WWII Memorabilia

Are OEs by ATCs voluntarily reported or automatically documented by computer?Is it objective or subjective?

An Operational Error is defined as any action by an air traffic controller that results in less than the required minimum separation between two or more aircraft, or between an aircraft and obstacles.

In the center environment the separation status of tracked targets is computer monitored, and the system will alert the watch supervisor of any detected loss of separation. The loss may be explained by the fact that the controller was using visual or other approved separation, but each alert must be reviewed answered. The Operational Error Detection Patch (OEDP) is not infallible, and may miss a loss of separation for several reasons. In such cases, or where non-radar separation is being utilized, N JO 7210.633 (the current directive governing error reporting and processing) requires that "Separation losses . . . must be immediately reported to any available management official . . . "

Terminal facilities do not currently use automated error detection, but the provisions of N JO 7210.633 apply. One additional note, facilities are often audited by evaluators which helps "keep the honest people honest" as far as reporting, etc.

If the reported loss of separation was due to controller actions, the facility will reported the error to the service area safety staff, as well as to headquarters. In the majority of cases, the processing is completed by the local facility, and the higher headquarters maintain the statistics, unless there is a particularly severe error, or there appears to be some abnormality in the way the facility reported or investigated the error.