Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (mon) 6
Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
I was plugged in as Cab Coordinator monitoring Local #1. The Supervisor was performing a skill check on Local #1 (Runway 8R). Local #2 (Runway 8L) coordinated a South departure for Aircraft X (VFR). The trainee getting a skill check on Local (LC) #1 approved the South departure because there was no traffic.Local #1 then had Aircraft Y (IFR) pull up to Runway 8R. The trainee recognized that this might be an issue with Aircraft X. He was going to wait for it to not be an issue. The Supervisor instructed him to launch Aircraft Y. The Trainee launched Aircraft Y and wanted to have LC #2 turn Aircraft X to the South early since he was already past the departure end of 8L. This would ensure that Aircraft X and Aircraft Y would not be in conflict.The supervisor said 'no' and instructed LC #2 to have Aircraft X fly straight out and change to LC #1 frequency. Aircraft X and Aircraft Y continued to parallel each other and climb at virtually the same rate. Approach called and requested Aircraft Y on Heading 020. The trainee gave Aircraft Y Aircraft X traffic and Aircraft Y reported the traffic in sight. Aircraft Y asked if he wanted him to remain on 80 degrees. The trainee said 'affirmative'. The supervisor then keyed over the trainee and told Aircraft Y to turn left Heading 020. There is a couple second pause before Aircraft Y comes back and says 'unable he's right of my left wing'. He was then told to 'continue on that heading'. The last heading he was given was 020 so it's unclear what heading Aircraft Y was supposed to be on.Aircraft X was finally issued traffic on Aircraft Y. Aircraft X reported Aircraft Y in sight. The supervisor then told Aircraft X to maintain visual separation from that traffic and contact departure. Aircraft X is VFR and doesn't need to be told to maintain visual separation. What's worse is the conflict isn't resolved and he switched Aircraft X to another frequency. The supervisor then told Aircraft Y to let him know when he can take that turn. Aircraft Y said he could make the turn because he was above Aircraft X.Review IFR separation standards and requirements with the supervisor. Review visual separation standards and requirements with supervisor. Review routes and procedures with Supervisor. Review positive separation with supervisor.
PUB Tower Controller reported an unsafe situation caused by a Front Line Manager with two aircraft on departure.