Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
CRJ-200 was sequenced on approach to runway 10C behind a B757. The pilot of the CRJ-200 asked me what type aircraft was ahead of him on approach because he was experiencing significant wake turbulence. I advised that the aircraft was a B757. The distance between the two aircraft at the time of inquiry was approximately 2.72 miles. The pilot of CRJ-200 did not request any alternate instructions at that time. After CRJ-200 landed runway 10C; I advised him that the current wake turbulence reclass rules permitted the distance he was following the B757. I advised him that I would tell management of his complaint. I then asked him how severe the turbulence was and he described the turbulence as moderate with a couple severe bumps. Both aircraft landed safely without incident. The airport wind at the time of complaint was 100/09.Perhaps some investigation into the proper distance behind some or all models of the B757 could be done to make sure the current reclass rules are in fact safe to following aircraft. With our current reduced separation on final rules and the possibility of Tower using visual separation for even less separation on final; it may be prudent to make sure there are no minimum distances we should be providing.
ORD Tower Controller reported a CRJ-200 encountered wake turbulence 2.7 miles in trail of a B757 on approach to Runway 10C.