K90 controller suggested utilization of the ASR-9 radar system in lieu of cenrap operations when the...

Narrative:

The ASR-8 primary radar system was schedule to be OTS. The flm decided to implement cenrap procedures on the ASR-8 system. The 'normal protocol' in previous similar events is to utilize the ASR-9 radar/beacon system. I explained to the flm that expanded separation criteria and reduced display accuracy would be a result of implementing cenrap operations. Utilization of the ASR-9 would not impact separation criteria or display accuracy to the degree evidenced by cenrap operations. The flm acknowledged my point. In my opinion; utilizing ASR -9 operations while the ASR- 8 system is OTS is not only more effective and efficient than cenrap operations; it maintains a higher degree of safety. Recommendation; utilize the ASR - 9 in lieu of ASR-8 cenrap operations.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: K90 Controller suggested utilization of the ASR-9 RADAR system in lieu of CENRAP operations when the ASR-8 RADAR system is scheduled out of service; noting the ASR-9 operation maintains a higher degree of safety.

Narrative: The ASR-8 primary RADAR system was schedule to be OTS. The FLM decided to implement CENRAP procedures on the ASR-8 system. The 'normal protocol' in previous similar events is to utilize the ASR-9 RADAR/Beacon system. I explained to the FLM that expanded separation criteria and reduced display accuracy would be a result of implementing CENRAP operations. Utilization of the ASR-9 would not impact separation criteria or display accuracy to the degree evidenced by CENRAP operations. The FLM acknowledged my point. In my opinion; utilizing ASR -9 operations while the ASR- 8 system is OTS is not only more effective and efficient than CENRAP operations; it maintains a higher degree of safety. Recommendation; Utilize the ASR - 9 in lieu of ASR-8 CENRAP operations.

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.

Attributes
ACN	1055953
Time
Date	201212
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	K90.TRACON
State Reference	MA
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Person 1
Function	Approach Departure
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types

K90 controller suggested utilization of the ASR-9 radar system in lieu of cenrap operations when the ASR-8 radar system is scheduled out of service; noting the ASR-9 operation maintains a higher degree of safety.