Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations at The Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research ...

25 Pages·2014·0.56 MB·English

by  Hunt, Carter

Procedures for

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

at

The Northeast UAS Airspace
Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR)
Massachusetts Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Test Center (MA UASTC)

V10.0 29 April 2015
Operating Concept: The Massachusetts Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Center (MA UASTC)
coordinates all non-military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flight operations at Joint Base Cape Cod
(JBCC). In an agreement among the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment), the
Massachusetts Army National Guard (MAARNG), and the Massachusetts Air National Guard
(MAANG), the MA UASTC utilizes facilities within Camp Edwards Training Site, Otis ANGB, and the
restricted air space (RAS) designated R-4101. MA UASTC invites other UAS organizations to utilize
these facilities on a cost reimbursable non-interference basis.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

a. Camp Edwards, MA, JBCC Camp Edwards is an Army National Guard Training Site on land leased
from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts located on Cape Cod adjacent to the Towns of Bourne,
Falmouth, Mashpee, and Sandwich, about 70 miles south of Boston and five miles west of Buzzards
Bay.
b. Northern Training Area (NTA). The NTA is a 15,000-acre operational area that is heavily wooded
with pitch pine and scrub oak trees, and contains ranges, firing points, helicopter landing zones, and
other facilities. A 2,200-acre designated impact area supports live-fire training. As the largest piece
of undeveloped land on Cape Cod, the NTA sits atop an underground aquifer that is a source of drinking
water for Upper Cape Cod. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Environmental
Management Commission maintains strict environmental standards for users of this area, and all
activities must conform to state standards.
c. Restricted Air Space (RAS). The operational area for UAS is located within the NTA restricted area
designated R-4101 (surface to 9,000ft MSL). R-4101 is approximately 10 x 15 miles and is available
daily between 0600 to 1800 hours local time or at other times by request. A Notice to Airmen
(NOTAM) must be issued for times outside of regular hours.
d. UAS Range. The Known Distance (KD) Range is the primary location for UAS operations and is
located in the NTA along Pocasset-Forestdale Road near the NTA’s southern boundary at
N41°41'12.985" W70°32'3.129", UTM Grid 19TCG7231816156. Users can choose from a number
of different Launch Points (LPs) inside R-4101 to meet their flight training and testing requirements.

2. OPERATIONAL AREA REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS:

a. Range Control will be notified 24 hours in advance of any UAS launch.
b. Two-way positive radio communication must be established and maintained with Range Control
and throughout the entire training event. Hourly check-in with Range Control is required..
c. UAS operators need to maintain visual contact with the UAS at all times.
d. Wind cannot exceed 20 knots (Nautical Miles per Hour).
e. Rain cannot exceed 1/4” per hour.
f. Flight is prohibited if thunderstorms or lightning are forecast for the area.
g. UAS will not exceed 1000 feet AGL anytime unless pre-coordinated with the MAUAS TC
and Range Control.
h. UAS operators need to be able to recover any vehicle within a 10-minute notification from Range
Control of any pending emergency Coast Guard launch.
i. Only daytime operations are allowed unless coordination with Range Control and
takes place 72 hours in advance. Night operations with the UAS must be in accordance with Camp
Edwards Regulation 350-2.
j. Users must take the following into consideration:
2
1) The capabilities for each UAS such as max altitude, max range, max speed, headwind and
crosswind limitations must be taken into consideration prior to flight.
2) The need for a flight termination and recovery system (e.g., parachute), and/or other functions
that would affect flight safety.
3) The methods for obtaining real-time position of the UAS in flight.
4) Aerodynamic data used to determine flight safety grids, which will include, but not be limited
to, glide ratio of the UAS; detailed performance data; location of launch site, intended
recovery site, and parameters of the flight area; and method of area surveillance.
5) Range Control can provide current status of fire conditions within the NTA. These conditions
must be evaluated and precautionary measures taken in the event of a crash. Users must always
have an approved fire extinguisher on-hand during all UAS operations.

3. OPERATIONAL AREA SAFETY PLANNING FACTORS:

a. At no time will any User operate an UAS outside the boundaries of R-4101. Doing so is a violation
of Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. Authorized altitude for R-4101 is surface to 9,000
ft. MSL. UAS operations are limited to 1,000 ft. MSL.
Note: The Northern Training Area boundaries are NOT the same as R-4101 airspace
boundaries.
b. The boundaries of R-4101 begin at:
lat. 41°40'52"N., long. 70°33'07"W.; to lat. 41°41'01"N., long. 70°33'58"W.;
to lat. 41°41'58"N., long. 70°34'56"W.; to lat. 41°42'52"N., long. 70°34'56"W.;
to lat. 41°43'52"N., long. 70°34'30"W.; to lat. 41°44'30"N., long. 70°34'14"W.;
to lat. 41°45'17"N., long. 70°34'11"W.; to lat. 41°45'12"N., long. 70°33'59"W.;
to lat. 41°46'07"N., long. 70°33'02"W.; to lat. 41°45'18"N., long. 70°31'16"W.;
to lat. 41°44'37"N., long. 70°30'40"W.; to lat. 41°44'11"N., long. 70°29'38"W.;
to lat. 41°43'06"N., long. 70°30'06"W.; to lat. 41°43'07"N., long. 70°30'34"W.;
to lat. 41°42'45"N., long. 70°30'48"W.; to lat. 41°42'38"N., long. 70°30'31"W.;
to lat. 41°41'51"N., long. 70°30'50"W.; to lat. 41°41'38"N., long. 70°31'16"W.;
to lat. 41°41'20"N., long. 70°31'27"W.; to lat. 41°41'18"N., long. 70°31'24"W.;
to lat. 41°41'06"N., long. 70°31'52"W.; to the point of beginning.
c. All Users must be able to Geo-Fence their flight activities in order to maintain a 300-foot safety
buffer within the boundaries of R-4101 to ensure the UAS remains within the R-4101 at
all times.

4. OFF-LIMIT AREAS:

a. The Impact Area in the NTA is off-limits for both vehicles and personnel; Range Control will be
notified in the event that any UAS lands inside the Impact Area. Only Range Control personnel will
escort User personnel inside the Impact Area to recover the UAS. Any Users found inside the Impact
Area will be removed from the training area, and future training privileges will be revoked.
b. There are additional areas throughout the NTA such as wetlands, certain roads and habitat that are
off limits to any traffic. Check with Range Control for the location of these areas prior to any search
for a downed UAS.

5. NO-FLY ZONES:

Various areas of Camp Edwards NTA are off-limits to both manned aircraft and UAS. These areas are
identified as “No-Fly Zones.”
3
a. Pave Paws No-Fly Zone.
Altitude SFC – 9,000’ MSL
N41°45'8.821" W70°32'18.26"
MGRS 19TCG7209923435
400 meter radius
b. Pave Paws Turbine #1 and #2 No-Fly Zone.
Altitude SFC – 9,000’ MSL
N41°45'27.505" W70°32'42.95"
N41°45'34.687" W70°32'52.385"
MGRS 19TCG7153924022 and 19TCG7132524247
200 meter radius
c. Ammunition Storage Point No-Fly Zone.
Altitude SFC – 9,000’ MSL
N41°41'42.312" W70°34'8.522"
MGRS 19TCG6943617112
350 meter radius
d. USCG Communication Station, Boston Antenna Farm No-Fly Zone.
Altitude SFC – 9,000’ MSL
N41°42'49.646" W70°30'17.691
MGRS 19TCG7480819094
700 meter radius

6. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING MA UASTC SUPPORT:

a. Users must submit a MA UASTC UAS Flight Request Form (Annex A) that includes:
• Identification of air vehicle and payloads.
• Schedule of operations.
• Description of planned activity.
• Provisions for liability. There are three acceptable solutions:
1) Government organizations flying government-owned aircraft with government employees
are assumed to be self-insured.
2) Contractor personnel operating government-furnished aircraft under a government
contract will provide advanced proof of Government Flight Representative Authorization
covering the activity.
3) Organizations operating aircraft not under government contract must provide proof of
liability insurance showing limits of coverage of at least $1 million and naming MA
UASTC and the MA National Guard as additional insured parties.
b. An FAA Airworthiness Certificate must be provided for all UASs by the User. A Safety of Flight
Declaration/ Statement may be provided if no Airworthiness Certificate is available. This
Declaration/Statement must show, at a minimum that the aircraft has undergone a risk analysis,
mitigation, and sufficient engineering review to warrant a high state of confidence in its flight
capabilities. The User assumes all responsibility for flight. Examples of this declaration can be
found in Safety of Flight Declaration/Statement in Lieu of Airworthiness Certificate (Annex E).

7. SCHEDULING:

a. Military units always have priority of use of the Camp Edwards’ ranges and airspace.
4
b. Users must schedule all dates and times through direct coordination phone or email to the Camp
Edwards Range Control, building 4020, Frank Perkins Road at 508-968-5925/5926 or
[email protected]. All requests must be made no later than
(NLT) 90 days before the training date.
c. All cancellations must be made NLT 30 days out; all weather-related cancellations must be made
NLT 24 hours out.
d. Normal range hours are 0800 to 1630 daily, Monday through Friday. No flights will be conducted
outside these hours without prior approval.
e. Scheduling for use of R-4101 will be for a specific period. Activity will not begin prior to, or extend
beyond, the scheduled period without specific approval from Range Control.
f. The approval and scheduling of the range does not in itself indicate sole occupancy of the airspace.
Other activities may be authorized. MA UASTC and Range Control will provide de-confliction
measures that must be followed.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Camp Edwards Range Control is responsible for:
1) The operation and safety of all ranges, training areas, and R-4101. Camp Edwards is designated
by the FAA as the Using Agency for R-4101. The Controlling Agency is the FAA Cape
TRACON.
2) Scheduling all range usage to include the use of the RAS.
3) Providing Range Safety, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), and Environmental Protection briefings for
all personnel engaged in UAS activities.
b. MA UASTC is responsible for:
1) Receiving and reviewing for completeness all User submitted documents.
2) Signing the License Agreement
3) Reviewing all UAS Flight Test Plans to ensure all operational and safety factors have been
considered, and that the mission is compatible with range safety considerations. Flights are not
authorized until satisfactory completion of this review.
4) Ensuring de-confliction between multiple airborne UAS aircraft. A maximum of one aircraft
will be flown in Camp Edwards RAS unless multiple uses have been approved. Multiple use
approval requires a higher level of assurance of separation and de-confliction between UAS
aircraft.
5) Working with Range Control to resolve any schedule conflicts between non-military users of the
NTA. All efforts will be made to de-conflict range times.
c. User is responsible for:
1) Scheduling range usage in coordination with Range Control, MA UASTC, and IAW Camp
Edwards Regulation 350-2.
2) Ensuring all User personnel have received a Range Safety, UXO, and Environmental Protection
Briefing; and have signed a Hold Harmless Statement from Range Control prior to entering the
NTA.
3) Appointing an Organization Safety Representative (OSR) who will:
a) Open/close the range.
b) Conduct all communications with Range Control.
c) Ensure compliance with range safety procedures and Camp Edwards Regulation 350-2.
d) Post a Range Flag when the Range is HOT. Flight activities are permitted only when the
Range Flag is up.
e) Have thorough knowledge of the UAS capabilities, limitations, and safety devices of launch,
control, and recovery systems.
5
f) Have thorough knowledge of the boundary of R-4101 and take maximum safety precautions
to ensure that no UAS is flown outside the R-4101.
4) Providing positive control of all airspace activities and establishing procedures and separation
standards that will apply between restricted area activities for all organizations under agreement
with MA UASTC to conduct flights in R-4101.
5) Submitting the following documents to MA UASTC:
a) MA UASTC UAS Flight Request (Annex A). Must be submitted 90 days prior to date of
scheduled flight.
b) A signed License Agreement.
c) Flight Test Plan or a schedule of planned activities submitted 60 days prior to scheduled
flight to include:
• Pre-Flight Accident/Mishap Plan
• Loss Link/Loss of Control Procedures
• Airworthiness Certificate or Safety of Flight Declaration (Annex E)
• Composite Risk Management (CRM) Assessment (Annex C) using Reducing and
Managing Risk Review (Annex B) as a guide
6) Providing continuous safety and environmental awareness for all User personnel involved in UAS
operations.
7) Ensuring all personnel are knowledgeable and comply with these Procedures.
8) Ensure funding is available IAW the License Agreement to pay MA UASTC for all activities
conducted on JBCC.

9. AIRSPACE SAFETY PROCEDURES:

a. Lost Link Procedures: Lost link procedures will be set forth in the User’s Flight Test Plan and must
indicate the procedures used to ensure that the UAS will not leave the R-4101.
b. Flight Termination System (FTS): May be required if appropriate for the aircraft and will be set
forth in the Flight Test Plan.
c. Surveillance requirements:
1) One or more methods of surveillance will be provided for all UAS operations, e.g., visual
tracking, GPS tracking, etc.
2) Information obtained from the surveillance system, such as position, speed, altitude, and
heading, which will be available upon request to Range Control.
3) If, at any time, the position of an UAS becomes unknown, and the UAS fails to respond to
programmed “lost link” instructions, if design capability exists, the flight will be terminated in
time to preclude the possibility of impact outside the approved designated flight area.
d. UAS operations will not be conducted unless positive and reliable communications are established
and maintained between the UAS Ground Control Station and Range Control.. If communications
are lost, all flight activity will cease.
e. MA UASTC will be notified fifteen minutes prior to commencing operations and upon completion will
be given a count of the total sorties for the day.

10. FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT:

a. Camp Edwards is a relatively frequency ‘clean’ zone; commonly used UAS frequencies can be an
issue and must be de-conflicted.
b. MA UASTC will coordinate with the MAARNG for frequency de-confliction within the confines of
Camp Edwards. Camp Edwards only clears frequencies within the borders of Camp Edwards. If
6
User’s frequency influence will extend beyond the borders of Camp Edwards, then the User must
make direct coordination with the User’s sponsor’s designated regional frequency manager.
c. The following administrative frequencies are in use. These frequencies may be programmed and
used on your radios if coordinated with MA UASTC and Range Control. Any other frequency
request must be submitted to MA UASTC to be cleared with Camp Edwards Frequency Manager.
d. Contact frequencies:
1) Camp Edwards Range Control – 38.50 MHz – Call sign “Range Control”
2) KFMH Tower – 128.425 VHF/291.1 UHF – Call sign “Coast Guard Tower”
3) User Frequency –TBD

11. GENERAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES:

a. No antennas, towers, or temporary facilities will be erected in the NTA without approval from Range
Control.
b. Range Access: During operations, only required personnel and vehicles are allowed on the range.
Those in violation may be removed from the site.
c. Safety Equipment: All personnel are responsible to insure that proper safety equipment is used
during any maintenance or flight operations. Standard safety items, such as fire extinguishers, eye
protection, and ear plugs, will be provided by User.
d. Accident Reporting and Accident Investigation:
1) Users will aggressively report and investigate all accidents in order to determine what happened,
why it happened, and what can be done to prevent future occurrences. All accidents are reportable.
Ensure that Range Control and MA UASTC are notified of even the most minor mishaps.
2) Users must immediately report accidents to Range Control and to MA UASTC. Initial reports
will be done by radio or telephone with a written report using the UAS Loss/Crash/Injury Report
(Annex D) within eight hours from the time of the accident.
a) All accidents will be investigated with accident findings operational and recommendations
provided to both Range Control and MA UASTC. Accident data will be analyzed in order to
prevent future accidents.
b) All telephonic notifications and copies of accident reports will be provided to Range Control
and MA UASTC.
c) Small UAS experience a high accident rate. Accordingly, UAS Users who experience
accidents much investigate them to ensure that valuable accident prevention data are obtained
in a timely manner, and subsequent trend analysis and risk mitigation measures can be
implemented.

12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

a. Passes: Accessing Joint Base Cape Cod requires showing a valid government ID. Users who do not
have a valid government ID must coordinate with MA UASTC to submit a JBCC access form to the
appropriate agency. All Users with vehicles who wish to enter the NTA must stop at Range Control
to receive a POV pass. Users are required to ensure these passes are visible in their vehicles at all
times while in the NTA. Anyone violating this rule may have his or her pass revoked or be denied
access to the NTA.
b. Vehicles and Trailers: If requested and approved by Range Control, a trailer or vehicle may be left
on site for a specific period to facilitate future operations. At a minimum:
1) Vehicle must be in safe operating condition.
2) Vehicle must be properly licensed.
3) Vehicle must be registered with Range Control.
7
4) Vehicle must be kept reasonably clean.
5) Range Control must have a set of keys and authorization to move the vehicle if necessary.
e. Speed Limits: All vehicles must stay on established roads. Speed limits in the NTA are 25 MPH on
paved roads and 15 MPH on tank trails and dirt roads.
c. FedEx/UPS/Direct Shipping address: MA UASTC, c/o MassDevelopment, 2816 Richardson Road,
Joint Base Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542-1322. Direct delivery may be made to any other
point on Camp Edwards if you arrange to have a POC meet and escort the shipper. Please provide
the MA UASTC with a date of delivery and POC NLT five working days prior to delivery.
d. Foreign Nationals: A Foreign National must have specific authorization to enter Camp Edwards and
will be required to be escorted at all times while on base. The User must notify MA UASTC about
any Foreign Nationals on base, and MA UASTC will notify appropriate Commands.
e. Medical Procedures:
1) Emergencies: In any emergency requiring medical attention, contact Range Control via radio or
call 508-968-5925/5926 or the JBCC Fire Department at 508-968-4020. Do not dial 911 as you
will reach the State Police off the installation.
2) Routine: No routine medical care is available at Camp Edwards for civilians visiting Camp
Edwards.
3) Hospital Facilities: The nearest hospital is Falmouth Hospital in Falmouth (508-548-5300).
f. Environmental Concerns and Issues:
1) Endangered Species. Several State threatened and endangered species are present on Camp
Edwards. The basic rule is “look, but don’t touch.” Be on the look out for and avoid endangered
species while in the NTA, and report any sick, injured, or dead animals to Range Control. Do not
feed or handle any animals: Penalties for killing, injuring, or harassing protected species can be
severe.
2) Hazmat Disposal. Hazardous waste is defined as a waste or combination of wastes that, because
of physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, will pose a threat to human or environmental
health and safety when improperly disposed of or not managed in accordance with 310 CMR.30
(Code of Massachusetts Regulations). Such wastes include fuels, motor oils, solvents (including
weapons cleaning liquids, patches, and rags), acids, explosives, paint thinners, hydraulic/brake
fluids, and oil-contaminated anti-freeze. These and other materials may turn into hazardous
waste when they are no longer useable. If there is a question regarding the disposal of any
materials, request classification from the compliance office at the Environment & Readiness
Center (E&RC) at 508-968-5908/5148.
3) The User will appoint an environmental representative who will be responsible for full and
immediate accountability and reporting on hazardous materials and wastes.
4) Disposal requirements. All hazardous materials brought onto the installation by the User must be
removed from the NTA and, if turned into waste, properly stored and disposed of off the
installation. Users must bring their own trash bags and a five-gallon bucket or secondary
containment kit for hazardous waste produced in NTA.
5) Refueling: All refueling operations in the NTA must comply with Environmental Performance
Standard 15 (Annex F).
a) Secondary containment in the form of rolled plastic, trash bags, or plastic bags is required
for the refueling of small equipment such as generators and for field storage of filled fuel cans.
b) No storage or movement of fuels in the NTA, other than in vehicle fuel tanks, will be
permitted except in approved containers, no greater than five gallons in capacity; exceptions to
this Environmental Performance Standard can be granted in coordination with Range Control,
Environmental Management Commission, and E&RC.

8
13. ADMINISTRATIVE:

MA UASTC is committed to operating in a safe and responsible manner, respecting existing privacy
laws and ensuring transparency and accountability of all UAS operations on JBCC. All Users must
be mindful of and share these concerns regarding the potential infringement of individual privacy
rights during all UAS operations.
a. No scheduled time period is confirmed until all required documentation is provided and accepted by
MA UASTC.
b. User will be charged for all dates scheduled IAW the License Agreement and not cancelled 10 days
in advance. Any cancellation after this window will result in a loss of fees. Consideration may be
given to cancellations that result from weather conditions. MA UASTC maintains the right to cancel
scheduled activities at any time, but will make every attempt to accommodate usage.
c. Only MA UASTC can approve non-military UAS flight activity at Camp Edwards. Upon receipt of
the request, MA UASTC will respond within with cost and tentative scheduling. MA UASTC may
ask for additional information about the proposed test activity prior to approval. No flight activity
can occur at Camp Edwards without specific approval from MA UASTC.
d. Potential exists to coordinate flight activities with existing National Guard or other military activities.

ANNEXES
A – MA UASTC UAS Flight Request
B – Reducing and Managing Risk Review
C – Composite Risk Management Form
D – UAS Loss/Crash/Injury Report
E – Example of Safety of Flight Declaration
F – Environmental Performance Standard 15
G – Emergency Assistance/Contact Numbers

9
ANNEX A: MA UASTC UAS Flight Request
APPLICANT INFORMATION
UAS Name:
Dates Requested:
Owner:
Sponsor:
Point of Contact Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Mobile Number:
Email:
Facility Requested:
Range:
Hangar:
Office:
Additional Areas:
Duration:

AIRCRAFT CHARACTERISTICS
Manufacturer:
UAS Group Size (DOD):
Type:
Wingspan (in):
Length (in):
Weight (lbs):
Payload:
Engine Type:
Fuel Type/Quantity (gal):
Takeoff Method:
Control Method:
Recovery/Landing Method:
Weather Limitations:
Max Headwind for Takeoff:
Max Headwind for Flight:
Max Crosswind for Takeoff:
Visibility Minimums:

10