Pronunciation of letters has been standardized but there is a lack of uniformity across the world regarding the pronunciation of waypoints.

Specifically, these relate to the confusion over the route designator and accurate identification of the correct 5LNC.

iCARD is responsible for the allocation of these names however there are problems. Certain ICAO rules do exist over duplication of code names covered in Annex 11, Appendix 2, and Section 3.3. There are also like sounding names that are not covered by any rules.

These regulations require that:

“Name code designator shall be easily recognizable.”

Eurocontrol has already drawn up some rules requiring the following to be satisfied within 500nm:

Rule 1: No two or more waypoint shall have 4 or more identical letters
Rule 2: The last 3 letters of two or more waypoint names shall not be Identical
Rule 3: Letters 1, 2, 3 shall not be the same
Rule 4: Letters 2, 3, 4 shall not be the same

However, there are many existing waypoint pairs that do not comply with this requirement and there has been no long-term study to assess the long term sustainability of the I-CARD system. The rapid increase in new routes, PBN procedures and traffic growth has contributed to the problem. Ideally, pronounceable words should be reserved for voice communicable routes.