A321
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Company Policy; Human Factors
I was just getting a break and heard someone yell out; look 5 west of the airport (PHX). So I looked at the nearest scope and observed two departures side by side separated by a couple hundred feet. PHX Tower applied visual separation on these two departures; but when I saw it; the first departure (A321) was showing 240 KTS over the ground; whereas; the second departure (CRJ9) was showing 280 KTS over the ground. I don't know the altitudes; but they would be less than 8;000 FT. The CRJ9 was actually passing the A321; fortunately he was passing and on the proper side so they would not criss-cross. We have fielded numerous complaints from pilots requesting for an off set on departure for wake turbulence in the past. While this was not the case; one would expect these two aircraft to relatively perform the same 'speed wise'; while not necessarily 'climb wise'. There have been issues whereby a CRJ2 or CRJ7 climbs out at 210 KTS without telling us. I have issued 250 KTS to these aircraft on initial contact to avoid this. I don't really think this was the Tower's fault. I think it is a problem letting each pilot chose his own speed on climb out. I recommend that we publish speeds on the SIDs/DPs. At least until 10;000 FT. Possibly 250 KTS until leaving 10;000 FT; or 230 KTS until leaving 10;000 FT.
P50 Controller witnessed a side by departure event with the Tower providing visual separation; the reporter noting speed assignments should be published on the SID to minimize various speeds utilized by different aircraft.