Narrative:

During the afternoon there were multiple violations of the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) surrounding a 1;049 ft MSL tall obstruction approximately 13 miles north. During these events; the radar controller repeatedly vectored IFR aircraft at an altitude of 1;600 ft through the airspace to be protected for the obstruction with a surrounding MVA of 2;100 ft. While these events may not seem severe; the situation that led to the operational errors is more alarming. The controller on position was working 3 approach sectors and an arrival sector combined; exceeding the controller's workload ability. Furthermore; the supervisor was unable to provide general supervision to the controller on position as he was engaged in personally conducting another operation. If this practicing of combining operating positions were an isolated event; the situation would be handled and reported differently. However; this is a constant and reoccurring practice with controllers; encouraged to violate directives and procedures governing the combining of operating positions many times while monitoring students. Additionally; these concerns have been raised as a safety issue at a local level; but to no avail. The fear is that as this practice continues there is an increased probability of catastrophe.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: TRACON Controller described multiple and unreported MVA violations; claiming the combined position operation; lack of supervision; and overall facility procedures/policy all are in need of review.

Narrative: During the afternoon there were multiple violations of the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) surrounding a 1;049 FT MSL tall obstruction approximately 13 miles north. During these events; the RADAR Controller repeatedly vectored IFR aircraft at an altitude of 1;600 FT through the airspace to be protected for the obstruction with a surrounding MVA of 2;100 FT. While these events may not seem severe; the situation that led to the operational errors is more alarming. The Controller on position was working 3 Approach sectors and an arrival sector combined; exceeding the Controller's workload ability. Furthermore; the Supervisor was unable to provide general supervision to the Controller on position as he was engaged in personally conducting another operation. If this practicing of combining operating positions were an isolated event; the situation would be handled and reported differently. However; this is a constant and reoccurring practice with controllers; encouraged to violate directives and procedures governing the combining of operating positions many times while monitoring students. Additionally; these concerns have been raised as a safety issue at a local level; but to no avail. The fear is that as this practice continues there is an increased probability of catastrophe.

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.