MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Human-Machine Interface; Workload; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Distraction; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Human Factors; Procedure
I relieved a trainer and trainee but was unsure of how their plan would work with a 100 knot overtake and 5 miles closing to 3 between an MD80 and a Bell Helicopter. I was asking questions expecting a post overlap briefing but the trainer left the position. Tower called to ask if they needed to turn out the helo on a practice approach in VFR conditions was being overtaken by 100 knots and I said yes turn him out now. Tower waited for a mile or so because they had traffic in their pattern. The helo finally turned out on what appeared to be a 010 heading instead of a 080 heading as he was assigned. I think the wind was a factor. He appeared to be head on with the MD80 and I asked the helo to level off at 800 feet which is below the MVA of 1700 feet. I did this to avoid a collision with the MD80 and the helo. I am filing this report because I felt by asking the helo to level off at 800 feet for a couple seconds in his departure climb that it would avoid a collision with an MD80. I don't understand why the FAA no longer requires an overlap from a controller giving another controller a briefing to assume the position they have been working. I also will not take on a situation with an impending separation error again and instead let the controller work out their plan whatever that is; then assume the position after all separation errors have been resolved.Bring back the post 2 minute briefing and don't expect controllers to immediately assume a position just because it's time for the current controllers break. 5 minutes can make a huge difference in an imminent situation that the current controller is much more familiar with as well as has already executed whatever plan was in their mind.
P31 TRACON Controller reported an unsafe situation where a jet overtook a helicopter on final.