Narrative:

I was assigned to work the local control positions combined. We had been briefed earlier with regards to new nationally imposed midnight shift procedures. We were not in midnight shift procedures. Ground control and clearance delivery/flight data positions were combined with controller in charge. After approximately an hour; it was determined by projected traffic count that we were in a period of significantly reduced traffic and the decision was made to combine most positions to avoid frequency changes and improve service. As I recall; I was mainly working arrivals and there was no need to change frequencies in order to provide a safe and efficient service. Ground control 4 position remained open the entire time. The midnight shift controllers arrived at the appropriate time and the positions were transferred in accordance with the new imposed procedures. I was informed that a meeting was scheduled in order to discuss the non-adherence to new nationally imposed procedures for midnight shift procedures. This meeting was cancelled; however I was informed that I would not be allowed to work anymore midnight shifts or be assigned controller in charge. I recommend that if the FAA requires strict compliance to a national directive that they need to be more clear on their requirements and that the briefings be more comprehensive and concise. I also think that if the agencies intention is to maintain two controllers in the operation at all times; they need to authorize increased staffing at all facilities and assign more controllers on the midnight shifts.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Denver Tower Controller reported the facility has not been in compliance with the new nationally imposed midnight shift procedures.

Narrative: I was assigned to work the Local Control positions combined. We had been briefed earlier with regards to new nationally imposed midnight shift procedures. We were not in midnight shift procedures. Ground Control and Clearance Delivery/Flight Data positions were combined with CIC. After approximately an hour; it was determined by projected traffic count that we were in a period of significantly reduced traffic and the decision was made to combine most positions to avoid frequency changes and improve service. As I recall; I was mainly working arrivals and there was no need to change frequencies in order to provide a safe and efficient service. Ground Control 4 position remained open the entire time. The midnight shift controllers arrived at the appropriate time and the positions were transferred in accordance with the new imposed procedures. I was informed that a meeting was scheduled in order to discuss the non-adherence to new nationally imposed procedures for midnight shift procedures. This meeting was cancelled; however I was informed that I would not be allowed to work anymore midnight shifts or be assigned CIC. I recommend that if the FAA requires strict compliance to a national directive that they need to be more clear on their requirements and that the briefings be more comprehensive and concise. I also think that if the agencies intention is to maintain two controllers in the operation at all times; they need to authorize increased staffing at all facilities and assign more controllers on the midnight shifts.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.