ICAO Alphabet
Definition
The ICAO Alphabet, also known as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, is a standardized set of code words used to represent each letter of the English alphabet in radiotelephony communication. It ensures that letters and spellings are transmitted clearly and understood correctly, even in noisy or multilingual environments. The alphabet is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is used globally in aviation, maritime, military, and emergency services.
Purpose
- Avoid misunderstanding due to similar-sounding letters (e.g., B vs. D)
- Enable clear communication in poor radio conditions
- Provide a universal language for spelling names, call signs, locations, and codes
- Reduce language barriers between international pilots and controllers
Full ICAO Phonetic Alphabet
AAlfa
BBravo
CCharlie
DDelta
EEcho
FFoxtrot
GGolf
HHotel
IIndia
JJuliett
KKilo
LLima
MMike
NNovember
OOscar
PPapa
QQuebec
RRomeo
SSierra
TTango
UUniform
VVictor
WWhiskey
XXray
YYankee
ZZulu
Note: “Juliett” is spelled with two Ts to avoid mispronunciation in French-speaking regions.
Usage Examples
| Use Case | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Aircraft registration | “OE-ABC” → “Oscar Echo Alpha Bravo Charlie” |
| Spelling names | “Name is Schmidt — Sierra Charlie Hotel Mike India Delta Tango” |
| Taxi clearance | “Taxi via Bravo, Charlie, Echo” |
| Flight levels and waypoints | “Proceed direct DITON — Delta India Tango Oscar November” |
Numbers in ICAO Radiotelephony
| Number | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| 0 | ZERO |
| 1 | WUN |
| 2 | TOO |
| 3 | TREE |
| 4 | FOW-ER |
| 5 | FIFE |
| 6 | SIX |
| 7 | SEV-EN |
| 8 | AIT |
| 9 | NIN-ER |