A fast-thinking air traffic controller in Phoenix stepped in Friday to make sure two American Airlines aircraft operating with the same call signs maintained proper separation.
According to a report from CBS News, two American jets – one flying from Phoenix to Chicago O’Hare, and the other arriving in Phoenix from Chicago O’Hare – were using not only the same flight number but the same radio frequency. The controller realized the airplanes were on potentially converging paths and began giving them instructions as “American 2842 departing” and “American 2482 arriving.”
The aircraft maintained separation at all times, and both landed at their destinations safely.
“I’ve been working air traffic for 25 years,” the controller said to the pilots, according to ATC recordings obtained by CBS News. “I’ve never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That’s pretty incredible.”
American told the news outlet that the flight arriving from Chicago was delayed; it was supposed to land in Phoenix, let off its passengers, take on new ones, and fly back to Chicago using the same call sign. But because of the delay, American brought in another aircraft so that the passengers waiting in Phoenix could depart. As a result, the two flights ended up using identical call signs.
“The diligence and professionalism of air traffic controllers and our pilots ensured required separation was always maintained and the issue was identified and addressed,” American said in a statement. “Both flights continued safely and without incident.”
