Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 10
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors
Our LOA / COA with the UAS operators states they are required to establish 2 way communication and ATC approval prior to exiting R-XXXX. They are restricted to the recovery route called the Green Route; specifically designed to remain clear of 2 military airport finals in case of a lost link emergency scenario. Aircraft X exited R-XXXX on the green route; with Aircraft Y in trail; without establishing communications and approval with FAI approach. The controller attempted different frequencies; MAINS; STBYs; RTR's; and even guard calls with no success. Finally; the controller had to call FBK ATCT to request the call sign of the chase aircraft. The controller was successful in reaching the chase aircraft and had the chase aircraft relay to Aircraft X to contact approach. By the time communication was established; Aircraft X was 8.59 miles outside of R-XXXX; inbound to FBK on the green route. Follow the COA / LOA; or update it with more current operations since it is over 2 years old.
ATC reported a loss of communication with a UAV and its chase aircraft.