Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Confusion; Other / Unknown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
While I was working R44 and AVL ATCT called to release the airspace for the evening. The AVL Controller briefed me that the ILS for Runway 34 was the active approach for the evening. Approximately 30 minutes later; a CRJ7 was inbound to AVL. I cleared the aircraft for the ILS Runway 34 approach. While on final; the CRJ7 informed me they lost the localizer and was going missed. It was also stated that they never had the glide slope. After climbing to altitude he stated he was receiving the ILS 16 LOC. My Supervisor then pulled the tapes from the briefing to confirm that the AVL Controller stated that Runway 34 was the active runway. Before receiving confirmation; the CRJ7 was forced to divert for fuel concerns. Just a few minutes later; a CRJ2 and another Air Carrier both AVL arrivals checked on. I put both into a holding pattern until we could sort out what runway we were to use. All 3 aircraft also stated that they were not receiving any automated weather from the AVL ATCT. At one point the CRJ2 attempted the GPS approach to Runway 34. They were forced to go missed due to visibility and diverted back to [their departure airport]. The other Air Carrier also returned to [their departure airport]. There is only one way to fix this situation. AVL ATCT needs to stay open later and open earlier! That is the only way to reduce risk. The AVL airspace is very mountainous and dangerous. The ARTCC has many RADAR and radio limitations in that area. The safest way to work aircraft is for AVL to work their own airspace. In the morning before AVL opens; we have many issues with aircraft reaching ARTCC on the ground to get clearances. AVL ATCT needs to be able to work these aircraft! This has been an unsafe situation for many years and has fallen on deaf ears.
ZTL Controller voiced concern regarding the AVL Tower hours of operation; providing examples of flawed coordination regarding the ILS in use resulting in go-arounds and diversions.