Originally Posted by
mspano85
ATC messed up bad. She cleared the Cirrus after he told her he couldn't see the 3rd helo.
I've worked with her a lot when I've flown. She's always on the ball. I think she just got complacent....
Sorry to hear about the tragedy.
Why do you say "ATC messed up" - do you have inside information? It is not clear to me what happened, and any number of scenarios (cirrus below TPA or heli at TPA) seem to be consistent with the incident.
I am cleared to land all the time without traffic in sight, usually with instructions (cleared to land on runway, heli traffic will remain north of associated taxiway).
It is a stark reminder that delta provides sequencing, NOT separation services.