November 2, 2018
Reporting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems - FRAGORD 4 to OPORD 2015-28 and EC 1110-1-109, Acquisition and Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology
USACE Operations Leaders: in light of recent incidents regarding Unmanned
Aircraft Systems at our projects and continuing guidance from Army, USACE
recently updated the USACE Commander's Critical Information Requirements (FRAGORD 4 to OPORD 2015-28 - CCIR) and EC
1110-1-109, Acquisition and Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Based on continuous discussion and some confusion on this subject, I'd like to
elevate the understanding of guidance in these documents by sharing key
portions in this email message. The Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS) Gateway page provides information on this topic.
Bottom line: FRAGORD 4 adds CCIR 22 - "UAS Incident" which states: "Incidents
involving UAS operations must be reported when one or more of the following
conditions is satisfied: 1) criminal activity (including terrorism) has occurred or is
reasonably suspected; 2) the operation poses a significant threat or security
concern to project features, or to the safety of the public or government
employees; 3) a mishap involving a USACE-operated UAS occurs, to include
accidents, collisions, and like events. Reportable incidents include circumstances
such as when a USACE employee receives a report of the above types of UAS
activity from a visitor, from another agency or from within USACE, or from state or
local law enforcement personnel." Essential elements for this report are based on
Attachment A to
FRAGORD 4 to OPORD 2015-28. Most importantly for many of our projects,
the FRAGORD 4 adds: "The recreational or hobby use of UAS equipment,
including the operation of traditional model aircraft by aero-modelers and other
hobbyists, will not be reported unless one of the above conditions is satisfied.
Likewise, UAS operations outside of areas designated under 36 CFR 327.4(b) will
not be reported unless one of the above conditions is satisfied. This reporting
requirement applies to both CONUS and OCONUS locations." CCIR 22
replaces CCIR 20 which had essentially required the reporting of all UAS
operation at our projects. Under CCIR 22, we are only required to report when
one or more of the above conditions is satisfied. We have many partnerships with
local model aircraft clubs and organizations and we hope that this new CCIR and
revised EC will help encourage the continuation of this recreation activity at our
projects. Also attached is EC 1110-1-
109, "Acquisition and Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology",
dated 31 August 2018, which has been revised, in part, to cover the above
reporting requirements (see paragraph 14b) as well as information regarding the
operation of UAS systems by the public, commercial organizations, or other
Federal state and local governments and law enforcement agencies (see
paragraphs 13 and 15). Please note in paragraph 15b, that USACE can regulate
UAS operations while an individual is physically operating an unmanned aircraft
on USACE property via 36 CFR 327.4 (Aircraft), however, official "no fly zones"
can only be established by the Federal Aviation Administration through
coordination with the USACE Aviation Program Manager, Jason Kirkpatrick
(Jason.kirkpatrick@usace,army.mil). The EC also provides guidance for the
acquisition and official operation of UAS by USACE elements within the National
Airspace System and the current regulatory framework. The POC for EC
1110-1-109 is Nancy Blyler (Nancy.j.blyler@usace.army.mil), and for information
regarding the public operation of unmanned aircraft at USACE water resources
development projects contact Stephen Austin
(Stephen.b.austin@usace.army.mil). Tom
Thomas P. Smith, P.E.,
SES
Chief, Operations and Regulatory
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