P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

11–5. Unmanned aircraft systems considerations a. Operator/air mission commander requirements. (1) All operators who control UAS platforms/payloads within range complex training airspace shall participate in a range safety brief and become familiar with installation range regulations prior to operating within the complex. (2) Air mission commanders who oversee UAS operations/training within range complex training airspace shall participate in a range safety brief and become familiar with installation range regulations prior to conducting operations within the complex. (3) Air mission commanders shall take all measures necessary to ensure training/operations are conducted within assigned SUA or other authorized operating area and that unmanned aerial vehicles and all effects (for example, munitions/laser) are contained within assigned boundaries. (4) UAS operational unit commanders shall ensure that all UAS performance, air worthiness and related require- ments meet system safety standards prior to operating unmanned aerial vehicles within assigned range space. b. Operator qualifications for platform/payload operations, aviation weapons delivery/terminal guidance. (1) Army. (a) Operators will successfully complete an approved qualification course, or qualification, or transition training in accordance with an approved program of instruction. (b) Operators will demonstrate platform, payload, and weapon systems proficiency in accordance with TC 1–600 and FM 3–04.140. (2) Marine Corps. Marine operators will demonstrate proficiency in accordance with the appropriate TMS T&R manual. c. Fielded systems. (1) Ensure range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps) personnel are familiar with the flight characteris- tics of UAS involved in range aviation operations. (2) Ensure all UAS operations are scheduled and approved by range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps). Include the coordination radio frequencies, loss of contact procedures, climb/descent corridors, operating altitudes, and proximity to other aircraft and personnel. (3) UAS operators shall maintain radio contact with the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps) or the OIC at all times. (4) Unless accomplished during initial coordination, request and receive clearance from the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps) or control agency personnel before changing UAS assigned position, altitude, or route. If UAS loses uplink for a short period of time, the aircraft will automatically execute return home procedures so that the uplink can be reacquired. (5) For ordnance delivery, operate UAS in VMC and when the weather is forecast to remain VMC throughout the flight. (6) If operating with weapons, arm ordnance for delivery only when the aircraft is within the SUA and in a position from which, if released, the ordnance will remain within the designated impact area. (7) The UAS operator will notify the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps) and or OIC when the UAS has completed ordnance delivery and when departing the range. (8) The mission commander will maintain the responsibility for the safe operation of payload and platform. d. Developmental/experimental unmanned aircraft systems. If the UAS has not yet been fielded, provide range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps)personnel current reliability information and a "worst case" depiction of potential range, direction and SUA point of departure for developmental/experimental UAS in the event that loss of contact procedures fail. e. Unmanned aircraft systems operations conducted outside restricted areas and warning areas. UAS operations conducted outside restricted areas and/or warning areas shall comply with the provisions of applicable FAA and DODDs, notices and current certificates of authorization or waiver. f. Loss of communications. Firing will be suspended immediately upon loss of communications with the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps), the OIC, or firing elements. g. Loss of link. For systems with preprogrammed lost link loiter capability, the UAS operator will provide range safety with the location and flight profile of the loiter pattern. 11–6. Weapon danger zone program methodology a. WDZ identify the minimum area necessary to contain munitions and hazardous fragments within the installation or range boundary that result from air-to-ground ordnance delivery operations. b. The principle objective of the WDZ program is to assist range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps) in executing safe range operations. WDZ program methodology identifies weapon impact point probabilities from a variety of platforms and parameters, thus providing them with a scientific basis for making sound range planning decisions and to facilitate training readiness. It enables range personnel to: (1) Contain ordnance and fragmentation within range boundaries. 141 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014