2010-09 · NASA ASRS report 908015
ZAU Supervisor (FLM) expressed concern regarding the on going problem with C90's failure to accept handoffs in a timely manner; noting C90 should utilize the QXM RADAR when the WATSN STAR is in use.
I had recently taken the Southeast Area OSIC/FLM position. ORD was landing to the west; so C90 was in a 'West Flow' configuration and we (BEARZ Sector) was delivering aircraft on the WATSN STAR. The controller working the BEARZ Sector advised me that C90 was not taking hand offs in a timely manner. I called the C90 FLM and we discussed the late hand off's. The FLM said that they are taking them as soon as they tag up - 'you know we can't take the hand off until we get an ARTS tag'. I asked if they were using the Tinley Park RADAR site; QXM? The FLM responded we don't have to use that site. I told the FLM that when they use the ORD RADAR site they do not accept hand offs until aircraft are less than 1 minute from the boundary; and that this was unsatisfactory. The aircraft were too close to the boundary and deviations were imminent in this situation. The FLM then indicated the Hand Off Controller could not see the west side. I have previously submitted reports on this situation. This is an ongoing issue between ZAU/SE Area/Bearz Sector and C90 Approach. C90 refuses to make it a standard operating practice to utilize the QXM RADAR site for the controller responsible for taking hand offs for aircraft on the WATSN arrival. Recommendation; require C90 to use the QXM RADAR site when the WATSN STAR is being utilized.
I was working LOOTH. We were on what we call a West flow; where ORD arrivals are taken off the ROYKO arrival and rerouted via the WATSN arrival; it's our high and wide plan; where that arrival is dedicated to Runway 28 at ORD. I noticed Chicago Approach failed to take a hand off in a timely manner from BEARZ (ZAU35) on an aircraft I had previously rerouted from the ROYKO arrival to the WATSN arrival.This is a common issue; worst when Chicago Approach does not use the Tinley Park RADAR. They say they can't see the aircraft much further East than HULLS way point. As I was preparing to reroute another arrival; the controller at ORD said over the holler line; 'keep Air Carrier X coming; I can't see him.' Air Carrier X was less than 3 miles from HULLS; less than one minute's flying from the ZAU/Chicago Approach boundary and approaching that boundary at an approximate 90 degree angle. There is no way to prevent an operational deviation if Chicago Approach does not call RADAR contact or point out approved. Recommendation; retrain controllers at Chicago Approach that 'Keep him coming' is not acceptable phraseology and means nothing. If Chicago Approach is incapable of accepting hand offs in a timely manner; route all ORD arrivals as if we were on an East flow; ROYKO arrivals remain on the arrival; WATSN arrivals are re-routed via ESSPO..ORD. yes; it's as idiotic as it sounds to have to re-route such a large percentage of your traffic. If Chicago Approach is not using the TINLEY Park RADAR site; disallow use of the WATSON arrival. Return the airspace at 12;000 feet from 3 miles North of HULLS to 5 miles Northwest of style to Chicago Center. Convene an Article 48 work group to redesign the ROYKO and WATSN arrivals; and the GSH and FISSK arrivals to MDW.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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