Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
Training a Developmental during Wake Turbulance RECAT; a B757 was facing north on Taxiway X. I instructed the Developmental to clear the B757 for takeoff on Runway XXR. The aircraft joined the runway at a speed that has not been the norm with the rest of the fleet. The B757 is a CAT 'D' and was following a CAT 'C' aircraft. I am not sure that separation was lost; but from the naked eye I believe that the aircraft did not have enough spacing with the previous aircraft. We were under pressure to fully utilize the Wake RECAT reduced separation; and on the first day of working this position since the new changes; and the Developmental's first day at this position as well; the timing required is still being understood on a learn-as-you-go basis. Recommendation is to allot for more time between departures until the separation and absolute timing is established.
Tower Controller described a RECAT Wake Turbulence event unclear if a loss of separation actually occurred; the reporter noting pressure to fully utilize the new reduced separation requirements.