Commercial Fixed Wing
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
MEM RNAV SIDs were changed to a combination of Climb Via and Maintain clearances. This change not only increases our workload; it causes the workforce to have to decide which clearance to issue and for the pilots to be extra attentive in their actions. It is very easy to issue an incorrect clearance based on the aircraft anticipated vs actual departure runway or by changing the departure runway for user convenience or airport efficiency. This can cause confusion among controllers; as well as stakeholders during critical phases of flight; specifically take off and climb out. This change has caused; what I believe to be undue risk to the National Airspace System.The ELVIS SID was modified to reflect a magnetic variation change. This initial heading change was adjusted 2 degrees without any consideration for other procedures that are in effect in locally. Make all RNAV SIDs at MEM the same; Climb Via or Maintain. Change ELVIS departure back to the headings on the ELVIS3 departure procedure.
MEM Tower Supervisor reported problems associated with climb via and maintain clearances off of Memphis especially the ELVIS3 SID