B757 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
Working North Departure and aircraft called off the south side that appeared to be on a 250 track but had SUMMT in the Data Block. There was a wall of aircraft off the north side of west and north gates. I could not figure out what the Tower was doing because the aircraft on the 250 track had to go out the north gates. I called Tower Control. I am advised that the 250 track does not have his SUMMT clearance. Had an aircraft say he may have to return to ATL because of equipment issues. I turn the 250 track north and top other departures. An E1 DAWGS checks in with no heads up from the Tower. He is approximately 2 miles behind the B757 but separated by altitude. I think I can climb the DAWGS aircraft because he is at the pivot point where he turns east. I notice he is not turning east. I ask if he is on the DAWGS. He says no he is on the SUMMT. The aircraft with the equipment issue says he's OK and is ready to continue on the SUMMT departure. I stop departures at some point. I believe one of the aircraft that I stopped below the 250 track may have entered satellite airspace. Tower rolled another aircraft even though I have stopped departures. South departure is trying to help and coordinate. The supervisor is trying to help and coordinate. I call ZTL and coordinate the end result of speed restrictions to the 4 or 5 SUMMT. It was a cluster; I CIC the departure wall on a regular basis. It is quite common for the Tower to send 1 aircraft off the north and 1 off the south heading for the same gates that are a tie. But what happened last night was inexcusable in my opinion. It put the aircraft and me; in a bad position and caused numerous delays. I was told later that the tower screwed up the 250 track aircraft but the aircraft on the DAWGS (SUMMT) was an automation issue. The Tower needs a better way of coordinating aircraft that are departing the wrong runway.
A80 Controller described a confused and uncoordinated departure operation possibly resulting in an airspace infraction; the reporter suggesting improved coordination procedures by the Tower regarding non standard departures.