Military Bomber
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors
Aircraft X and Aircraft Y were a flight of two operating as a flight with Aircraft X as the lead aircraft and orbiting within 50NM of the UNZ VORTAC in Block Altitude FL240B250.  Aircraft Y calls on frequency requesting a separate clearance for orbit within 50NM of UNZ at Flight Level 260.  I observe a primary target about 10 miles away from Aircraft X and moving in the opposite direction.   I ask Aircraft Y their current altitude and they reply 'FL250.'   I advise Aircraft Y to climb and maintain FL260 and report level at that altitude.Aircraft Y reports level at FL260 and they are radar and given their clearance to orbit the UNZ VORTAC within 50NM at FL260.  I then advise both aircraft that they must call and request with ZUA center for a fight split prior to separating the formation.  Supervisor is notified of the incident and I am advised to give a Brasher warning to both aircraft for possible pilot deviation and to call ZUA center upon landing.The aircraft/pilots need to understand that they are operating in Class A controlled airspace on IFR flight plans and must comply with all ATC instructions and procedures to operate in Class A airspace.
ZUA Controller describes a flight split up where the second aircraft is already separated from the flight lead.