Narrative:

Due to the inept ability of the FAA to process changes to the RNAV stars into atl in a timely manner; there is a state of confusion as to the actual current published stars and what is to be expected of the pilots. Unfortunately; the controller did not issue a speed of 250 KTS to the B757; but did issue a speed of 250 KTS to all aircraft behind the B757. The B757 turned at nofiv and descended; as instructed; but did not slow to cross nofiv at 210 KTS (as published). The subsequent controller noticed; too late; that the B757 did reduce speed; at a point well beyond nofiv. This indicated to that controller that the B757 reduced speed on their own and not in compliance with any published procedure -- in this case the ERLIN5 RNAV arrival into atl. The controller who issued 250 KTS to all subsequent aircraft has been charged with a 'category B operational error; wake' event. There have been rumors and statements that the speeds on all the RNAV arrivals into atl have been notamed out or are no longer applicable; when in fact they still remain; more than 5 charting cycles after this facility (A80) has requested their removal. This is clearly unacceptable performance by the FAA and the associated offices responsible to ensure timely aeronautical information. A danger clearly exists.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A80 Controller voiced concern regarding ATL RNAV STARS; indicating an operational error occurred because of confusion regarding published speeds and altitudes; noting RNAV proposed changes have been recommended for more than 5 charting cycles.

Narrative: Due to the inept ability of the FAA to process changes to the RNAV STARs into ATL in a timely manner; there is a state of confusion as to the actual current published STARs and what is to be expected of the pilots. Unfortunately; the Controller did not issue a speed of 250 KTS to the B757; but did issue a speed of 250 KTS to all aircraft behind the B757. The B757 turned at NOFIV and descended; as instructed; but did not slow to cross NOFIV at 210 KTS (as published). The subsequent Controller noticed; too late; that the B757 did reduce speed; at a point well beyond NOFIV. This indicated to that Controller that the B757 reduced speed on their own and NOT in compliance with any published procedure -- in this case the ERLIN5 RNAV arrival into ATL. The Controller who issued 250 KTS to all subsequent aircraft has been charged with a 'Category B Operational Error; Wake' event. There have been rumors and statements that the speeds on all the RNAV arrivals into ATL have been NOTAMed out or are no longer applicable; when in fact they still remain; more than 5 charting cycles AFTER this facility (A80) has requested their removal. This is clearly unacceptable performance by the FAA and the associated offices responsible to ensure timely aeronautical information. A danger clearly exists.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.