"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:C8GUd.10700$Ze3.5911@attbi_s51...

I think it's a combination of factors.

Mostly I think it's a problem with controllers who *think* they know where
the planes are, based on (often erroneous) pilot position reports,
combined with the limitations of what a guy can see with binoculars.

When you've got a guy directing traffic who has a faulty mental picture of
the traffic in the airspace -- often through no fault of his own -- you've
got a recipe for trouble.


Agreed. If pilots reported their positions accurately the controller
wouldn't *think* he knew where they were. He'd know.