B737-300
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure
A LR60 was conducting a Flight Check to the Runway 34L Localizer. A delay vector was given to B737 north of SMF who was landing Runway 16R to give space for LR60 to Runway 34L. The supervisor said the operation was OK and was watching the scope at the time. The LR60 was about crossing landing threshold and the B737 was approximately 9 mile final and Tower called and asked what we were doing with the B737. I asked if they wanted me to break them out and they said yes. The B737 was broke out and re-sequenced. Separation was not lost between the two aircraft but I was advised by the supervisor on duty that he was going to report the event and that I should as well. That opposite direction rules is better studied.
There were approximately 5-6 aircraft on my frequency. The ILS for 16R/34L was OTS and a LR60 had been doing 10 mile arcs east-west off of the 34L localizer. The pilot was talking to the Delta Sector Controller. I was working finals for 16R; which was the active runway. The LR60 requested to proceed inbound on the 34L ILS; and Delta Sector coordinated the opposite direction arrival with me. This was the second time he would be conducting this operation; so the Delta Controller requested to sequence the LR60 after a B737 that I had on an 8 mile base; which I approved. I began sequencing 3 other aircraft to follow the LR60's arrival; the first was B737; then another B737 and another air carrier of similar type. When the LR60 was on short final for 34L; and the B737 was on 9 mile final and cleared for the Visual Approach for 16R; the Tower called and said something to the effect of 'The LR60 is on short final; I can't have the B737 inbound' I confirmed that the LR60 would be making the left turn to 210 again as he had the last time. Tower said 'yes; but the B737 can't be less than 10 miles with the LR60 inbound'. My instructor asked Tower something like 'well what do you want me to do...break him out?' Tower said yes. I cancelled the B737's approach clearance; turned him right heading 250 and maintain 2;000 FT. By the time the LR60 had made his low approach and established in his turn; the B737 would have been approximately 6-7 mile final. In reference to the Orders my supervisor was told were violated - NCT N 7110.71/SMF N 7110.02 Interim Same Runway Opposite Direction Arrival/Departure; and JO 7110.596 Interim Same Runway Opposite Direction Arrival/Departure Procedures:I think this is a non issue based on how I have been briefed on these orders. The LR60 was VFR; maneuvering on his own accord. He could not have been cleared for the ILS even as a VFR practice approach because it was out of service. This was simply a VFR arrival from the south asking Tower to land Runway 34L while an IFR arrival is inbound on 9 mile final for 16R; which in my understanding can be allowed. If the interpretation stated above is correct; I recommend that Tower be better briefed on these orders; as well as what it means when the LR60 is conducting the above mentioned operations.
NCT Controller described a possible separation infraction involving 'opposite direction traffic' procedures. The event included a Flight Check aircraft and an Air Carrier operation at SMF.