PA-46 Malibu/Malibu Mirage/Malibu Matrix
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 13
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
Aircraft X was level at FL210 and asked me if there was any known drone activity in the area. I responded; 'Negative; why?' His response was; 'We just went right by one. It was big and black'. I asked the pilot if it was the type with 4 rotors to which he responded affirmative. I had an aircraft climbing in that same general area so I reported it to him two times. Upon leaving my sector the climbing aircraft said he never saw it. I immediately reported it to the FLM [Front Line Manager] and he proceeded to do his checklist and paperwork. Approximately 5 min after the incident the FLM had me ask the pilot if he could tell what direction the UAV was traveling and if he considered it to be a near miss. The pilot said it appeared to be hovering in one spot and that he came within approximately 50 feet of it; and he definitely considered it a near miss. I looked the situation up in the 7110.65 later and discover that advisories are supposed to be broadcast every 4 min after the last report; similar to a laser event. We have not had proper training on UAV activity so I was unaware of this requirement. [Recommend] proper training on unauthorized UAV activity.
Indianapolis Center Controller reported an NMAC between a Piper and a drone; and also failure on Controller's report to broadcast for 15 minutes afterward.