Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1.5
Time Pressure; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Procedure
I was on Local and had Aircraft X inbound to Runway 2L (the runway in use); and Aircraft Y was taxied opposite direction to Runway 20L. I had Aircraft X in sight; and recognized that there was plenty space for Aircraft Y to depart and turn on course before Aircraft X arrived. I did not scan the D-Brite to determine spacing prior to clearing the Aircraft Y. Both aircraft were VFR. The separation between the two aircraft did not meet the separation standard for opposite direction operations between VFR aircraft that is lined out in our SOP (3 miles or 1;000 feet). When I looked at the D-Brite after clearing Aircraft Y for takeoff; I realized that I did not have the 3 miles or 1;000 feet between my two VFR aircraft as required by our SOP. I felt that both aircraft were safe and did not issue any instructions to Aircraft X to regain the required distance. Aircraft Y had Aircraft X in sight and turned on course before becoming a conflict with Aircraft X.  I felt that issuing additional instructions to Aircraft X to regain 3 miles of separation would have been less safe than allowing him to continue to the airport when no serious incident would occur. Had something unexpected happened with the departing Aircraft Y that could create a conflict between the two aircraft; there was still time and space to adjust the pattern of the Aircraft X to de-conflict him with the Aircraft Y.  My actions were just a poor lapse in judgment. I should have scanned the D-Brite to ensure 3 miles or 1;000 feet separation instead of visually determining that it was safe to clear Aircraft Y for takeoff. I fully intend to comply with the SOP.My Supervisor reviewed the incident with me and wrote a record of conversation.  He said that separation was not ensured and there was no positive control because I did not give the Aircraft X additional instructions to regain 3 miles of separation between my two VFR aircraft. Again; I felt it was less confusing and safer to allow him to continue to the airport knowing that the situation would not result in a serious incident. He also said that management has decided to conduct an [System Service Review] SSR to determine if my actions resemble a systematic problem within our facility. I am not sure why this one incident has warranted a review of the entire facility.
Controller violated facility SOP for opposite arrival departure minimum separation.