RW ATC error 777-300 out of LAX

[rtataryn]

ATC instructs 777 to "turn to 180". Read back as "left heading 180" and not corrected leads to an interesting ATC audio discourse with EVA015 Heavy . . .

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=192082

[jtbarton]

I think that the controller was not at fault as much as the pilot. First off, EVA015 should have been questioning the controller on a 270 degree turn across the departure path, especially at a class B to the spec of LAX. Second, The pilot seemed to be slow to turn the aircraft when the controller re-emphisized right turn. Just my opinion.

[rtataryn]

I agree. I've listened to it a few times now and there was a lot of errors on the pilot's part IMO. Fortunate he didn't slam into Mt. Wilson.

[overload]

As a retired UK Controller, my sympathies would naturally align with ATC, but having listened to the transcript, I don't feel the controller did a good job. She didn't pick up on the clearly transmitted but incorrect left turn heading by the EVA, and there were many rushed/instantly corrected transmissions to the EVa and an Air Canada aircraft now in conflict. Several times she instructed the EVA to "Turn Southbound" (is "Turn Southbound" acceptable phraseology in the USA?), with no direction of turn given, stop climb, with no level, and in my opinion, not always prioritising the dangerous situation developing (terrain-wise). Shouting at the aircraft - "What are you doing"? and not waiting for readbacks, only made things worse.
There's a good YouTube video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFdXax7Zh_g&t=21s
It shows the Flight24 radar map, along with the R/T transcript, and pertinent captions, which help visualise the situation.
But would be interested in the PE Controllers take on it, unless it's a bit close to home for comment?
Eugene

[Keith Smith]

overload, have to agree with you on this one, although mistakes were made on both sides. The crew should've questioned the 'wrong way' on the turn. Those are rarely issued by ATC without an acknowledgement the controller that, "yes, this is the long way around."

"Turn southbound now" isn't standard phraseology, however, when the situation dictates it, controllers are allowed to use plain English and pilots are required to have a strong enough grasp of English to deal with plain text instructions. While it's not standard, it seems fairly clear that the controller wanted them to head south, and said it several times.

[rtataryn]

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