ZDC Controller reported issues relating to changes in the Florida Metroplex routing.

Date: 2022-05 · Aircraft: Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|deviation-track-heading-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-clearance

Synopsis

ZDC Controller reported issues relating to changes in the Florida Metroplex routing.

Narrative

New route structure went into place today for Florida Metroplex. We were briefed that PBI routes were changing. There were more routes that changed. They took out all fixes between DIW and ZZZ center or TRACON. So if we need to go off course and cannot go back to DIW; we no longer have a route for these aircraft. ZJX told us to stop going direct HOAGG; which is the only fix on the route past DIW. I tried JENKS HOAGG. They told me to stop doing that. I called ZJX and asked; OK; this aircraft is past DIW; what would you like me to give him if he cannot go direct HOAGG? He is currently direct JENKS then HOAGG. What would you like me to do with him? They took awhile to tell me; they didn't know and said it's fine; leave him JENKS HOAGG. Also; the FLL changed and now the PBI are in the FLL flow; but they are not on the same route. How do we keep these planes separated? It did not help that the space button on top of the keypad; which I use heavily; did not work today. It typed /U instead of space. So I was trying to work live traffic with new routes I did not understand; a keyboard that was malfunctioning and then my frequency started going bad like it routinely does almost every day. I don't know if I had any operational errors during that section; I don't know if I caused any; it was out of my control and I can't believe we are being put in this position without proper training or proper briefings about it. Telling us that PBI is changing but don't worry; ZJX would take them on any route they are filed on; without stressing the bigger changes to ZZZ and FLL and the impact it would have on the operation is a huge safety concern. I was told by my area rep that there were not scenarios run on these new routes. I believe they did not think it would impact us. But it certainly did. That session was one of the worst I have had in a very long time. I think it would be wise to go back to the old routing until scenarios can be run to see how this will affect Area 3. ZJX needs to have some fixes that we can go to if we need to. DIW and OSTNN cannot be our only options. If the solution needs to be that all traffic needs to be left over DIW and ILM; then that needs to be made clear to all controllers. But there still needs to be an option for when DIW or ILM is not available. Like when the situation occurs south of DIW or ILM. If you are not busy; you can navigate around this; when you are busy; you cannot. So if not change is going to take place; then please slow down traffic. I fear something will happen when someone is busy and to blame the controller because we 'signed an MBI' on it is irresponsible at best and negligent at worst.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.