your tail number, like when talking with ATC, but most of the time I don't use it anymore. Distance, direction, and altitude are nice to know also. That gives me an idea of where you are and if I should look above or below me. Brevity is important too.

A bit late I know, but I will cast my thoughts out anyway.

I like what Cary had posted about what he would say. You can get all fancy trying to shorten your radio call, but if people can't understand you then it does no good.

Being a little clearer only adds a couple of seconds. I feel you communicate quicker, too.

For example, say a longer, clearer call takes 5-6 seconds. It can be understood easily and almost IMMEDIATELY by most pilots.

Now, a short "fancy" call may take just 3-4 seconds. However, if I have to spend several seconds more trying to understand what you are saying, then the time to COMMUNICATE is longer. Plus there's a risk of miscommunication.

All that said, I am not opposed to learning some new lingo, and can definitely see some benefit to it at times. Just make sure your call is clear and understandable.

Man,
This thread is downright comical. But I'm going to TRY to keep my opinions to myself and just ask a question.

A coworker was flying over the Idaho backcountry yesterday and announced his position on 122.9 starting with "backcountry", followed by a short call of type position and direction. He didn't yammer on and on, and the frequency was quiet when he made the call. Some guy piped up and had a raised voice fit at him about how he needs to "READ THE FORUMS!!, YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO START A TRANSMISSION WITH THE WORD BACKCOUNTRY!!!"

So somebody cares enough about this to use said frequency to chastise a professional on its proper use. I don't get it. Can give me a real reason why it's a mortal sin to start a transmission on the designated backcountry freq. with the word backcountry? I don't personally use it in my calls, but I go nuts when people have a fit over stupid stuff while more than likely committing big sin somewhere else.

There is a 135 operator in Idaho that thinks he owns the place. He’s usually the guy chastising people on the ratio for whatever reason he feels like at the moment. Just ignore him.

Seems this thread has been brought back from the dead, but it's a good one.

A comment on tail number, I realize ADSB doesn't work in all areas, but I find that the abbreviated tail number helps me to pick up someone on my tablet if coverage is good. If my plane was a unique color I'd use color, but otherwise 90% of cessnas are white so it's useless. I find that the extra couple fractions of a second can help there.

For me, XC it's: "Skylane 38U, Big Creek for Chamberlain, nine thousand five hundred."

If I'm entering the pattern at a strip, it's "Indian Creek Traffic, Skylane 38U downstream for upstream landing, Indian.

Non-airport reporting points can be confusing for new pilots. The extra couple of fractions of a second to read out altitude per FAA guidelines is superior IMO. Again, because of the shear number of noobs out there, including myself, who may not understand the lingo.

In uncontrolled airspace there are a great number of valid reasons for a variety of radio calls. The humility and simplicity of FAA rules for this airspace is worthy of recognition: See and avoid. PIC. I understand the extreme danger of a gaggle in a canyon. If it were military it would require in person briefing by all pilots involved and unified command.