FFZ and P50 Controllers described an Operational Deviation when an IFR departure failed to make a right turn and was in conflict with a PHX departure; the reporter noting the procedure is less than clear as published and needs additional clarification.
Synopsis
FFZ and P50 Controllers described an Operational Deviation when an IFR departure failed to make a right turn and was in conflict with a PHX departure; the reporter noting the procedure is less than clear as published and needs additional clarification.
Narrative
I cleared an IFR departure for takeoff. The aircraft was cleared by Ground Control to depart via the MESA1 departure procedure. I did not restrict the aircraft to make only a right turn. The aircraft made a left turn. I noticed it along with the Supervisor and Ground Controller. The Supervisor coordinated with Local 2 to get approval for that aircraft to be in his airspace and the Ground Controller called the Approach Control and informed them that the aircraft had made a left turn instead of a right turn. After all involved positions had been informed; I shipped the aircraft to Departure. I said nothing to the aircraft about him making a left turn instead of a right turn. This is a new departure procedure and when briefed on it we were told the aircraft would make a right turn. We brought it to attention that we believe the wording of the procedure actually authorizes an aircraft to turn left or right. In response to this; I believe a change was made to the LOA with the Approach Control that requires us to say 'right turn approved'. I forgot to say that. However; in retrospect; 1) how does that statement; which is not a command to turn right; guarantee the aircraft will turn right? 2) With the previous departure procedure we were told we could NOT issue any instructions to an aircraft on a departure procedure that would interfere with him flying the departure procedure at the pilot's discretion. Doesn't forcing a right turn take away the pilots discretion of how he wants to fly the procedure? Recommendation; I will remember to say 'right turn approved' when I clear an IFR departure for takeoff. But if the aircraft still wants a left turn; as is his option on the departure procedure; then I don't know what needs to be done to ensure the right turn short of re-writing the departure procedure.
Second reporter narrative
Morning departure push at the Navajo sector; east flow with training in progress; hand-off staffed. FFZ Tower called requesting release for a BE20; Runway 04 filed J-18.GBN. Coordination was accomplished and release was given with the BE20 climbing to 4;000 FT on the FFZ departure procedure. An A320 departed PHX.SJN5; assigned FL210. The BE20 departed FFZ and was observed in a left turn when procedure called for a right turn. FFZ called the hand-off and advised that the option was given to the BE20 to climb VFR to the left. To my knowledge; this is not an approved procedure. Trainee recognized situation and issued an expedited climb and traffic to the A320 regarding the BE20. Until this point; the BE20 had not checked in on frequency and the trainee reached out. The BE20 responded and traffic was immediately issued and the BE20 called the A320 in sight; and was instructed to maintain visual separation. The A320 was advised that the BE20 had him in sight and was maintaining visual with him and the A320 then called the BE20 in sight. No action was taken by either pilot and no further incidents occurred. Recommendation; FFZ Tower instructed the BE20 that he had the option to conduct a VFR climb to the left instead of to the right on the IFR departure procedure. A turn to the left is in direct conflict with PHX departures on east flow. All Runway 4 departures need to be on the IFR departure procedure which calls for a right turn and FFZ Tower should not take it on themselves to initiate otherwise.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.