ZLC controller voiced concern regarding the similar sounding four digit call signs being utilized by...

Narrative:

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.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: 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.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1042398
Time
Date	201210
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZLC.ARTCC
State Reference	UT
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Commercial Fixed Wing
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Descent
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	Commercial Fixed Wing
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Descent
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types

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.