B747-400
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
A B747 checked in with Tower. I cleared him to land on Runway 7R. It appeared that there was traffic; B737; at his 2 o'clock and 1 mile. I issued the traffic. I did not understand B747's response; so I restated the traffic. B747 then stated he had the traffic. I instructed the B747 to maintain visual separation with the traffic and that the B737 was landing Runway 7L. This was around the final approach fix; and the B737 had not checked in. I cleared the B737 to land on 7L assuming he was on my frequency.  I got no response. I felt the B747 might have read back cleared to land 7L so I restated that he was cleared to land Runway 7R.  Then went back to the B737 and asked if he had received the landing clearance. He said; 'no; and we have the heavy that is passing us on our right.... finally.' At the same time it appeared the B737 was overtaken by the B747. I told the B737 to maintain visual separation with the heavy and cautioned him for the wake turbulence. I believe the event happened because the sequence to final was not clear; language barriers; and the planes were on two different frequencies. I think when I asked the B737 if he received his landing clearance I could have over looked the B747 overtaking him. I would recommend that the aircraft be on the same frequency until the sequence is set. Pilot stated that they are following if they are maintaining visual with them. Better communication between the final controller and local controller. A review of this situation so that we are able to recognize the development of this event.
ANC Controller described an overtake event on Runway 7R/L when heavy traffic landing Runway 7R passed a large aircraft on final to Runway 7L; the reporter suggesting more defined ATC procedures to prevent future occurrences.