Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2
Troubleshooting; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Company Policy; Manuals; Procedure
I was on the Radar Assist position and the person working the Radar was conducting a flight break up. Aircraft X and Aircraft Y completed their refueling mission and requested the break up from FL200B230. The Radar Controller had Aircraft Y come up on frequency and reported level at 22000 ft. Aircraft X also reported level at 22000 ft. The radar Controller radar identified Aircraft Y and instructed the aircraft to descend to 21000 ft. The loss of separation occurred since ATC instructed Aircraft Y to descend instead of the flight leader; Aircraft X. We all need to have a full understanding of the procedures when conducting a flight break-up/join. ATC cannot issue a control instruction if standard separation isn't first met. The controller must only relay instructions through the flight leader until standard separation is gained.
A Controller reported a loss of separation following a military formation flight break up.