Light Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Workload
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors
Landing TEB on JAIKE arrival; ATC assigned direct JAIKE at 13;000 FT. I left frequency to obtain the ATIS; but had to listen to it 3 times to copy all the info due to the usual problem of frequency 'bleed-over'. Just as I came back to our primary frequency; ATC asked if we had checked on. The pilot flying replied 'yes' that we had to the Controller. At about that instant I noticed our position and altitude. JAIKE was just behind us and we were passing approximately 19;000 FT in a slow descent. ATC then turned us 20 degrees to the right and I noticed traffic passing 6 miles off our left 1;000 feet below that would have been a factor if not for the turn. A few seconds later ATC issued us 'direct ILENE at 13;000 FT. The Controller was quite busy and never mentioned anything about our mistake. I think in retrospect that the ATIS frequency bleed issue is a major cause of distraction for crews landing TEB. It takes an inordinate about of time to obtain at a very critical phase of the arrival procedure. I also realize that even when I am busy off-frequency I need to remain more aware of the entire situation.
The Reporter stated that the ATIS frequency in use was 132.85. The bleed over appeared to be from an Approach Control frequency; but he is not certain. Also; on that particular day there was solar flare activity which may have contributed to the poor reception; which even on a good day is not good. Crews arriving into TEB are aware of the issue and because they know ATC will be asking for the ATIS Code; they take the time to get it correct. That is a huge distraction and always takes one pilot out of the loop during a very busy period.
A Captain on the TEB JAIKE 3 RNAV failed to notice that the First Officer did not descend on the arrival because he was intently monitoring the ATIS; which was difficult to hear because of bleed over.