Ffz and P50 controllers described an operational deviation when an IFR departure failed to make a ri...

Narrative:

I cleared an IFR departure for takeoff. The aircraft was cleared by ground control to depart via the MESA1 departure procedure. I did not restrict the aircraft to make only a right turn. The aircraft made a left turn. I noticed it along with the supervisor and ground controller. The supervisor coordinated with local 2 to get approval for that aircraft to be in his airspace and the ground controller called the approach control and informed them that the aircraft had made a left turn instead of a right turn. After all involved positions had been informed; I shipped the aircraft to departure. I said nothing to the aircraft about him making a left turn instead of a right turn. This is a new departure procedure and when briefed on it we were told the aircraft would make a right turn. We brought it to attention that we believe the wording of the procedure actually authorizes an aircraft to turn left or right. In response to this; I believe a change was made to the LOA with the approach control that requires us to say 'right turn approved'. I forgot to say that. However; in retrospect; 1) how does that statement; which is not a command to turn right; guarantee the aircraft will turn right? 2) with the previous departure procedure we were told we could not issue any instructions to an aircraft on a departure procedure that would interfere with him flying the departure procedure at the pilot's discretion. Doesn't forcing a right turn take away the pilots discretion of how he wants to fly the procedure? Recommendation; I will remember to say 'right turn approved' when I clear an IFR departure for takeoff. But if the aircraft still wants a left turn; as is his option on the departure procedure; then I don't know what needs to be done to ensure the right turn short of re-writing the departure procedure.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: FFZ and P50 Controllers described an Operational Deviation when an IFR departure failed to make a right turn and was in conflict with a PHX departure; the reporter noting the procedure is less than clear as published and needs additional clarification.

Narrative: I cleared an IFR departure for takeoff. The aircraft was cleared by Ground Control to depart via the MESA1 departure procedure. I did not restrict the aircraft to make only a right turn. The aircraft made a left turn. I noticed it along with the Supervisor and Ground Controller. The Supervisor coordinated with Local 2 to get approval for that aircraft to be in his airspace and the Ground Controller called the Approach Control and informed them that the aircraft had made a left turn instead of a right turn. After all involved positions had been informed; I shipped the aircraft to Departure. I said nothing to the aircraft about him making a left turn instead of a right turn. This is a new departure procedure and when briefed on it we were told the aircraft would make a right turn. We brought it to attention that we believe the wording of the procedure actually authorizes an aircraft to turn left or right. In response to this; I believe a change was made to the LOA with the Approach Control that requires us to say 'right turn approved'. I forgot to say that. However; in retrospect; 1) how does that statement; which is not a command to turn right; guarantee the aircraft will turn right? 2) With the previous departure procedure we were told we could NOT issue any instructions to an aircraft on a departure procedure that would interfere with him flying the departure procedure at the pilot's discretion. Doesn't forcing a right turn take away the pilots discretion of how he wants to fly the procedure? Recommendation; I will remember to say 'right turn approved' when I clear an IFR departure for takeoff. But if the aircraft still wants a left turn; as is his option on the departure procedure; then I don't know what needs to be done to ensure the right turn short of re-writing the departure procedure.

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	909415
Time
Date	201009
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	FFZ.Airport
State Reference	AZ
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Super King Air 200
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Route In Use	Other MESA1 ODP
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	A320
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Local
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Person 2
Function	Departure
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

Ffz and P50 controllers described an operational deviation when an IFR departure failed to make a right turn and was in conflict with a phx departure; the reporter noting the procedure is less than clear as published and needs additional clarification.