Commercial Fixed Wing
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Company Policy
Similar sounding call signs for both aircraft involved didn't result in an incident during my session. However since I have been working at this facility the 4 number digit call signs have lead to many incidents via either poor read backs; controllers getting confused or pilots getting confused. I have reported this event of similar call signs every time I've seen it to management and have failed to see any action taken. I personally have had 2 very close calls with similar sounding call signs; one of which the read back was 100% correct however the wrong pilot read back another planes call sign. This is a very dangerous situation that continues on a day to day basis; with nothing being done that I'm aware of to fix the call sign issue. Denver Center has now issued a last letter suffix to their similar sounding call signs; this seems to clear up confusion. Bottom line; do something to stop this safety hazard.
ZLC Controller voiced concern regarding the similar sounding four digit call signs being utilized by at least one company; adding that something has to be done clear up this on going problem.