F/A 18 Hornet/Super Hornet
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
I was working R14 without a D-Side with relatively light traffic. I had 2 data blocks pushed up to me from sector 10 as balloon1 and balloon2. I had no paperwork from the Supervisor at the sector. The sector called me to ask if I knew about the balloon launch. I responded in the negative. I then asked the Supervisor if he knew anything about a balloon launch. At about that time I started getting a little push of aircraft from the South and the Supervisor told me that W283/285 were being activated. The Supervisor then brought over a piece of paper vaguely describing the balloon launch. I started getting reports of altitude and relative location of the balloons from the Supervisor. All the while; I was talking to aircraft already in the sector. I was unclear as to the location of the balloons and my responsibilities for reporting to aircraft. I informed the aircraft as best I could; but I'm sure I sounded unclear to some of the pilots. I eventually received help in the form of a D-Side. Eventually; I took RADAR on several F18s headed to the warning areas. The F18s were aware of the balloons from the previous sector. Two of the different flights asked for headings to miss the balloons; one asking for a hard turn right at our sector boundary. Subsequent reports about the balloon location and altitude were erroneous and outdated. There were several reports of balloon sightings from different aircraft that were nowhere near the reported positions. There were numerous pilots very concerned w/8/9*-ith the position of the balloons and I felt helpless to provide them with an accurate report. This in my opinion is an extremely dangerous situation and did and can lead to congested frequencies not to mention potential harm to the aircraft in the sector and its occupants. From what I understand these balloons are very large. Recommendation; Do not allow these balloons to be launched during busy times and/or in areas of major traffic flows. Make sure the supervisor gives information on these type of activities ahead of time. If these launches are going to continue; please require them to have transponders so that we can give the pilots accurate information.
ZOA Enroute Controller voiced concern regarding the lack of coordination and information provided regarding a balloon launch.