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THE SIGNAL BRIDGE - 14244_16
FLAGBAG OPERATOR - 14244_18

Signalman 3 & 2 - Aviation theories and other practices
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Phonetic Alphabet Some of the words called out may not have made much sense to you—words like ALFA, YANKEE, and DELTA. To experienced communicators they mean the letters A, Y, and D. The Signalman was using the phonetic alphabet, a system set up in which each letter of the alphabet has a word equivalent. It is used widely in naval communications, to avoid mistaking letters that sound alike, such as B and C or M and N. You will have to know this alphabet before you can go any further in communications, so study the alphabet and the proper pronunciation, as shown in figure 1-1. It is not very difficult, and you should not have any trouble mastering it in a few days. Lettering The accuracy of communications, especially of coded messages, depends on exact adherence to procedures and on legibility of writing. For this reason it is necessary that all letters and numerals be distinctly and legibly made, not only so that you can read them but also so that they can be easily read by anyone else. If you write a letter or numeral and it is mistaken for some similar letter or numeral, confusion will result. Often one mistake can change the entire meaning of a message. This can be disastrous when lives and ships are at stake. Figures 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 show how letters and figures should be formed and what sequence should be followed in making the various strokes. To ensure uniformity, it is necessary that letters and numerals be printed and that you learn the following system of lettering: 1. A straight line is the foundation stroke. The letters E, H, and F have the center horizontal stroke slightly above the middle. The strokes of the letters X, Y, and K join slightly above the middle. 2. The letters O, Q, C, and G are made as circles. The letter B is slightly smaller at the top and has the center horizontal part slightly above the middle. The letters R and S are slightly smaller at the top. Figure 1-1.—Phonetic and Morse code alphabet. Figure 1-4.—Numerals. Figure 1-2.—Straight-line lettering. Figure 1-3.—Circular lettering. 1-3







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