Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 6
Training / Qualification; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
I was conducting training on a radar position. We had Aircraft X on a vector of 310 degrees at 2;000 ft. This vector kept the aircraft away from a 2;500 ft MVA (Minimum Vectoring Altitude) to the west but would have been too close to the final approach course at SUA. The trainee turned Aircraft X to a heading of 290 degrees; but failed to recognize the MVA and the aircraft busted the MVA.As an Instructor it is my responsibility to take over when I see a developing situation and the trainee has not acted on it. I saw the situation; but did not take over when I should have. In the future I will not allow the trainee to get into a situation that he may not be aware of. I will fix it and then debrief after the session about it.
I was flying on an IFR flight plan. Upon descending to land the controller asked me multiple times if I had a visual; upon which I replied negative as I was in IMC at 3;000 ft. The controller told me to continue and use the instrument approach procedure and descend to 2;000 ft. As I descended I told the controller that I had a visual and he then gave me a new heading and told me to climb to 3000 ft. As I turned to the new heading and proceeded to climb I was in IMC again. I misunderstood the controller as I thought I was cleared for the visual and descended and turned directly to the airport upon which I violated the IFR environment.
PBI TRACON Controller and a GA pilot reported miscommunication; which resulted in the aircraft descending below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude.