Narrative:

Two aircraft were descending for initial approach to the airport. Airport was using runways 5L and 5R. We were on a high wide right downwind for runway 5R and told to expect a visual approach to the right. Another aircraft was approaching from the south; approximately 13 miles out; and was told to expect runway 5L. The other aircraft saw the airport and was cleared for a visual to runway 5L. We were then asked if we had the other aircraft in sight; which we said 'yes we did'; and the clearance we were given was 'maintain visual separation from that aircraft; cleared for the visual approach to runway 5R; follow that traffic to the airport'. Both aircraft were cleared for the visual approach at the same time to different runways. Since we were in a turboprop and the other aircraft was a faster turbojet we turned right base right away for runway 5R; all the while keeping him in sight and maintaining visual separation; thinking that the other aircraft would catch up to and eventually pass us on our left side on the way to his runway. The controller did not anticipate this; called us and said it looked like we turned ahead of him and were told to follow him to the airport. We were then vectored in a right 360 degree turn back around to right base for runway 5R and landed. Since when can an airplane on a visual approach; and number 1 for his assigned runway; not be allowed to turn for the runway and be told he's not allowed to turn inside another aircraft on a visual for a completely different runway? Especially when visual separation was maintained and there was no chance of a conflict. The controller apologized to us before handing us over to the tower control. The apparent miscommunication occurred due to the fact that neither aircraft was told who was 'number one' or 'number two' for the airport. Also; we were told to follow the aircraft to the airport; not told to follow 'behind' the aircraft to the airport. I am told that this facility is a training ground for air traffic controllers and I understand the premise behind that; however; I think more specific instructions could have alleviated the problems. Additionally; our aircraft was in a position to turn right base and land well before the other aircraft even entered the class D airspace; thereby; completely removing us from the equation. My perception was that the controller didn't understand the differences in performance characteristics of each aircraft and was bent on getting us behind the turbo-jet airliner. Also; I feel the controller could have used more specific instructions and better separation technique.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Turboprop aircraft on a Visual Approach to Runway 5R was issued a right 360 degree vector after turning toward the airport; parallel traffic was assigned Runway 5L; the reporter questioning ATC's handling of the visual approach.

Narrative: Two aircraft were descending for initial approach to the airport. Airport was using Runways 5L and 5R. We were on a high wide right downwind for Runway 5R and told to expect a visual approach to the right. Another aircraft was approaching from the South; approximately 13 miles out; and was told to expect Runway 5L. The other aircraft saw the airport and was cleared for a Visual to Runway 5L. We were then asked if we had the other aircraft in sight; which we said 'yes we did'; and the clearance we were given was 'maintain visual separation from that aircraft; cleared for the visual approach to Runway 5R; follow that traffic to the airport'. Both aircraft were cleared for the visual approach at the same time to different runways. Since we were in a turboprop and the other aircraft was a faster turbojet we turned right base right away for Runway 5R; all the while keeping him in sight and maintaining visual separation; thinking that the other aircraft would catch up to and eventually pass us on our left side on the way to his runway. The controller did not anticipate this; called us and said it looked like we turned ahead of him and were told to follow him to the airport. We were then vectored in a right 360 degree turn back around to right base for Runway 5R and landed. Since when can an airplane on a visual approach; and number 1 for his assigned runway; not be allowed to turn for the runway and be told he's not allowed to turn inside another aircraft on a visual for a completely different runway? Especially when visual separation was maintained and there was no chance of a conflict. The controller apologized to us before handing us over to the tower control. The apparent miscommunication occurred due to the fact that neither aircraft was told who was 'number one' or 'number two' for the airport. Also; we were told to follow the aircraft to the airport; not told to follow 'behind' the aircraft to the airport. I am told that this facility is a training ground for air traffic controllers and I understand the premise behind that; however; I think more specific instructions could have alleviated the problems. Additionally; our aircraft was in a position to turn right base and land well before the other aircraft even entered the Class D airspace; thereby; completely removing us from the equation. My perception was that the controller didn't understand the differences in performance characteristics of each aircraft and was bent on getting us behind the turbo-jet airliner. Also; I feel the controller could have used more specific instructions and better separation technique.

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.