THE SIMILAR CALLSIGNS USED IN VERBAL AIR GROUND COMMUNICATION : PROCEDURE AND RISKY PROBLEM AT MAKASSAR AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE CENTER

This study aims to discuss Air-Ground Communication as a special means of communication that aims to facilitate the interaction between Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots for safe and efficient flight operation. Pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft and the air traffic controllers (ATC) are responsible for providing information and standard separation of all flights under ATC‘s area of responsibility or jurisdiction. The objectives of this study are 1) to describe the kind of similar callsign in aviation, especially in Makassar Air Traffic Service Center, and 2) to provide a procedure to minimize the risk of similar callsign or callsign confusion. The method used in this research was a combination of quantitative and qualitative. This research is supported by Ground Criteria Theory (GTC). Data were collected from MATSC‘s Flight Data Recording System and interview with pilots and active air traffic controllers. The success of air-ground communication will be demonstrated by the acceptable level of safety. Many problems are involved in miscommunication, namely similar callsigns. It is important to make sure that the correct callsign is used. If a similar callsign aircraft operates on the same radio frequency, it could result in one pilot executing a clearance designated for another aircraft due to improper use of the callsign. The result of the research shows that similar callsign is one of the hazard identification in aviation. This thesis provides preliminary information regarding the current conditions of the possibility of a similar callsign at Makassar Air Traffic Service Center. The implication of this research raises the awareness of the importance of standardized operational system.