UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
These UAV missions are planned and handled erratically. Sometimes they involve Special Use Airspace; which is called up in advance - or not called up in advance. The flight plan usually shows a TAS of 130; however observed ground speeds correspond to approximately 190 KTAS while enroute. The 'missions' often involve non-RADAR operations in Class 'D' airspace; but frequently these facilities have no information on the flight. The fact that the operator has real-time knowledge of the position of the aircraft is of limited value if we have to use a commercial line to reach them; have responsibility to relay such information; and the line is busy.We have never had the 'lost link' procedure available at the sector. If these flights are to be handled as 'normal' operations; then off-airways routing in areas without RADAR or RCAG coverage are not acceptable where it harms our ability to move IFR traffic in and out of airports. TAS errors on the order of 50% are not acceptable. If they're not 'normal;' then the operator or missions desk needs to ensure that coordination with adjacent facilities is complete and timely. Sectors need concise; accurate information; including the lost link procedure. These operations have been allowed to deteriorate; with half-baked verbal briefings becoming the norm. This agency and others have historically conducted offshore law enforcement operations; with manned aircraft; under due regard - is that an option?
ARTCC Controller reported numerous issues with UAV aircraft mission control and coordination.