UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 5500; Flight Crew Type 9
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Airspace Violation All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
Our MQ-9 Predator aircraft was cleared to operate in ATC blocks M1; M2 and M3 from FL200 to FL220. The aircraft was piloted by myself as a pilot under instruction. Training was being conducted by the instructor pilot during the transit east through our assigned airspace. The aircraft continued east from block M3 to M4 and the aircrew discussed that we had not yet asked for this block. Minneapolis Center was immediately contacted to obtain clearance from blocks M1; 2; 3 to blocks M4; 5 and 6. ATC noted that we were in block M4 and verified that our current clearance was for blocks M1-3 and then gave us clearance to operate in blocks M4-6.
While flying eastbound at an altitude of FL210 with an airspace clearance of Mike 1; 2; 3 North; Block Altitude of FL200-FL220; the aircraft penetrated Mike 4 by approximately 6 NM. Leading up to this incident; as the instructor; I was leading a discussion on Aircraft Systems; with all crew members. I had diverted my attention to the technical manual reviewing the discussion. While involved with the discussion; the co-pilot notified me that we had entered Mike 4N. The student pilot immediately began a westbound turn to exit the airspace. I instructed the student to contact ATC and request Mike 4; 5; 6 North; same altitude. Upon ATC's receipt of the request; they notified us that we were already in Mike 4 North. The student responded with; 'Roger; request to add Mike 5; 6 North.' ATC responded with; 'Request approved; please verify previous clearance.' The student then responded with; 'Flight XXX is showing Mike 1-3 North.'
A UAV pilot receiving instruction allowed the aircraft to stray into airspace outside of that for which it had been cleared.