Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related
I was signed on to the CD/FD(Clearance Delivery/Flight Data) position with another controller working the LHD Tower position; and another the ANC Local Control combined with Ground control and CIC (Controller in Charge). The LHD controller observed a moose on the edge of the LHD runway and instructed the one arrival there to go around. He then began taking action to notify airport operations. At the same time; another controller entered the cab and announced that she would be taking the CD/FD position and CIC. She asked what the LHD controller was doing at the Supervisor desk and when he told her she took over the notification of airport operations and made the necessary phone call. She then indicated she was ready and I gave a relief briefing and she assumed the CD/FD position. I remained in the cab for several minutes performing other duties and during this time another aircraft called the LHD controller inbound and the controller coordinated with ANC Local Control for the two aircraft to land at ANC as the moose was still walking along the edge of the LHD runway and loitering near the approach end. The CIC told the LHD controller; 'this is Alaska; these guys are used to seeing moose;' and that the LHD controller should simply clear them to land regardless of its presence on the runway. The LHD controller informed her that he would not do that and instructed the aircraft to enter the pattern at ANC as coordinated with ANC Local Control and transferred communication. The CIC then instructed him to begin the relief briefing as she would be taking over the LHD position as well. Once she assumed the LHD position she advised ANC Local Control that he should turn the second aircraft; the first had already completed a landing at ANC; back to LHD as it seemed she intended to clear it to land there; despite the moose still being at the approach end of the runway. ANC Local declined to do so and both aircraft landed on the moose-free runway at ANC then taxied to LHD; as the two airports are connected by a taxiway.The CIC's interjection into a situation that was being handled safely; capably; and effectively by the current controllers in direct communication with the aircraft involved and her insistence that the other controllers execute her wishes show a deficiency in both good control judgement and supervisory judgement. Unfortunately; the CIC is not alone at this facility in their very public low regard for other controllers' knowledge; experience; and judgement. These displays of contempt for coworkers and the power plays do not belong in the operations area and are detrimental to the safety of the flying public. Facility management should begin noticing these ongoing problems and take action to correct them.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
ANC Tower Controllers reported the Controller in Charge ordered them to allow aircraft to takeoff and land on a the LHD gravel runway that had a moose observed near it.