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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-phonetic-alfa-spelling

How does the official aviation phonetic alphabet spell the word for the letter A?

Alfa, spelled with an F.

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  1. Alpha
  2. Able
  3. Alfa ✔

Why: The FAA table uses the international spelling Alfa with an F. The familiar spelling Alpha is not the spelling shown in the aviation table.

Huh, didn't know that: The same FAA table spells the word for J as Juliett, with two Ts.

The dad joke
Why did the letter A go to flight school? It wanted to be Alfa the class.
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References

Answer: Alfa. The FAA table uses the international spelling Alfa with an F. The familiar spelling Alpha is not the spelling shown in the aviation table.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 4-2-7, Phonetic Alphabet www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html
    Alfa (AL-FAH)
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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