Narrative:

The radar was released to airway facilities. Both of the supervisors on duty refused to release the radar due to traffic volume and approaching weather. The first few aircraft that I worked deviated 20-25 miles north and south to avoid thunderstorm activity. I was unable to provide any assistance because of the radar outage. This was one of the most potentially disastrous situations I've encountered in 20 years and was completely avoidable. It is my understanding that because we had people here on per diem to work on the radar; the facility manager released the radar to airway facilities. When the supervisor on duty evaluates the current conditions; the release determinations should be binding.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: TRACON Controller voiced concern regarding the facility managers decision to release the RADAR equipment to maintenance during weather deviation operations contrary to the denial of the floor supervisors.

Narrative: The RADAR was released to airway facilities. Both of the supervisors on duty refused to release the RADAR due to traffic volume and approaching weather. The first few aircraft that I worked deviated 20-25 miles north and south to avoid thunderstorm activity. I was unable to provide any assistance because of the RADAR outage. This was one of the most potentially disastrous situations I've encountered in 20 years and was completely avoidable. It is my understanding that because we had people here on per diem to work on the RADAR; the facility manager released the RADAR to airway facilities. When the supervisor on duty evaluates the current conditions; the release determinations should be binding.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.