For FAA authorized call signs, how would you articulate AAL 56 in radio communications?

In FAA authorized call signs, the correct way to articulate the call sign AAL 56 is to say "American fifty-six American." This method ensures clarity and consistency with aviation communication standards, which prioritize eliminating confusion and maintaining clear understanding between pilots and air traffic controllers.

Using "American" instead of "AAL" helps to clearly identify the airline, linking the call sign directly to the airline's name for better recognition. Stating "fifty-six" maintains the numerical part of the call sign in the correct format. Additionally, repeating "American" at the end reinforces the call sign to minimize any potential misunderstanding, particularly in busy or noisy communication environments, where clarity is crucial.

This practice aligns with established guidelines in aviation communication, which emphasize clarity, standardization, and reducing the risk of errors during radio transmissions.