Small Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turboprop Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2.8
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Aircraft; Procedure
I was the CIC and was verbal briefed 'not on a recorded line' that Aircraft X was on his way to do some DME work on Runway 13C and C90 would have them for the majority of the time until Aircraft X was completed and would then do a restricted low approach over a closed runway with personnel and equipment on it. When it came to my attention that Aircraft X was not cleared for a 'restricted' low approach he was already over the runway. I was in the process of filling out an MOR for the ASDX alert prior to knowledge of the misapplied low approach clearance.I believe this was a one time situation and the Controller would probably make sure something like this doesn't happen again.
Upon arriving at work; the CPC advised us that Aircraft X was inbound and told us the various procedures he needed to do; including a low approach to a closed runway. When we advised [him] that the runway was closed and occupied with numerous vehicles; he informed us there was a call between him and TRACON and possibly Washington D.C. as well and that he was told Aircraft X could perform the low approach to the closed runway. He also said Operations was informed that this would be taking place. After TRACON worked Aircraft X through his paces; he was given off to the Local Controller for the low approach. The Controller cleared him for the low approach to the closed runway. I made a blanket broadcast to all vehicles on my frequency that an airplane would be doing a low approach so they wouldn't be surprised and that there was no need to move. I remember thinking that it was odd that he hadn't given the aircraft a restricted low approach and I believe I voiced that out loud; but I can't remember if I physically verbalized it or just thought I did. Believing that this operation had been cleared through Washington D.C. I didn't think anything else of this event.Controllers should always use proper phraseology even when they believe an operation has been cleared at the highest levels. Also; all controllers should feel comfortable questioning procedures or the phraseology of their fellow controllers.
Two reports of an aircraft that should have done a restricted low approach over a closed runway with men and equipment on it.