New EUROCONTROL safety improvement initiative to reduce risks linked to call sign similarities

The use of similar call signs by aircraft operating in the same area on the same radio frequency can sometimes give rise to potential and actual flight safety incidents. This hazard is usually referred to as "call sign confusion" which is identified in the European Action Plan for Air Ground Communication Safety (issued in May 2006) as a major contribution to air-ground communication safety occurrences. Moreover, the consequences of these events are generally more severe than other ATC related safety occurrences and at the very least often lead to an unnecessary increase in the workload of air traffic controllers and pilots. The risk associated with call sign confusion is proportional to the exposure to this situation, the frequency of occurrence and the severity of the potential effects. Co-chairing the Information Session, IATA's Peter Sorensen, stated "This is the start of a systematic process to identify all the options available to deal with call sign similarity. Safety is the priority. Our goal is to identify solutions today to ensure that even with long-term industry growth we have a comprehensive approach that will both reduce the risks and enhance safety. When considering forecasts for traffic growth for the coming years, research has shown that over 80% of call sign similarities could be resolved by the creation of a central management service. This would de-conflict call sign similarities during the flight planning phases with the aid of a dedicated software application. This approach offers real savings compared to the current situation where individual airlines are managing their own de-confliction programmes. The payback period is estimated at approximately two years in the most pessimistic scenario. EUROCONTROL Agency has been requested to take the lead to address the hazards associated with call sign similarity. Co-Chairing the Information Session, Guido Kerkhofs, Director ATM Programmes, said that, "As a co-ordinator of European ATM Safety issues and the "manager" of all European flight plans, EUROCONTROL Agency (EATM and the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU)) is ideally placed to monitor the call sign similarity issue and to implement a prevention policy. We look forward to working with the experts from the industry to develop practical pan-European solutions that will reduce the risks and improve safety". A close association between EUROCONTROL agency, the airspace users and air navigation service providers is vital for establishing the proper services within the next two years. Following the Call Sign Similarity Information Session, the Call Sign Similarity User Group was formally launched on 3 December 2008 to support the design of the first steps of European-wide de-confliction solutions.