ZNY controller described a probable loss of separation event when solar flares limited HF communicat...

Narrative:

Took briefing for sector. Solar flares were a problem; no aircraft could be contacted on HF; only limited satcom with some aircraft and cpdlc communications possible. The LJ60 progress report put him in confliction with the A330 prior to me taking the sector. Instead of the required 15 minutes on cross aircraft; I had approximately 9 minutes. The LJ60's position report was plausible but not verifiable due to frequency outage. Initially descent for the LJ60 was not possible due to conflicting traffic. Multiple attempts were made to see if the A330 was able higher; and to change his altitude. All attempts resulted in failure; and message was received for loss of separation which was forwarded to supervisor queue. Finally communications via a relay were established with the LJ60 and a clearance to FL390 was issued after separation was lost as per his newest progress received via relay. Event happened due to the fact that solar flares took away communication with almost all aircraft. Furthermore; this event was reported to management; twice as well as the messages going to the supervisor. When I reported for my next shift I asked the supervisor on duty in the area if a loss of separation was on file; it was not in the system. Recommendation; more aircraft need satcoms for these type events and more equipage of cpdlc communications. Additionally it would be nice if when there is a chance of solar flares; for us to be briefed and traffic initiatives put into place.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZNY Controller described a probable loss of separation event when solar flares limited HF communications and aircraft equipment limitations made it impossible to relay control instructions to oceanic traffic.

Narrative: Took briefing for sector. Solar flares were a problem; no aircraft could be contacted on HF; only limited SATCOM with some aircraft and CPDLC communications possible. The LJ60 progress report put him in confliction with the A330 prior to me taking the sector. Instead of the required 15 minutes on cross aircraft; I had approximately 9 minutes. The LJ60's position report was plausible but not verifiable due to frequency outage. Initially descent for the LJ60 was not possible due to conflicting traffic. Multiple attempts were made to see if the A330 was able higher; and to change his altitude. All attempts resulted in failure; and message was received for loss of separation which was forwarded to Supervisor Queue. Finally communications via a relay were established with the LJ60 and a clearance to FL390 was issued after separation was lost as per his newest progress received via relay. Event happened due to the fact that solar flares took away communication with almost all aircraft. Furthermore; this event was reported to management; twice as well as the messages going to the supervisor. When I reported for my next shift I asked the supervisor on duty in the area if a loss of separation was on file; it was not in the system. Recommendation; more aircraft need SATCOMS for these type events and more equipage of CPDLC communications. Additionally it would be nice if when there is a chance of solar flares; for us to be briefed and traffic initiatives put into place.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 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	1022253
Time
Date	201207
Local Time Of Day	0001-0600
Place
Locale Reference	ZNY.ARTCC
State Reference	NY
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Learjet 60
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	A330
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

ZNY controller described a probable loss of separation event when solar flares limited HF communications and aircraft equipment limitations made it impossible to relay control instructions to oceanic traffic.