Clt controller described an event when the required separation standard was uncertain during the use...

Narrative:

North operation; clt main radar went out and we were using maiden radar for separation. From approximately 10 NM south and out; separation was 5 NM; rather than 3. I was initially told I needed 5 NM between aircraft on the same runway unless they had each other in sight (visual) and were told to follow each other visually. A few minutes later; I was told that they only needed to have the airport in sight to diminish the separation between successive aircraft to less than 5 NM. Then; I was told that was incorrect and I needed 5 NM unless they had each other in sight and were following each other visually. Downwind traffic was descending to 6;000' and as aircraft was turned to join final; also at 6;000'; separation may have decreased to less than 5 NM as they passed. The arrival west controller took most aircraft off the RNAV; which resulted in the aircraft drifting closer to the final. Recommendation; ensure that everyone is on the same page with the procedure. There has not been adequate training and/or guidance on what the requirements are when radar goes out; other than 5 miles. There should be conclusive; unambiguous direction given by the controller in charge/flm when we go into a nonstandard configuration.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CLT Controller described an event when the required separation standard was uncertain during the use of a non-standard RADAR system.

Narrative: North operation; CLT main RADAR went out and we were using Maiden RADAR for separation. From approximately 10 NM south and out; separation was 5 NM; rather than 3. I was initially told I needed 5 NM between aircraft on the same runway unless they had each other in sight (visual) and were told to follow each other visually. A few minutes later; I was told that they only needed to have the airport in sight to diminish the separation between successive aircraft to less than 5 NM. Then; I was told that was incorrect and I needed 5 NM unless they had each other in sight and were following each other visually. Downwind traffic was descending to 6;000' and as aircraft was turned to join final; also at 6;000'; separation may have decreased to less than 5 NM as they passed. The Arrival West Controller took most aircraft off the RNAV; which resulted in the aircraft drifting closer to the final. Recommendation; ensure that everyone is on the same page with the procedure. There has not been adequate training and/or guidance on what the requirements are when RADAR goes out; other than 5 miles. There should be conclusive; unambiguous direction given by the CIC/FLM when we go into a nonstandard configuration.

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	917455
Time
Date	201011
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	CLT.Airport
State Reference	NC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Approach
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Conflict Airborne Conflict Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

Clt controller described an event when the required separation standard was uncertain during the use of a non-standard radar system.