ZMA Controllers voiced concern regarding two RADAR systems that fail to provide needed RADAR data to controllers.
Synopsis
ZMA Controllers voiced concern regarding two RADAR systems that fail to provide needed RADAR data to controllers.
Narrative
[There is a] recurring safety problem for Miami Center controllers; especially in the Bimini/Nassau area; [in which targets are not displayed] in the HOST system. However; when you switch to EBUS; the target is displayed perfectly. In this situation an A320 was making his descent into FLL; he advised that he is responding to a TCAS RA. The R42 Controller had no display of any target; however; when switched to EBUS as the Controller had awareness of this HOST display problem; the target was observed perfectly; but now being the A320 aircraft. Pilot called in later and advised it was very; very close! This [is] a known; very serious safety issue that has been previously reported through various venues. It is a very serious problem in a highly congested air traffic area that could be rectified with the installment of Freeport RADAR and the upgrade of Nassau RADAR; as it is very old system with questionable maintenance problems. Recommendation: installment of Freeport RADAR; upgrade of Nassau RADAR; and adaptation upgrade so that HOST can display the same targets as EBUS with the same back-ups and redundancy. In other words; the RADAR data is available; but HOST is not displaying it as efficiently as EBUS.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.