Medium Large Transport
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 6.5
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Procedure
Aircraft X was cleared for the visual approach; already established on Runway 18R localizer descending out of 4;000 FT showing about 170 knots. Aircraft Y was about 7 miles northwest of Aircraft X at the same altitude. I told Aircraft Y to fly heading 150 until established on the Runway 18C localizer cleared visual approach Runway 18C. Aircraft Y was not issued a speed since he was the only aircraft going to 18C (showing about 230 knots). I was using the rule 15 degree course divergence (actually had 30 degrees) with Aircraft X on a 180 and Aircraft Y on a 150 until established on the 18C localizer. They both were on different runways with 18R and 18C. Aircraft Y got within about 2 miles before he passed Aircraft X and established on runway 18C. I was counseled by a Supervisor that this was a deal because I needed 45 degrees divergence. I do not understand this. I do this all the time and I am unsure what I did wrong. I am not sure who to talk to about this so I am filling out this report. Also many supervisors are saying I need to apply wake turbulence separation which I also believe to be untrue since I was not near the landing threshold. Basically I was using 15 degrees divergence until both were established on their localizers and cleared visual approach and I was told this is wrong. We need to all be on the same page with this. I train many people and want to make sure I am teaching them right.
CLT TRACON Controller describes arrival situation to parallel runways using what he thought was 15 degree course divergence. Controller had a loss of separation.