J05_PWS_Attachment_4_Airfield_Small_UAS_SOP_14APR2025.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

US ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON, FORT BLISS

11685 SERGEANT MAJOR BOULEVARD

FORT BLISS, TX 79918

AMIM-BLO-A

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Biggs ATC Branch Standard Operating Procedure for Detection and Reporting of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Suas)

1. References

a. Army Regulation 95-23

2. Purpose This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the protocol for Biggs Army Airfield (BAAF) Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities to identify, report, and respond to unauthorized Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operating in controlled airspace. The primary goal is to ensure airspace safety by mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized sUAS operations.

3. Scope This procedure applies to all ATC personnel responsible for monitoring and managing air traffic within BAAF controlled airspace where unauthorized sUAS may be detected. It includes procedures for detecting, reporting, and mitigating the effects of unauthorized sUAS operations.

4. Definitions Unauthorized sUAS: A Small Unmanned Aircraft System operating in controlled airspace without the proper clearance, authorization, or approval from ATC or relevant authorities (e.g., FAA).

ATC: Air Traffic Control, the service responsible for managing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within controlled airspace.

Controlled Airspace: Airspace where ATC services are provided (e.g., Class B, C, D, and E airspace) and where operations of manned and unmanned aircraft are subject to ATC management.

sUAS Detection Systems: Technology such as radar, radio frequency (RF) detection, or visual observers used to detect unauthorized UAS operations.

Airspace Incursion: An event where an aircraft, including a sUAS, operates in controlled airspace without proper clearance or coordination with ATC.

AMIM-BLO-A

SUBJECT: Biggs ATC Branch Standard Operating Procedure for Detection and Reporting of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Suas)

5. Identification and Detection of Unauthorized sUAS Currently BAAF are only utilizing visual observation and pilots’ reports. However, ATC facilities will utilize a variety of methods to identify and detect unauthorized sUAS operating in controlled airspace, including:

a. Visual Observation: Air traffic controllers or designated visual observers should continuously monitor the airspace for potential sUAS activity.

If a suspicious object or potential sUAS is spotted, the controller must immediately assess the situation and verify the identity of the object using radar, sensors, or other available detection methods.

b. Radar Detection:

Use radar systems to identify potential sUAS activity. Some advanced radar systems may have the capability to detect small, low-flying UAS.

If radar detects an object consistent with sUAS characteristics (small, slow-moving, or low altitude), the controller must initiate the identification process.

c. Radio Frequency (RF) Detection:

In cases where sUAS are operating with communication or control links, RF detection systems can identify the presence of unauthorized sUAS.

Once detected, ATC should confirm the location, altitude, and movement of the sUAS.

d. Pilot Reports: Pilots of manned aircraft may report visual sightings of unauthorized sUAS. These reports should be given high priority and cross-referenced with ATC systems for confirmation.

6. Immediate Actions Upon Detection When an unauthorized sUAS is detected, ATC must follow the immediate actions outlined below:

a. Verify the Threat:

Confirm that the object is indeed a sUAS. Cross-reference COAs, CONOPS and visual sightings to confirm the nature of the detected object.

Determine the location, altitude, and flight path of the sUAS relative to controlled airspace and nearby aircraft.

b. Utilize Airspace Incursion Checklist, Alert and Notify Appropriate Authorities:

ATC will follow an incursion checklist to ensure all steps are followed to detect, verify potential threat and protect aircraft under their control.

Immediately notify the appropriate ATC supervisor and other relevant authorities.

(e.g., FAA, law enforcement, or military) of the unauthorized sUAS presence.

2.

Reporting of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Suas)

c. Provide the following information:

1. Location (latitude, longitude, altitude)

2. Identified or suspected path of the sUAS

3. Time of detection

4. The potential threat to manned aircraft or airspace congestion

d. Assess Air Traffic Risk:

Evaluate the potential risk the unauthorized sUAS poses to other aircraft, airspace structure, and public safety. This includes considering the proximity to controlled airspace, flight paths of manned aircraft, and any no-fly zones or restricted areas.

e. Monitor the sUAS:

Continue tracking the unauthorized sUAS using all available detection methods.

Maintain real-time communication with any affected aircraft in the vicinity of the sUAS, and issue avoidance instructions continuously.

7. Reporting the Unauthorized sUAS The following reporting steps must be taken to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and appropriate action is taken:

a. Initial Report to Authorities:

Within 15 minutes of detecting the unauthorized sUAS, ATC must coordinate with the FAA and include all available data about the event.

The initial report must include:

1. Date and time of detection

2. Last known or current location of the sUAS (latitude, longitude, altitude)

3. Flight path and intended direction

4. Identification of any aircraft in the vicinity

5. Response actions taken (e.g., advisories issued, aircraft rerouted)

b. Continuous Updates:

ATC must provide continuous updates to the FAA and other relevant authorities if the sUAS continues to fly in the airspace. Updates should include:

Changes in the sUAS’s location and altitude Risk assessment changes (e.g., potential conflict with other aircraft) Action taken (e.g., law enforcement intervention, aircraft diverted)

3.

Reporting of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Suas)

c. Post-Incident Reporting:

After the incident, ATC must submit a detailed post-incident report on DA Form 3502 and/or the Serious Incident Report (SIR) that includes:

Summary of the event (timeline, actions taken, final resolution) Any impact on air traffic or safety Follow-up actions (e.g., law enforcement, FAA investigation) Coordination with Law Enforcement and Military

8. Law Enforcement Involvement If the unauthorized sUAS poses a significant safety threat or if its operation is determined to be illegal, ATC should immediately coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.

Provide law enforcement with the sUAS’s last known location, flight path, and any available visual or radar data.

Work with law enforcement to identify and potentially intercept the operator.

9. Military Support If necessary, ATC may request assistance from MPs or military units if the sUAS operation involves national security concerns, high-level airspace security zones, or significant risk to military and civilian aviation.

10. Mitigation Strategies If an unauthorized sUAS is detected and poses an ongoing risk, ATC may take the following mitigation steps, depending on local regulations and the severity of the incident:

Increase Separation: Re-route or increase separation between manned aircraft and the unauthorized sUAS to avoid potential conflict.

Warning Messages: If the sUAS is within range of available systems, attempt to send a warning or jamming signal to disrupt its operation (depending on legal and technical constraints).

Emergency Authority: In some cases, ATC may work with law enforcement to attempt interception or capture of the sUAS.

4.

Reporting of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Suas)

11. Points of contact.

Title/Role Phone Number

Email

DES Dispatch Center

915-744-2115

Fort Bliss Military Police

915-744-1237

BAAF AIC 915-744-1523

BAAF ATC 915-744-8870 fortblissoperationscenter@army.mil

FBOC 915-744-1962 usarmyftblissimcomreadinesslistusagdptmsplansoperations@army.mil

DPTMS

Base Operations

915-744-8088

EPIA

FSLIDS 915-744-3915

12. The POC for this action is the undersigned at ronald.l.mccrae.civ@army.mil, Contact number, (915)744-8600.

CHRISTOPHER R. WILLIAMS

Chief, Airfield Division Ft Bliss Tx, 79916

5.

915-774-9401

Date1_af_date: 14 April 2025