Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2
Communication Breakdown; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Weather; Staffing; Procedure; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
I was working radar approach in the Tower. We did not have the staffing to open the TRACON. I had made comments the night prior when I saw the schedule that Sundays typically get busy. When the workload increases radar becomes more difficult to work in the Tower; because of the small screen and lack of help with coordination. This was the case. The weather was getting worse and more airplanes were calling; more strips printing. Just as last time I was put in to a situation where I had to work multiple aircraft on satellite airports; departing; arriving Des Moines. This was unsafe because when we have no help with coordination for releases off of satellites; spacing; point outs; and so on; the workload increases tremendously. This is what happened yesterday. The traffic was far too busy to work in the Tower. I requested higher for an aircraft; I then climbed the AC to 23000 feet. I forgot about him when he dropped off of my scope; Center called to remind me to ship him. This was in part due to the fact; I was helping an aircraft out with icing; getting the PIREP from him and getting him to a satellite airport. It was also due to other duties that were required.  This can all be a lot safer for everyone. We can provide service to all aircraft without delay; if we have staffing to open the TRACON. With the TRACON open there is always somebody there to help out with situations like this. In my opinion ACC (radar in the tower) should be reserved for times with little traffic; or for mid-shifts. This may have been a larger issue. The TRACON needs to be open!
Radar Approach Controller working in the Tower reported difficulties during his shift due to high workloads; the TRACON being closed; distractions in the Tower; and an inadequate screen size for his radar. The Controller believes that scheduling more controllers to open the TRACON would remedy the situation.