Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
B757 was on the arrival to JFK. C208 was climbing to 13;500 FT for skydive activity in the vicinity of CCC. I was working the RADAR position at Sector 32. I gave the B757 direct to ROBER which is a left turn away from CCC in an attempt to keep these two flights away from each other. C208 was up and down all morning and his climb out had been relatively close to CCC. I made several traffic calls to both aircraft. C208 reported he was 2 minutes from jumpers away and wanted to change frequency to Approach. I told C208 to report the B757 in sight before I would release him from the frequency. C208 reported the traffic in sight. I noted C208 was still on a southbound heading and flying right into the path that the B757 was heading towards ROBER. I asked C208 where he was going and on what heading. C208 said he was in a left hand turn back to CCC and was heading 360. This left hand turn was unexpected and in my mind a poor decision made by the pilot. He was aware due to my several traffic calls that the conflicting flight was to his east heading southwest bound. A right hand turn would have been appropriate. The left turn put the two aircraft nose to nose at almost the same altitude because C208 was climbing and the B757 was descending. I reported to the B757 what C208 was doing and the pilot for the B757 said they were climbing in response to a resolution advisory. The B757 reported the conflict was over and was now descending to 12;000 FT as previously cleared to. We have had many issues with the skydive activity over CCC. The pilots for this company seem more concerned with changing to Approach frequency instead of working with Boston Center to alleviate conflicts. CCC is a busy point with the numerous arrivals to JFK. I reviewed the Letter of Agreement with ZBW and N90 Skydiving and I believe there needs to be some changes. There have been recommendations made in the past to make the jumper aircraft climb North of CCC; but were unsuccessful. I think that if skydive type aircraft want to climb into ZBW airspace then they need to do so north of CCC. If this is not able to be done then they need to remain within 3-5 miles of CCC. Right now the LOA; in my opinion; is not restrictive enough concerning the climbout procedures for these aircraft. That airspace is way too congested with big aircraft to allow skydive activity in that area [to] go unrestricted.
ZBW Controller described a conflict event when a parachute drop aircraft was instructed to maintain visual separation with an inbound air carrier to JFK. The reporter claims current procedures don't adequately cover needed responsibilities.