MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
I was working LW1; departing aircraft off of Rwy 18R. . LW2; per our orders; was open to work the CRO operation to Rwy 13R. Runway inspections were in progress on Rwy 18L. D10 had advised that there was a B748 inbound to Rwy 18R. There was still several departures remaining for Rwy 18R when Rwy 18L opened. I launched 1 aircraft from Rwy 18R and put the last departure in position when the B748 was on a 6 mile final to Rwy 18R.  There was an aircraft on final to Rwy 13R who was outside the ADW box. I departed the MD80 from Rwy 18R when the aircraft landing RWY 13R was in the ADW box. I knew that it would be close but I thought that the operation was going to work.  I was wrong. I felt that separation was going to be better achieved by rolling the MD80 from Rwy 18R than sending the B748; on final to that runway; around. I was later informed by the Supervisor that any event that involves CRO is considered a significant event. Since when? Neither of the Supervisors on duty or any of the controllers working were aware of such a thing. The acting ATM had been advised by the Assistant District Manager that events involving CRO are now considered significant. The supervisor called the QA/QC department in the region and they had never heard such a thing. Shortly afterwards; there was a briefing item published that such events are now significant. While I accept full responsibility for misjudging the spacing of the two aircraft ; I do not feel as though I am solely responsible.  (See Recommendation)The TMC on shift was in the East Tower. He did nothing to help with runway inspections this morning. There was no reason why when we were landing Rwy 13R and temporarily Rwy 18R with runway inspections in progress that we were keeping as many aircraft as we were. The hat status was normal. At most; the West Tower should only have had the West jets. Day in and day out; controllers are being set up for failure during this operation by the lack of Traffic Management competency and support. I recommend that during runway inspections; all aircraft taxi to the non-inspection side of the airport for departure.  There is no reason that with as much pavement as DFW has that the concrete is not being better utilized.
DFW Controller described a loss of separation when IFR traffic was released; conflicting with arrival traffic to the ADW.