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The issue - Call Sign Confusion |
The use of similar call signs by aircraft is referred to as “call sign similarity”. The danger of an aircraft taking and acting on a clearance intended for another due to call sign confusion is a common occurrence. This was identified in the European action plan for air ground communication safety as a significant contributor to air-ground communication issues.
Further studies have indicated that the best defence against call sign confusion consists of eliminating, or reducing the chance of having two (or more) aircraft with similar call signs on the same radio frequency at the same time.
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How can EUROCONTROL help Aircraft Operators? |
A stepped approach is envisaged: |
Service Level 0
The CFMU has put in place a Service Level 0 that includes a Call Sign Similarity Management Cell (CSMC). The CSMC provides aircraft operators with the similarity rules to be applied in the process of the detection and resolution of conflicts.
The CSMC, in addition, has taken over the service previously provided by the French DSNA for the de-confliction of similarities within a limited number of aircraft operators’ own schedules, using the DSNA tool.
Service Level 1
In the near future, a so called Service Level 1 progressively open to other aircraft operators will provide de-confliction or prevention of similar call signs within a single aircraft operator’s schedule with the support of a dedicated tool - the Single AO Tool - which will be made available to aircraft operators through the NOP portal. The detection and de-confliction actions are to be performed by the aircraft operator prior to the start of the summer and winter season. The CSMC will facilitate and monitor the whole process.
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Full operation of Service Level 1 is planned for Spring 2012 following familiarisation and testing by a number of volunteer aircraft operators. |
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| click on the image to have a better view on the CSS timeline | |
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Service Level 2
If Service Level 1 is successful, and subject to further stakeholder approval,
Service Level 2 will provide de-confliction between multiple aircraft operator schedules.
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Benefits of the CSS Service and Tool |
The main benefits to aircraft operators and ANSPs associated with the implementation of the CSS Service/Tool are:
- A pan- European solution for a known safety problem;
- Economies of scale compared to individual aircraft operator schemes;
- Elimination of over 80% of CSS incidences, leading to improvements in safety;
- Rapid pay back of investment (3 years).
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Monitoring Call Sign Similarity Service and Tool Performance |
The CSMC will establish procedures with participating aircraft operators to monitor the operational effectiveness of the CSS Service/Tool. The anticipated improvements in safety performance will be monitored by the EUROCONTROL Voluntary ATM Incident Report (EVAIR) scheme.
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Last validation: 13/05/2011
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