Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
Air Carrier X was on a visual approach to Runway 17 and had been switched to local traffic. Air Carrier Y who had been previously cleared to destination with a hold for release clearance called for release. Air Carrier Y was told of company traffic on approach and to report company in sight for release. When Air Carrier X was approximately 6 miles from the airport; Air Carrier Y reported them in sight and was released using visual separation phraseology. Loss of RADAR separation occurred when Air Carrier Y departed Runway 17 and was climbing via the DP and Air Carrier X continued the visual approach. 7110.65 7-2-1 b.1 requires controllers to be in direct communication with one of the aircraft and have the ability to communicate with the other aircraft involved. Aircraft communicate with one another at uncontrolled fields thousands of times daily to safely facilitate landings and take-offs. They should not be encumbered and delayed by ATC at those airports where we provide ATC services for what is a safe and routine operation.
Enroute Controller experienced a separation error when using visual separation between an arrival and departure from a non-towered airport.