Page:CAB Accident Report, Eastern Air Lines Flight 663.pdf/8

Rh The DR-1 controller testified that when he coordinated with the AR-3 controller (handling PAA 212) the DR-1 controller advised the AR-3 controller that the DR-l "Might possibly have an aircraft that would be unable to cross the 157-degree (radial of JFK) at four thousand feet. He advised me that he had one still far away in the general direction of Dutch . . . but at this time (it was) no factor." The initial coordination between the AR-3 and DR-l controllers took place at approximately 1823, or shortly after the DR-1 controller turned EAL 663 to a 100-degree heading. Both controllers testified that at approximately 1823:24 further coordination and an exchange of altitude information was effected. However, a review of the transcription of recorded communication at the DR-l position revealed that this controller was engaged in almost continuous communication with EAL 663 and other aircraft during this time period. In the public hearing the AR-3 controller, when asked why he had requested PAA 212 to report each 500-foot level, stated: "It was a form of preplanning . . . I noted that information in the event that I couldn't maintain radar separation between the two aircraft I would have immediate knowledge of the Pan American's altitude and with further coordination (with the DR-1, controller) . . . I could revert to standard nonradar separation." In support of his reliance on radar separation between the two aircraft the AR-3 controller stated: ". . . Eastern 663 was observed completing a right turn from an easterly heading approximately four miles ahead of and to the right of Pan American 212 (then on a heading of 20 degrees.)" According to his testimony, shortly thereafter he issued a new heading of 360 degrees for the Pan American aircraft, and to give him a better angle of intercept with the glidepath. ". . . to turn him toward the airport." He then instructed the flight to contact the AR-1 controller. The Approach Control Sequencer of the Kennedy Tower received a radar handoff from the AR-3 controller on PAA 212, and passed it to the AR-l controller. He stated ". . . I assumed the departure (EAL 663) had reached 4,000 feet. He was in an area where he should have been maintaining a level of 4,000 or flying it at an rate, but in my mind the radar separation did still exist and would continue to exist."