ZMA Controller described a failed crossing restriction event with an adjacent facility when language barrier complications caused several distractions.

Date: 2011-06 · Aircraft: Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200) · Phase: descent

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|airspace-violation-all-types|deviation-altitude-undershoot|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

ZMA Controller described a failed crossing restriction event with an adjacent facility when language barrier complications caused several distractions.

Narrative

Today I was a party to a pilot deviation which turned into an operational deviation. I had these two jets going to Fort Lauderdale. Aircraft X was following Aircraft Y about 20 miles behind and capable of going about 200 knots faster. Aircraft Y was a foreign aircraft/pilot and after repeating my control instructions several times and having to S L O W L Y and phonetically spell out each clearance; realized that this plane was special and that this plane required special attention. Both jets were to cross JINGL at 8;000 per LOA with Miami Approach; so I APREQed 6;000 for Aircraft Y and lifted the speed restriction on Aircraft X so that both aircraft could perform to their own capabilities. I issued the 6;000 crossing restriction to Aircraft Y a couple of times until I was satisfied with the read back and convinced that the pilot might actually comply with the restriction; waited for MIA Approach to take the hand off and then shipped the aircraft to approach. I then watched as Aircraft Y failed to make the crossing restriction; at which point I stopped Aircraft X 1;000 ft above. I did not have time to call the effected approach controller and left Aircraft X safely above Aircraft Y at 9;000; still within the confines of the receiving controller's airspace; just 1;000FT above LOA; and shipped him to approach. The aircraft had a pilot deviation and as a result. I sent the commercial jet into approach airspace 1;000 above LOA. Recommendation; anticipating that this would probably happen; I should have vectored the alphabet aircraft out of the way; let the commercial jet go first; and then focused all of my attention on the foreign aircraft.

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