What Is SELCAL in Aviation?
SELCAL defined for aviation professionals, with its operational or commercial use, document context and related terminology.
Definition and Operating Context
Selective Calling, or SELCAL, is a system that alerts a specific aircraft when a ground station wants to establish voice communication on a radio frequency.
Aviation Glossary
Term: SELCAL
Category: Airline Operations & Navigation
How It Is Used in Flight Operations
SELCAL is used within dispatch, flight planning, crew procedures, aircraft approvals or air traffic operations depending on the subject. Operators must apply the version and approval basis recognized by the relevant aviation authority.
Operational Effect
It reduces the need for crews to continuously monitor noisy long-range HF communications solely for calls directed to their aircraft.
Approval and Dispatch Considerations
Equipment capability alone may not be sufficient. Operator approval, crew qualification, maintenance status, database currency, route authorization and company procedures can all affect whether the capability may be used on a specific flight.
Related Aviation Topics
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It reduces the need for crews to continuously monitor noisy long-range HF communications solely for calls directed to their aircraft.
SELCAL FAQ
What does SELCAL mean in aviation?
Selective Calling, or SELCAL, is a system that alerts a specific aircraft when a ground station wants to establish voice communication on a radio frequency.
Why does SELCAL matter?
It reduces the need for crews to continuously monitor noisy long-range HF communications solely for calls directed to their aircraft.
Where would an aviation professional encounter SELCAL?
It is commonly encountered in airline operations & navigation documents, procedures, calculations or operating discussions where the underlying technical or commercial issue is relevant.
Does installed equipment automatically authorize the operation?
No. Many capabilities also require operator approval, current maintenance status, crew qualification and procedures accepted by the relevant authority.