Faif controller described a loss of separation event involving a SVFR operation into ili airport; in...

Narrative:

Helicopter called for a special VFR into ili. Anchorage center had the airspace due to an IFR inbound and helicopter was advised of this and advised to maintain VFR outside the ili surface area. The pilot of helicopter acknowledged this. A few minutes later I contacted helicopter with an update and advised him to expect a clearance in a few minutes. The pilot responded he was 1/2 mile from touching down. I acknowledged this and his apparent violation of the airspace was reported to the supervisor in charge. On review the pilot seemed to be acknowledging clearance into the ili surface area rather than remaining clear of the surface area. There have been many pilot complaints of poor reception of our radios in the ili area which may have contributed to the pilot of helicopter misunderstanding. Recommendation; fix the radios at ili.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: FAIF controller described a loss of separation event involving a SVFR operation into ILI airport; indicating an ATC failed clearance read back error caused the pilot to believe entry to the airport was authorized.

Narrative: Helicopter called for a Special VFR into ILI. Anchorage Center had the airspace due to an IFR inbound and Helicopter was advised of this and advised to maintain VFR outside the ILI surface area. The pilot of Helicopter acknowledged this. A few minutes later I contacted Helicopter with an update and advised him to expect a clearance in a few minutes. The pilot responded he was 1/2 mile from touching down. I acknowledged this and his apparent violation of the airspace was reported to the Supervisor in Charge. On review the pilot seemed to be acknowledging clearance into the ILI surface area rather than remaining clear of the surface area. There have been many pilot complaints of poor reception of our radios in the ILI area which may have contributed to the pilot of Helicopter misunderstanding. Recommendation; fix the radios at ILI.

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.

Attributes
ACN	885777
Time
Date	201004
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ILI.Airport
State Reference	AK
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Helicopter
Flight Phase	Initial Approach
Route In Use	None
Person 1
Function	Flight Service
Person 2
Function	Instructor Flight Service
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Airspace Violation All Types Deviation - Procedural Clearance

Faif controller described a loss of separation event involving a SVFR operation into ili airport; indicating an ATC failed clearance read back error caused the pilot to believe entry to the airport was authorized.