Large Transport
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 29
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification; Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Procedure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
Aircraft X; FL360; NORTHBOUND L455; Assigned speed M078; in trail same route approx. 12 minutes behind Aircraft Y; FL360; also Assigned M078. Pilot estimates going into radar indicated separation of 10 minutes no conflict in Ocean21. Ocean21 receives a radar hit on Aircraft X and changes the OKONU estimate by 3 minutes on the late side. XX03z is now XX06z. Ocean21 provides an alert indicating loss of separation with Aircraft Y. 9 Minutes and some seconds. I reduce Aircraft Y to m076 and apply reduce separation flags for the rule of 11. I also confirm with Aircraft X; pilot estimate for OKONU. Pilot estimate was confirmed XX03z. Did we lose 3 minutes or not; but wait I have a radar target; can I discontinue oceanic separation standards? But wait both of them are radar targets now. Do I still need Oceanic separation standards? This is a problem. I advised the supervisor. Either the radar data is wrong or the pilot is giving a bad conformation or the wind data that the radar is using is wrong either way it's unacceptable! Mixed environments don't work; unless you cover it with standard operating procedures. Someone decided to turn all this radar on in OCEAN21 to enhance the overall product; without regards to the issue's controllers would be faced with. Turn it on we were told; no effects on your current operation. BS. The number of erroneous messages we deal with now is totally wrong. The display is now very cluttered with junk; etc. I could list all the problems; but have chosen just to complain about it. Besides; showing a controller a radar target in oceanic airspace; there is nothing that prevents us from using this radar for vectoring; since it's already impacting separation and updating Ocean21 profiles. It's just like ERAM; just turn it on; we will work out procedures later. Why do we do this? Finish the job! Please.There's many!
ZNY Oceanic Controller describes the lack of understanding in the area as to whether he/she can use the radar for separation or if they have to use non-radar procedures.