A321
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
An A321 was at FL240 and on the IVANE1 arrival to CLT. The A321 was cleared to DESCEND VIA THE IVANE1 ARRIVAL LANDING NORTH. The A321 almost immediately descended to FL220 and violated the SOUTH BOSTON (22) Sector's airspace. I believe the IVANE1 arrival was put into place without proper education of both the controllers and pilots. I was under the impression that if the aircraft was below the MSTRD altitude window; that he wouldn't start to descend until he hit the next window (which would be MAYOS); just like the pilots do when they intercept a glideslope. This misunderstanding and/or lack of education created an unsafe situation where the aircraft descended into the SOUTH BOSTON (Sector 22) sector's airspace without them being informed or made aware of the traffic. Fortunately; there was no aircraft in the way; so there was no incident. However; there have been many questions and confusion on both the controller and the pilot's part that deem this IVANE1 arrival a very unsafe situation. Pilots are constantly asking for clarification when the DESCEND VIA clearance is given. Part of the problem contributing to the confusion is the fact that; on a daily basis; the IVANE1 arrival is run; then suspended; then run again; then suspended again. When the DESCEND VIA is suspended; then we get all of the frequency congestion of the pilots asking if they should DESCEND VIA when we just give regular clearances. If the IVANE1 was consistently running (24/7) it would be a whole lot easier to learn and apply all of the rules pertaining to it (through repetition). Therefore; my recommendation would be to either run the IVANE1 arrival 24/7; or suspend it until a time at which it could be run 24/7. On a separate note; our 'official' training on the IVANE1 arrival was done more than 6 months ago. Since then; it was tested for a few days; suspended indefinitely; used for a few days; suspended again and now is on and off during the day and then suspended for the midnight shift. This 'lack of education' may not be from me not learning it initially.  It may simply be from me not retaining the information for over 6 months before I have a chance to apply it.  We (both pilots and controllers) need to have refresher training on the IVANE1 arrival along with the consistency of using it on a daily basis.
ZDC Controller voiced concern regarding the misunderstanding of a 'Descend via' clearance with specific applications to the IVANE 1 STAR; one event resulted in an airspace incursion and unsafe condition.