Dca controller reported a TCAS RA event experienced by a river visual arrival during operations util...

Narrative:

While working alc in a south configuration working local and helicopters combined. A helicopter was operating VFR in zone 1; while there were multiple jet arrivals on the river visual approach for runway 19. The helicopter requested to split the P's for a pentagon transition. The helicopter's transmission was garbled and at times unreadable. When we determined the position of the helicopter and figured out the desired route of flight the pilot proceeded but not as requested. The observed flight path took the helicopter from the memorial bridge to split the P's eastbound then it turned westbound split the P's again and proceeded via the pentagon westbound. When the helicopter turned westbound; the RA was reported by the pilot. The A319 landed with out problem; and the helicopter proceeded without incident. Recommendation; keep the helicopter position open. Staff it at all times. Or; keep the local and helicopter position combined and keep everyone in the facility current and proficient at the combined position.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: DCA Controller reported a TCAS RA event experienced by a River Visual arrival during operations utilizing combined Local and Helicopter positions; suggesting the an increase in the use of the Helicopter position.

Narrative: While working ALC in a south configuration working Local and Helicopters combined. A helicopter was operating VFR in Zone 1; while there were multiple jet arrivals on the River Visual Approach for Runway 19. The helicopter requested to Split the P's for a Pentagon Transition. The helicopter's transmission was garbled and at times unreadable. When we determined the position of the helicopter and figured out the desired route of flight the pilot proceeded but not as requested. The observed flight path took the helicopter from the Memorial Bridge to split the P's eastbound then it turned westbound split the P's again and proceeded via the Pentagon westbound. When the Helicopter turned Westbound; the RA was reported by the pilot. The A319 landed with out problem; and the helicopter proceeded without incident. Recommendation; keep the Helicopter Position Open. Staff it at all times. Or; keep the Local and Helicopter Position combined and keep everyone in the facility current and proficient at the combined position.

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	935390
Time
Date	201103
Local Time Of Day	0001-0600
Place
Locale Reference	DCA.Tower
State Reference	DC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Helicopter
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	VFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	A319
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Final Approach
Route In Use	STAR RIVER VISUAL
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Handoff / Assist
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	Conflict Airborne Conflict Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Track / Heading All Types

Dca controller reported a TCAS RA event experienced by a river visual arrival during operations utilizing combined local and helicopter positions; suggesting the an increase in the use of the helicopter position.