Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Training / Qualification; Human-Machine Interface
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Human Factors; Procedure
I was training a Developmental on east departures during a south flow late night shift. We observed a target depart Runway 18R--a westbound departure runway--instead continue south then turn southeast. This put the aircraft in confliction with our departure off Runway 18L. I immediately overkeyed my Developmental trying to get hold of our departure so I could turn him away from the traffic cutting in front of him. Our flight was not on my frequency; however the 18R departure did check on with me; and I immediately turned that straying aircraft away from my traffic.Memphis should terminate the use of the RNAV SIDs; and start using issued headings off the airport. Let the Departure Controller issue the clearance to join the cleared RNAV SID. Don't rely on the pilot to go to the right initial fix. If they programmed their FMS wrong they're in a critical phase of flight and in close proximity to other departures. By the time a controller notices the wrong heading; the aircraft may be switching frequencies and might go to the wrong frequency. Maybe distracted by the wrong heading and trying to correct; or getting a TCAS RA from the traffic they cut off.
An 'eastbound' MEM Departure Controller took prompt action to redirect a 'westbound' air carrier departure off of Runway 18R who had apparently programmed the wrong RNAV SID and was conflicting with the reporter's legitimate eastbound departure aircraft off Runway 18L.