Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Procedure; Human Factors
I returned to the cockpit after using the lavatory and heard the first officer read back a clearance to cross fifteen north of MTATA at FL290. The controller did not correct the first officer. We were shortly thereafter handed off to the next frequency and checked in at FL330. The controller asked us if we had a crossing restriction as the first officer did not supply it upon check in. The first officer said we were to cross fifteen north of MATAT at FL290. The controller said roger. When we reported leaving FL330 the controller asked about our clearance again. The first officer said we were to cross fifteen north of MATAT at FL290. The controller said the correct clearance was to cross 50 north of MTATA at FL290. He then told us to cross MTATA at FL250 which we did.Better radio terminology would be to read back the clearance as fifteen/one five miles or fifty/five zero miles as this would eliminate any missed communication.
Air carrier Captain reported hearing and reading back different distances for a crossing restriction. Fifteen miles was thought; but it was fifty miles. Also; the names of the intersections were extremely similar.