UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 9
Training / Qualification; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft; Procedure
Aircraft X is a UAV that flies in our area frequently. The last couple days they have had issues with communication and rather than flying NORDO procedures they have been calling the FLM desk for clearance. In this case; Aircraft X wanted to transit to the A4 box. I asked the sector that Aircraft X was going to; but failed to advise the sector Aircraft X was leaving. Today I learned that Aircraft X was filing a report as they were going to be a Whiskey Alert had I not given the clearance.When Aircraft X goes NORDO the mission should be completed and procedures for them to land should occur. Also; I should know my airspace better to know where I was clearing Aircraft X from; not just to.
Aircraft X was cleared to delay in A3 FL500B590. Aircraft X was flying eastbound near the east boundary of A3. I advised Aircraft X that they only had clearance into A3. Aircraft X claimed to have clearance into A4 (adjacent ATCAA). The Controller of A4 did not give clearance into A4. I advised Aircraft X to maintain in A3. I advised the FLM of the spill out. The FLM told me that she had given Aircraft X the clearance into A4 via the phone. The FLM also stated that Aircraft X could not communicate with me via the frequency. I find this very hard to believe; given the altitude of Aircraft X; and the fact that no other aircraft had a frequency issue. If Aircraft X could not communicate with me; why didn't they squawk 7600?I recommend that in the event of a loss of communications that all [aircraft] squawk an appropriate code to allow the Controller to realize that there is a problem. Also; the FLM should not issue a clearance to any aircraft until receiving approval to do so from the Controller working the aircraft.
Communication between FLM and CPC did was not complete causing confusion over if an UAV aircraft had permission to leave one warning area for another. Major problem with the aircraft was that it was a known NORDO on departure and while flying.