UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 18
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Confusion
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Procedure; Weather; Aircraft
I took the position with Aircraft X (UAV) being released from Navy Corpus Christ; [XXX1] departure; climbing to FL030. Aircraft departed; and I observed him climb to FL027. I restored automatic releases to NGP Tower. Then I saw Aircraft X descending and turning south. I observed Aircraft X's Mode C indicate FL015. No response to radio calls. I called NGP Tower and canceled automatic releases. Re-established radio communication with Aircraft X and pilot advised he had maneuvered and descended to avoid clouds. Aircraft X was then climbed to FL150. Aircraft X then advised he was working on his 2nd radio; and would hold until it was ready. Aircraft X was still holding at time of my relief. Pilot of Aircraft X should request a turn/altitude descent.
CRP TRACON Controller reports of an aircraft that climbed almost to assigned altitude; but then was observed descending 1;200 FT below observed altitude due to weather.