Narrative:

The new requirement to call the den (domestic events network) when aircraft divert is ridiculous; and dangerous. I worked east radar with mdt icing at all altitudes. Braking action was reported as poor-nil. The visibility was about 1 with -south; and the RVR was varying between 4;000 to 6;000. The wind was northwest at 15 which required us to use the ILS to runway 33; and an RVR of 5;000 for most of our arrivals. I had two rj's on vectors trying to be in the right place when the RVR came up. One decided to divert. I coordinated with ZBW and got him on his way; and then I called the den to tell them. I had to listen to a tape recording before the first person came on. I told him that I was alone and just needed to report the divert. He chuckled and told me we need more staffing; then connected me to headquarters. I told them that I had a divert and was told me to call if I had any more. I explained that I was working traffic and asked for a blanket in case more diverted so I would not have to leave the scope to call back. They approved that but told me to call back when the weather got better; I said ok; but the weather never got better. In my opinion this is an accident waiting to happen. I am amazed that this is the kind of information that is needed real time. You people need to get involved and give the responsibility of making these calls to someone other than the controller working; which in our facility at night is always the controller in charge. Recommendation; get rid of this requirement.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BTV Controller voiced concern regarding the requirement to notify the Domestic Events Network (DEN) regarding aircraft diversions; noting during minimum staffing this requirement is difficult and distracting.

Narrative: The new requirement to call the DEN (Domestic Events Network) when aircraft divert is ridiculous; and dangerous. I worked East RADAR with MDT icing at all altitudes. Braking action was reported as poor-nil. The visibility was about 1 with -S; and the RVR was varying between 4;000 to 6;000. The wind was northwest at 15 which required us to use the ILS to Runway 33; and an RVR of 5;000 for most of our arrivals. I had two RJ's on vectors trying to be in the right place when the RVR came up. One decided to divert. I coordinated with ZBW and got him on his way; and then I called the DEN to tell them. I had to listen to a tape recording before the first person came on. I told him that I was alone and just needed to report the divert. He chuckled and told me we need more staffing; then connected me to headquarters. I told them that I had a divert and was told me to call if I had any more. I explained that I was working traffic and asked for a blanket in case more diverted so I would not have to leave the scope to call back. They approved that but told me to call back when the weather got better; I said OK; but the weather never got better. In my opinion this is an accident waiting to happen. I am amazed that this is the kind of information that is needed real time. You people need to get involved and give the responsibility of making these calls to someone other than the controller working; which in our facility at night is always the CIC. Recommendation; get rid of this requirement.

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.