ZBW controller described a developing opposite direction take off/landing event at pvd that was prev...

Narrative:

A DH8 had called for departure clearance off the pvd airport. Pvd approach and tower were not yet open. The d-side controller was in the process of issuing clearance to the aircraft; and then advising the DH8 of traffic south of the airport inbound for landing. A VFR aircraft was inbound to pvd airport for landing. Aircraft had previously reported the airport in sight; cancelled his instrument clearance and was proceeding visually. Aircraft was advised of possible departure traffic and given a frequency change to CTAF. The departure then called back and stated he was taxing back for departure. Evidently the pvd tower controller in the process of setting up the tower for opening noticed the DH8 flight departing on runway 23 and the arrival flight landing opposite direction on runway 5. The tower controller instructed the departure to cancel takeoff clearance. Tower was not officially open; yet the controller reached out to prevent an unsafe situation from worsening. I am unsure if either plane self announced or monitored the CTAF frequency. I was notified of the event later in the day during a discussion with the omic (operations manager in charge). Recommendation: pvd approach operating hours be extended to either 24 hours a day or at least extended; ZBW controllers be encouraged to participate in annual facility visits to underlying approach control facilities; and the re-institution of the familiarization flight program.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZBW Controller described a developing opposite direction take off/landing event at PVD that was prevented by a PVD Controller reaching out prior to official opening time. The reporter recommending expanded tower operating hours.

Narrative: A DH8 had called for departure clearance off the PVD airport. PVD Approach and Tower were not yet open. The D-Side Controller was in the process of issuing clearance to the aircraft; and then advising the DH8 of traffic south of the airport inbound for landing. A VFR aircraft was inbound to PVD airport for landing. Aircraft had previously reported the airport in sight; cancelled his instrument clearance and was proceeding visually. Aircraft was advised of possible departure traffic and given a frequency change to CTAF. The departure then called back and stated he was taxing back for departure. Evidently the PVD Tower Controller in the process of setting up the Tower for opening noticed the DH8 flight departing on Runway 23 and the arrival flight landing opposite direction on Runway 5. The Tower Controller instructed the departure to cancel takeoff clearance. Tower was not officially open; yet the Controller reached out to prevent an unsafe situation from worsening. I am unsure if either plane self announced or monitored the CTAF frequency. I was notified of the event later in the day during a discussion with the OMIC (Operations Manager in Charge). Recommendation: PVD Approach operating hours be extended to either 24 hours a day or at least extended; ZBW Controllers be encouraged to participate in annual facility visits to underlying Approach Control facilities; and the re-institution of the Familiarization Flight Program.

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	894098
Time
Date	201006
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	PVD.Airport
State Reference	RI
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Dash 8 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Takeoff
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Phase	Landing
Route In Use	Visual Approach
Flight Plan	VFR
Person 1
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Person 2
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types

ZBW controller described a developing opposite direction take off/landing event at pvd that was prevented by a pvd controller reaching out prior to official opening time. The reporter recommending expanded tower operating hours.