Gulfstream V / G500 / G550
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
The Gulfstream (Category D under RECAT wake turbulence separation) checked in for Runway 27 and was cleared to land. ARE (Arrival East) vectored the BE36 (Category F under RECAT wake turbulence separation) to final and switched him to me. When the BE36 checked in; I asked him to verify he had the preceding G5 in sight. He advised he did not. I coordinated with ARE to initiate a 360 with the BE36. The person who answered the line was apparently a trainee; the trainer approved the 360. The BE36 executed his 360 and landed without incident. RECAT separation for an F behind a D is five miles. This separation under RECAT is required to be established five miles from the FAF. The BE36 initial contact with Tower was already less than five miles from the final approach fix. At that point; the BE36 also had a faster ground speed than the G5. The Supervisor was aware of the 360 being issued and contacted the TRACON to have them investigate. Re-brief all controllers; Tower and TRACON on the requirement under RECAT that wake separation has be established 5 miles from the FAF.
MEM Controller described a questionable RECAT wake separation event; noting another briefing to facility personnel should take place to clear up current uncertainty.