Controller Suspended For Lack Of Separation Between
Aircraft
The FAA is investigating an incident that occurred on Sunday
March 27, 2011 when an air traffic controller in the Central
Florida Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) requested
assistance from an airliner in checking on a Cirrus SR22 aircraft
that had been out of radio contact for over one hour. The Cirrus
was on course for Kissimmee, FL and maintaining altitude at 11,000
feet. Air traffic controllers at Jacksonville Center (ZJX)
repeatedly tried to reach the aircraft without success.
Southwest 821 (SWA821), a Boeing 737, was ten miles in trail of the
Cirrus at 12,000 feet and heading for Orlando International Airport
(MCO). The controller asked the Southwest crew if they could check
the cockpit of the Cirrus. The Southwest crew agreed, was directed
towards the Cirrus and reported the aircraft in sight.
The Southwest pilots reported seeing two people in the cockpit.
The Southwest flight turned away and the air traffic controller
then vectored the aircraft for its arrival at Orlando International
Airport. Approximately thirty seconds later the Cirrus contacted
Jacksonville Center who gave them the current frequency. Both
aircraft landed safely at their destinations.
Preliminary information indicates that there was a loss of required
separation between the two aircraft. The FAA has suspended the air
traffic controller, who is a supervisor.
"By placing this passenger aircraft in close proximity to
another plane, the air traffic controller compromised the safety of
everyone involved. This incident was totally inappropriate," said
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "We are reviewing the air traffic
procedures used here and making sure everyone understands the
protocols for contacting unresponsive aircraft."
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