The increase in radiotelephony (RT) procedures has led to the large scale use of numbers for both the contents of messages and identification of flights. This in turn has been the cause of many ATC incidents and misidentification of flights. Call sign confusion by pilots or controllers has caused several near misses and at least one accident involving aircraft damage and serious personal injury.
Related Publications

June 9, 2026
Problematic Substance Use Testing
This Briefing Leaflet provides guidance on problematic substance use testing in aviation, outlining principles and best practices for the design

June 3, 2026
Flying with HIV
Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV into a well‑managed chronic condition, yet significant regulatory and operational barriers persist for

April 27, 2026
Infographic: Annex 13 at a Glance
Delays, incomplete findings, or the absence of published accident investigation reports deprive the industry of critical safety insights. These insights

April 6, 2026
Human Performance Impacts of Civil Aviation Operations in Conflict Zones
Exceptional operations require exceptional safeguards. Conflict zone operations must continue to be treated as exceptional circumstances regardless of duration, as

February 26, 2026
Background Checks for Pilots
In view of the concerns expressed by a number of IFALPA’s Member Associations concerning the arbitrary and sometimes unclear methods

February 24, 2026