Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure
Waypoint was missing in the flight plan; 'HESTN'; which was to be inserted between 'ODATE' and IRK. Flight plan check was accomplished by crew and observed by myself. All waypoints were reported as 'checked' by the FO. Check mark was observed in the flight plan next to 'HESTN' as being checked. Became aware of mistake when ATC asked why 'HESTN' was in our flight plan strip and he insinuated that it did not belong there and he would fix our route. We were actually proceeding to IRK. Of note: There are two close waypoints in this flight plan with the same pronunciation. One is 'HSTON' and the other is 'HESTN.' This is causing confusion and believe it contributed to this error.Waypoints with same pronunciation but different spelling in the flight plan that were close together. Needing to pay closer attention and CRM red flagging this situation as a potential got you.[Recommend] renaming same sounding waypoints that are within 150nm of each other.
HESTN waypoint missing in FMS flight plan between ODATE and IRK. There was a HSTON as well 3 points prior. We realized the FMS mistake when ATC questioned why HESTN was in our flight plan.There were two waypoints with same name but slightly different spelling. Double check both waypoints when there are two or more involved with same name.
Air Carrier flight crew reported of confusion over a waypoint that was in their flight plan. ATC had another waypoint that was spelled differently. This caused confusion and being off course.