Helicopter
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I was working the helicopter position. Aircraft X called at the Coliseum; which is a normal reporting point and requested the Harbor Route Southbound. I gave Aircraft X clearance through the Los Angeles B airspace via the Harbor Route Southbound below 900 FT. I also issued the aircraft a beacon code as required by local directives. I however did not RADAR ID the aircraft or verify its altitude. I did not do this because it is a known issue that RADAR coverage to the East low level; especially on the Harbor Route is poor. I paid little attention to the aircraft that were on final; since this route is procedurally separated from the LAX final by crossing altitudes. The Local SOP only requires Wake Turbulence separation between heavy jets and B757 departures and traffic utilizing the shoreline and beach routes. At the moment separation was lost; I was generating and issuing a beacon code to another aircraft; which I cleared into LAX B. Aircraft Y flew directly over the helicopter at 1;800 FT; the helicopter was at 900 FT. 1.) The altitude of the Harbor Route [should] be lowered to 500 FT. 2.) The route [should] be shifted 2 miles east of its current location. 3.) Issue crossing restrictions to aircraft on the visual approach to LAX.
LAX Controller described a possible loss of Wake Turbulence separation between a non-RADAR identified helicopter and traffic on final; the reporter providing several suggestions to prevent future occurrences.