Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 13; Flight Crew Total 68; Flight Crew Type 13
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
There was another aircraft on frequency with a similar callsign. ATC tried to contact me in order to stop climbing due to intersecting traffic descending for the left downwind. I had just taken off and did a southerly turnout. ATC did use my full call sign and N number. However; I missed that transmission and Aircraft Y responded instead. ATC thought it was me and didn't repeat the transmission. Shortly after; my passenger in the front right seat pointed out the aircraft. And I immediately stopped my climb and began a rapid descent. I am fairly certain that if she hadn't pointed that aircraft out; we would have flown right into it. I had heavily emphasized sterile cockpit rules and scanning for traffic during their passenger brief; and as first time General Aviation passengers; they put effort into looking for traffic with me.
A General Aviation pilot reported a NMAC due to communication issues with similar sounding call signs.