Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 4.5
Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft Z; was orbiting [nearby] for a practice parachute jump. There was not a TFR in effect for this operation. The schedule I had showed that the jump would happen from 5;500. Aircraft Y; was on final to 27R. Aircraft X had called me 10 south of the airport for Class Bravo transition; north of the 27R final approach course and the [area of orbit]. When Aircraft X was about 3 miles south of Aircraft Y; I issued traffic. Aircraft X replied that he was looking. I asked Aircraft X if he could turn 15 degrees right; as this would point him at Aircraft Y's tail. He replied that he could. I issued the instruction; and then updated the traffic call to Aircraft X. Aircraft X reported the traffic in sight and that he could maintain visual separation. I told Aircraft X to maintain visual separation from and pass behind Aircraft Y. All of these calls where within about one minute. The 15 degree turn/passing behind Aircraft Y; put Aircraft X as close to going over top of the [orbit area] as he could have been without trying. During this time; I noticed that Aircraft Z was still at 4;500. As Aircraft X was passing the [orbit area]; another controller said that he could see the jumpers coming down. Aircraft Z was still at 4;500; and I was given no notice that jumpers where away; or that they would be jumping from any altitude other than 5;500. The only plan effected to separate traffic from the jump zone; was to have all PHL arrivals land 27R; and to have Aircraft Z remain north of I-95 (which runs between the [orbit area] and the 27R final). Aircraft Z notified the approach controller one pass prior to jumpers way. The approach controller did not notify the tower. While I was expecting to receive notification; the approach controller thought that the TRACON supervisor would notify the tower supervisor. This did not happen. There were not any pre-planned notification procedures.
PHL Local Controller reported a loss of separation when a helicopter passed under an aircraft transporting skydivers. The Controller had not been advised that the jumpers had exited the aircraft. Reporter noted a lack of communication between TRACON and Tower supervisors.