AUS_ATC

(Also posted in Hangar Talk.)

We had an interesting situation tonight which resulted in more debate and discussion in the Tower Cab. Here's what happened:

Local Controller rolls a B727 runway heading climbing to 5,000, then rolls an MD11 or DC10 right behind the B727 doing the same thing. The B727's route of flight would continue south, and the MD11 would eventually turn west when radar and communications contact was made with the Departure Controller.

The Local Controller asked the Heavy if he still had the B727 in sight in an effort to apply Visual Separation, and the Heavy driver responded with "I refuse to accept or provide visual separation" (paraphrased).

The Local Controller then had to coordinate with the Departure Controller for an early turn to the west, and some gnashing of teeth and cursing followed. The Supervisor then called the airline and asked for the Chief Pilot to call the Tower Cab. Supervisor tells the Chief Pilot that "our" expectations were for the pilot to tell the Tower if he/she was unable or unwilling to accept or provide Visual Separation between successive departures, and that Visual Separation was a tool that ATC uses to expedite traffic. Chief Pilot concurred, and said that this information would be disseminated.

So...

1. How do you feel about ATC asking YOU to provide Visual Separation between yourself and the preceding departing aircraft?

2. Would it matter if ATC did this every once in a while to get themselves or you out of a bind?

3. What are your thoughts on ATC issuing Visual Separation to each and every aircraft in the departure push as a method to expedite the flow of traffic?

4. Any other thoughts or comments about Visual Separation between successive departures?

Thanks,

MEM_ATC