ZAU RADAR and TMU Controller described an alleged overload scenario viewed from different perspectives; both suggesting new/revised procedures be explored.
Synopsis
ZAU RADAR and TMU Controller described an alleged overload scenario viewed from different perspectives; both suggesting new/revised procedures be explored.
Narrative
I was at the FWA Sector and noticed there were about five or more DTW; (route; VHP FWA MIZAR3) arrivals approaching the LOGAN and LOOTH Sectors with no miles in trail due to TMA/TBM. I notified the Supervisor of the situation. The Supervisor went and talked to TMU and possibly ZOB. The LOGAN Controller did what needed to be done to comply with TMA/TBM. As the first group of arrivals neared FWA the Supervisor advised that stacks were not acceptable to ZOB they wanted at least five miles in trail; and to go in the hold; holding commenced. During this process there was a slow moving aircraft at FL250 going direct FWA CRUXX4 YIP. There were also two to three departures from north of FWA climbing into FWA Sectors airspace. In the face of this wave of arrivals we were supposed to stack for TMA/TBM. We were lucky to escape without an error. It is unsafe to use a system that puts us in a position that requires us to stack multiple aircraft over FWA; a very busy VOR. The TMU person involved indicated TMA/TBM worked like it should. This amount of stacking is unacceptable. Recommendation: meter to fixes on the arrivals in lieu of thresholds.
Second reporter narrative
While metering for DTW during a rush; 4 aircraft over the FWA transition to the MIZAR STAR; were scheduled to within 5 miles of each other. The AREA and the TMA equipment were all within specification for METERING. ZOB was advised of the proximity of the group. ZOB advised ZAU that they needed to transition to MIT which was not possible due to the volume of aircraft on the transition. With no other alternative ZAU had to hold the aircraft. The advance coordination was unable to resolve the situation. No clear guidance was given to resolve the issue of TMA scheduling aircraft with duplicate STARs at the receiving facilities boundary; when that facility will not accept aircraft stacked. Recommendation: clear cut procedures on how to deal with aircraft with duplicate STARs.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.