SIERRA99 Circling NTTR

a reply to: HomeyKXTA

So are some of these. They have their bizjets as well as converted aircraft to test with.

a reply to: HomeyKXTA

Callsigns in ATC systems are limited to 7 characters, so 'Sierra 99' callsign becomes SIERA99. That's just custom and practice, no idea whether range ops require input of data into the standard systems that are used.

When I saw SIERA99 in the flesh over the range, the first occasion refuelling a F-117A, it showed on my box as 82-0191 and upon leaving the range changed callsign and received clearance back to Travis. Two days later the callsign was used by 85-0029 and it came from Travis.

There's also a SIERA98, used by a KC-135. Haven't observed that myself, but a data history search will show where it flies.

Edwards assigned tanker with KC-46. Taken from Facebook.

originally posted by: spongthrush
a reply to: HomeyKXTA

There's also a SIERA98, used by a KC-135. Haven't observed that myself, but a data history search will show where it flies.

SIERA98 is flying right now, she's inside NTTR already.
I'll try to follow her and see what her pattern is.
2 minutes after I screenshoted SIERA98 going into the NTTR, she went off the grid. I'll upload the ADSB screenshot when I get home.

originally posted by: HomeyKXTA

originally posted by: spongthrush
a reply to: HomeyKXTA

There's also a SIERA98, used by a KC-135. Haven't observed that myself, but a data history search will show where it flies.

SIERA98 is flying right now, she's inside NTTR already.
I'll try to follow her and see what her pattern is.
2 minutes after I screenshoted SIERA98 going into the NTTR, she went off the grid. I'll upload the ADSB screenshot when I get home.

I got a screen cap of both Sierra 98 and n623ra heading back to Vegas. Will upload later. Thanks for the heads up.

Around 11:30PM PDT 06/14/2018

a reply to: gariac

It's ridiculous how I know N623RA like the back of my hand.
VIP's inbound.
If anyone has an Android phone look up:
ADSB flight tracker.
It's a free app, but with amazing filters, especially if you can read sectional charts.
Makes FR24 premium look like chumps change.

a reply to: HomeyKXTA

I just run ADSBexchange off the mobile website. No app.

I'm not sure the Beech Janets are strictly VIP. They could be for odd hour flight. The tower crew arrives and leaves via Beech. I assume the after hours tests are not FAA controlled.