Yankee AA1
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Airspace Structure; Procedure
A Grumman; tagged as an AA1; attempted to transition through LAX Class Bravo airspace southbound through the departure ends of the Runway 24 and 25 complexes at 900 FT. LAX was west traffic. The Controller working the aircraft on the helicopter position (controlling helicopters and transition aircraft) was able to redirect the aircraft out of harms way; but it could have been disastrous if he hadn't. The Controller redirected the aircraft to the LAX 'Mini Route' that crosses over the airport midfield at 2;500. That created issues as well since the route has several flaws. The Grumman ended up overtaking a C172 on the Mini Route. The Controller was able to separate the aircraft by using a lower altitude (2;000) that was not designed for the Mini Route (it's a potential conflict for LAX arrival aircraft if they were to execute a missed approach). The LAX Mini Route has several flaws. For example: There is only one altitude available - 2;500; it was designed for only one aircraft at a time which is impractical because it forces aircraft to hold north and south of LAX in close proximity to each other and in close proximity to SMO airport to the north and HHR airport to the south; therefore; multiple aircraft are controlled simultaneously on same and opposite direction flight paths with little margin for error; it spans approximately two miles over LAX and is RADAR controlled by LAX controllers with limited RADAR experience; the aircraft are handed off to LAX Tower by HHR and SMO Tower controllers who are not RADAR qualified; the route is flown incorrectly and erratically on a daily basis by inexperienced or unfamiliar pilots; and the route is a potential conflict for LAX arrivals and departures due to its proximity and limited margin for error. Recommend closing the Mini Route and not allowing fixed wing transitions through LAX Class Bravo within 5 miles and 3;000 FT; it's too dangerous. Transition aircraft should use the Special Flight Rules area that runs over the top of LAX at 3;500 and 4;500 FT.
LAX Controller voiced concern regarding the long existing VFR corridor that crosses over LAX Airport and the potential traffic conflicts resulting from same.