UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 22.5
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Company Policy; Procedure
The UAS was delaying in M4S; M5S; M6S areas with an EFC of XA00z. When [these type of flights] delay in these 'Mike Boxes' controllers separate aircraft; not airspace like a MOA or ATCAA. When a traffic situation arises I normally leave the UAS type of flight alone and move the other aircraft. Today I tried turning the UAS. I issued a 180 heading to the UAS. The UAS response was that they were on a preprogrammed flight. I questioned the pilot; 'UAS verify that you are not accepting an ATC clearance?' The UAS did not respond. This left me with only the option of moving another aircraft. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) do have limitations; but accepting an ATC clearance [at the UAV operators own discretion] should not; and can not be one of them.I think that the level of service that our facility and controllers give to UAS flights has allowed the UAS operators to become complacent. I think that they believe that they have a sense of entitlement; knowing that legislation has been passed that the FAA shall integrate UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). This mind set must change.
ZMP Controller reports of a government agency UAS that did not follow ATC instructions in controlled airspace.