Narrative:

I was instructed by the controller in charge (there was no flm on duty) to relieve the radar north (rn) controller; as he wanted leave and it was to be approved. As I plugged in to monitor the position; I could see that there was moderate traffic with a little complexity. Both radar sectors that were open were running arrivals to intersecting runways; as well as some arrivals to other satellite airports. The controller working rn seemed overwhelmed and confused. I observed the rn controller gave a BE36 a heading to avoid a TBM8; who was on vectors to runway 28. At this point; I assumed that the rn controller had given adequate vectors to both the BE36 and the TBM8 to ensure some sort of separation (lateral; passing/diverging courses; etc.); so I initiated a relief briefing. The briefing was convoluted; but I felt it was best to go ahead and get the controller off position; as there was nothing more that he could do that would be productive. Upon relieving the rn controller; I proceeded to clean up the sector. As the relieved controller was doing his 2 minute overlap; he said 'watch those two guys;' pointing to the BE36 and the TBM8. At this point; the TBM8 was level at 5;000 ft and the BE36 was climbing through 5;800 ft +/- 100 ft. I am not sure if there was 3 miles lateral separation or not at this point; but there was certainly not 1;000 ft vertical between the aircraft at that time. Within seconds of him pointing out the possible conflict; vertical separation was achieved anyway. There was nothing I could have done to alter the situation; as other matters in the sector were far more pressing and no action I could have taken would have expedited/maintained separation. As such; I took no action and chose to let the situation resolve itself without causing unneeded alarm to the pilots.I have several opinions/ideas; reference this scenario: 1. The controller that I relieved is unsafe. I don't say this lightly; as this sort of poor sector management and panic is commonplace when he works traffic. As he is only 4 or 5 months from mandatory retirement; I doubt that any recurrent training or skill enhancement would be productive. However; his experience could be useful in administrative duties. I am sure he would probably be relieved to be off the boards; and our staffing is such that it would not be difficult for management to make this happen. 2. Increase the number of flms in the building from 3 to 4. Often; cics seem unwilling to give their co-workers/friends orders concerning how they work traffic. I believe this could have been a contributing factor in this scenario; as the controller in charge knew that the rn controller was having difficulty working; but was reluctant to tell him what to do. Having more flms would reduce the number of times when cics have to run the shift and monitor the operation. 3. Don't pressure the relieving controller to take a position that is not 'cleaned up.' it would be helpful if our local management would encourage this. Often; we are pressured to relieve weaker/overwhelmed controllers because they cannot keep up with what is going on. Rather; it should be that people help the weaker controllers to get their sector under control first; and then once things are resolved; the relief briefing can take place. This would be a much safer method; as well as one which would probably help to build up the skills of controllers who need skill development.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: TRACON Controller described a probable loss of separation event when trying to relieve a controller who was overwhelmed; the reporter suggesting increased FLM coverage and delaying position take overs during these conditions.

Narrative: I was instructed by the CIC (there was no FLM on duty) to relieve the Radar North (RN) Controller; as he wanted leave and it was to be approved. As I plugged in to monitor the position; I could see that there was moderate traffic with a little complexity. Both RADAR sectors that were open were running arrivals to intersecting runways; as well as some arrivals to other satellite airports. The Controller working RN seemed overwhelmed and confused. I observed the RN Controller gave a BE36 a heading to avoid a TBM8; who was on vectors to Runway 28. At this point; I assumed that the RN Controller had given adequate vectors to both the BE36 and the TBM8 to ensure some sort of separation (lateral; passing/diverging courses; etc.); so I initiated a relief briefing. The briefing was convoluted; but I felt it was best to go ahead and get the Controller off position; as there was nothing more that he could do that would be productive. Upon relieving the RN Controller; I proceeded to clean up the sector. As the relieved controller was doing his 2 minute overlap; he said 'watch those two guys;' pointing to the BE36 and the TBM8. At this point; the TBM8 was level at 5;000 FT and the BE36 was climbing through 5;800 FT +/- 100 FT. I am not sure if there was 3 miles lateral separation or not at this point; but there was certainly not 1;000 FT vertical between the aircraft at that time. Within seconds of him pointing out the possible conflict; vertical separation was achieved anyway. There was nothing I could have done to alter the situation; as other matters in the sector were far more pressing and no action I could have taken would have expedited/maintained separation. As such; I took no action and chose to let the situation resolve itself without causing unneeded alarm to the pilots.I have several opinions/ideas; reference this scenario: 1. The Controller that I relieved is unsafe. I don't say this lightly; as this sort of poor sector management and panic is commonplace when he works traffic. As he is only 4 or 5 months from mandatory retirement; I doubt that any recurrent training or skill enhancement would be productive. However; his experience could be useful in administrative duties. I am sure he would probably be relieved to be off the boards; and our staffing is such that it would not be difficult for management to make this happen. 2. Increase the number of FLMs in the building from 3 to 4. Often; CICs seem unwilling to give their co-workers/friends orders concerning how they work traffic. I believe this could have been a contributing factor in this scenario; as the CIC knew that the RN Controller was having difficulty working; but was reluctant to tell him what to do. Having more FLMs would reduce the number of times when CICs have to run the shift and monitor the operation. 3. Don't pressure the relieving controller to take a position that is not 'cleaned up.' It would be helpful if our local management would encourage this. Often; we are pressured to relieve weaker/overwhelmed controllers because they cannot keep up with what is going on. Rather; it should be that people help the weaker controllers to get their sector under control first; and then once things are resolved; the relief briefing can take place. This would be a much safer method; as well as one which would probably help to build up the skills of controllers who need skill development.

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.