MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA)

AMONG

388th FIGHTER WING (388FW), (ACC),

For Subordinate Units,

(388th RANGE SQUADRON (388RANS) and 299th RANGE CONTROL SQUADRON (299RCS) (Clover Control) (UTNG)),

AND

NEVADA STATE OFFICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM),

AND

UTAH STATE OFFICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM),

CONCERNING

Range Entry and Operations Procedures for Bureau of Land Management Aircraft in Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) Airspace: INTERAGENCY AIRSPACE COORDINATION

 

 

Effective:       

 

388 FW # 11C39

 

1.      PURPOSE:  To provide procedures and guidance for coordination between 388 Range Squadron (388 RANS), 299th Range Control Squadron (299 RCS) (Clover Control), Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Office (BLM/N), and Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Office (BLM/U), for air operations within the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR).  Recognizing the need to manage the risk involved, 388 RANS, Clover Control, BLM/N and BLM/U have combined efforts to jointly issue these procedures.  This agreement is in accordance with FAAO 7610.4, FAAO 7110.65, and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), to wit, FAR Parts 91 and 73, and with due consideration to BLM concerns and their need to comply with the USDA-Forest Service/USDI Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide.

 

2.      CANCELLATION:  This Letter of Agreement supersedes all scheduling and airspace coordination procedures contained in other agreements currently or previously in effect between UTTR and the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada and Utah State Offices and/or their district offices.

 

3.      SCOPE:  This agreement applies to Department of Defense (DoD) UTTR users, Airspace Schedulers and service providers.  The following BLM district offices are involved and subject to this agreement: Elko BLM, Ely BLM, Cedar City BLM, Fillmore BLM, Richfield BLM, Salt Lake City BLM and any associated aircraft/aircrews, dispatchers and other BLM/N and BLM/U authorities responsible for conducting operations within the UTTR.  These shall be identified as BLM.  All parties to this agreement shall adhere to FARs prescribing see and avoid techniques and maintain a high degree of awareness when participating in activities within the UTTR.

 

4.      RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

4.1. The BLM Shall:

 

4.1.1.  Be the single point of contact for all FAA coordination concerning issuance of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), IAW FAR Part 91.137.

 

4.1.2.  Ensure all BLM aircraft squawk an ATC assigned discrete mode 3/A beacon code while conducting operations in the UTTR.

 

4.1.3.  Ensure all fire operations aircraft operating within Special Use Airspace (SUA) and along Military Training Routes (MTR) are aware of Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) procedures prior to entry into the area.

 

4.1.4.  Provide Clover Control the following information concerning aircraft operations within the UTTR or MTRs:

 

4.1.4.1. Aircraft call signs

 

4.1.4.2. Type(s) of aircraft

 

4.1.4.3.  Type of mission (including operating area)

 

4.1.4.4.  Ingress and egress procedures (if known)

 

4.2.  BLM Aircrews Shall:

 

4.2.1.  Contact Clover Control prior to entry into the UTTR airspace complex with aircraft callsign, type aircraft, mission, and route of flight, destination, ingress and egress procedures, and altitude.

 

4.2.2.  To the extent possible maintain radio contact with Clover Control in order to obtain traffic advisories and other pertinent information throughout the duration of the mission.

 

4.2.3.  Advise Clover Control and BLM dispatch of the completion of all flight activity.  Also advise Clover Control when exiting the UTTR.

 

4.2.4.  Notify Clover Control and BLM dispatch office immediately of any airspace conflicts or incidents.

 

4.3.  Clover Control Shall:

 

4.3.1.  Provide air traffic control and/or range monitoring services for scheduled BLM air operations within the UTTR.

 

4.3.2.  Provide for the same day range scheduling of BLM air operations affecting the UTTR when Hill Range Control is not operational.

 

4.3.3.  Notify Hill Range Control of any change to or cancellation of TFR.

 

4.4.  Hill Range Control Shall:

 

4.4.1.  Upon notification of a TFR, Range Control shall notify the following agencies:

 

4.4.1.1.  Clover Control

4.4.1.2.  Hill Consolidated Command Post

4.4.1.3.  388FW Scheduling

4.4.1.4.  Duty desks at each of the 388FW squadrons (4th, 34th, 421st)

4.4.1.5.  419FW Scheduling

4.4.1.6.  514 Test Squadron

 

5.      COORDINATION PROCEDURES, NON-FIRE OR FIRE RECON (NO TFR):

 

5.1.  When BLM agency dispatchers or aviation managers become aware of non-TFR operation(s), which may necessitate flight within the UTTR, they shall:

 

5.1.1.  Schedule BLM air operations affecting the UTTR on a non-interference basis with 388th Range Squadron, Range Scheduling Branch (388RANS/DOO), in a timely manner and provide known recurring mission planning information as far in advance as possible.

 

5.1.2.  Schedule the operation and subsequent changes including same day changes/additions involving unanticipated fire recon with Hill Range Control.  When Hill Range Control is not operational Clover Control will assume the responsibility of current day UTTR scheduling.

 

5.1.3.  Verify (verification does not guarantee the schedule wont change) proposed flight operations with Hill Range Control at least three days prior to planned flight and FAX a map showing area of operation.

 

5.1.4.  Pre-brief all BLM aircrews to establish radio contact with Clover Control prior to entering or exiting UTTR airspace.

 

5.1.5.  Notify Clover Control upon completion of flight activity.

 

5.2.  Hill Range Control Shall:

 

5.2.1.  Advise BLM coordinating agency of projected or known activity within times and areas in which the BLM will operate.

 

5.2.2.  Coordinate BLM activities with all DoD scheduled units.

 

5.2.3.  Make every attempt to accommodate BLM mission requests within safety of flight considerations and contingent upon DoD requirements.

 

5.2.4.  Advise BLM to remain clear of the UTTR if DoD operations indicate hazardous activity or significant air operations in the proposed BLM operating area and provide an estimate when BLM operations may be accommodated.

 

5.3.  Clover Control Shall:

 

5.3.1.  Assign a discrete Mode 3/A beacon code for all BLM aircraft as requested and issue current altimeter setting.

 

5.3.2.  Provide on a workload-permitting basis, VFR flight following to the maximum extent possible.

 

5.3.3.  Advise BLM aircrews of known/observed traffic in the area of known BLM air operations.

 

5.3.4.  Advise BLM to remain clear of UTTR if DoD operations indicate hazardous activity or significant air operations in the BLM operating area.  Provide an estimate when BLM operations may be resumed.

 

6.  CANCELLATION OF TFR: TFRs will be canceled by BLM through established procedures with the appropriate ARTCC.  BLM will notify Clover Control, when air operations for the TFR are complete and all aircraft have exited the area.

 

7.  MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.

 

7.1. BLM State Aviation Managers or Assigned BLM Airspace Coordination Specialist shall:

 

7.1.1.  Be the BLM focal point for BLM districts in resolving any procedural difficulties with the scheduling of airspace within the UTTR.

 

7.1.2.  Function as the BLM focal point for BLM districts recommending amendments to this MOA.

 

7.1.3.  Be the point of contact with Hill AFB/UTTR Airspace Management in making amendments to this MOA.

 

7.1.4.  Coordinate with Hill AFB/UTTR Airspace Management and/or Flight Safety on all airspace conflicts or incidents conclusions/findings regarding airspace conflicts within the UTTR or Hill scheduled MTRs.

 

7.2.  Hill AFB/UTTR Airspace Manager Shall:

 

7.2.1.  Serve as primary action office for special use airspace matters, and be the primary point of contact with BLM for matters pertaining to this MOA.

 

7.2.2.  Investigate, in concert with Hill Flight Safety, 388th Range Squadron, and BLM, all alleged airspace deviations, incidents or violations when special use airspace is involved.

 

8.  INCIDENT/ACCIDENT.  In the event of an incident or accident involving BLM assigned aircraft within the UTTR or a Hill scheduled MTR, BLM shall notify Clover Control, Hill AFB/UTTR Airspace Manager and Hill Flight Safety immediately.  BLM will follow standard incident/accident or hazard reporting procedures and prepare a coordinated report to be forwarded to BLM National Office and the DOI Office of Aircraft Services.  All incidents will be reviewed during scheduled coordination meetings between BLM and Hill/UTTR agencies.

 

9.  AFTER HOURS OPERATIONS When both Clover Control and Hill Range Control are not operational, (see attachment B for hours of operation) BLM shall contact the Clover Control representative listed on the attachment B.  Access to the UTTR (restricted airspace) is not allowed until Clover Control has approved the request.

 

10.  EDUCATION AND AWARENESS.  Joint education and awareness is essential to the mutual efforts to enhance safety of flight.  Exchange visits between BLM and Hill AFB personnel are encouraged to foster open communication between all personnel who use this agreement.  Periodic briefings on UTTR airspace are appropriate.  Coordination meetings should occur in spring and fall to assess implementation of this agreement.  All signatories shall ensure personnel involved are briefed on the purpose and procedures of this agreement.

 

11.  MODIFICATION/CANCELLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.  Modification or cancellation of this letter is authorized with written mutual consent of all signatories and will require 30 days prior notice.

 

ATTACHMENTS (2):

 

A.  Terms of Reference

 

B.  Points of Contact/Hours of Operation/TFR

 

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the possibility of misunderstanding the term TFR, the words Temporary Flight Restriction shall be used during all landline coordination and radio transmissions.

 


MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA)

AMONG

388th FIGHTER WING (388FW), (ACC),

For Subordinate Units,

(388th RANGE SQUADRON (388RANS) and 299th RANGE CONTROL SQUADRON (299RCS) (Clover Control) (UTNG)),

AND

NEVADA STATE OFFICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM),

AND

UTAH STATE OFFICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM),

CONCERNING

Range Entry and Operations Procedures for Bureau of Land Management Aircraft in Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) Airspace: INTERAGENCY AIRSPACE COORDINATION

 

The undersigned agree to the above provisions.

 

FOR THE USAF                                                   FOR THE BLM

 

 

 

_____________________________ Date ________            _____________________________ Date ________

TIMOTHY W. LEGEL, Lt. Colonel, USAF              G. WILLIAM LAMB

Commander, 388th Range Squadron                                  State Director, Utah State Office

Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR)                                    Bureau of Land Management

6057 Box Elder Lane                                                     324 South State ST, Suite 301

Hill AFB, Utah 84056-5811                                           Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0155

801-777-5715                                                                801-539-4010

 

 

 

_____________________________ Date ________            _____________________________ Date ________

WAYNE LEE, Lt. Colonel, Utah ANG                                BOB ABBEY

Commander, 299th Range Control Squadron                      State Director, Nevada State Office

Clover Control                                                               Bureau of Land Management

6046 Cedar Lane                                                     P.O. Box 1200

Hill AFB, Utah 84056-5812                                           Reno, Nevada 89520-0006

801-777-9444                                                                702-861-6590

 

 

 

_____________________________ Date ________

GILMARY M. HOSTAGE, III, Colonel, USAF

Commander, 388th Fighter Wing   

5887 D Ave.

Hill AFB, Utah 84056-5017

801-777-3881


Attachment A, #11C39

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

AIR ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER (ARTCC): Centers are established primarily to provide air traffic control service to aircraft operating on instrument flight plans within controlled airspace, and principally during the en route phase of flight.

 

AIRSPACE CONFLICT: An airspace conflict is aviation related occurrence, which meets BLM definitions of accident, incident or hazard while using the National Airspace System.  It may include Near Mid-Air Collisions or intrusions into airspace restricted under FAR Part 91.137, etc.

 

AIRSPACE INTRUSION: Entrance of any non-participating aircraft into specially allocated airspace (example: restricted areas, temporary flight restrictions, etc.).

 

AUTOMATED WEATHER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (AWDS): Computer terminals located at Clover Control, Hill Command Post, Hill Base Operations, and flying unit duty desks.  Aircrew members are required to check the AWDS for NOTAMs, local area advisories, and weather information prior to the departure of their flight.

 

BLM FLIGHT ACTIVITY AREA: An area where BLM aircraft conduct flight operations.  A TFR, coordinates, or a geographical location may define this area.  There is no standard dimension to this area and there may be only one or several aircraft operating within it.

 

CLOVER CONTROL: Provides air traffic control services within the Utah Test and Training Range complex. 

 

DECONFLICTION OF AIRSPACE: Processes and procedures taken by Hill Range Control, Clover Control, and BLM agency dispatchers by which the potential for airspace conflicts are minimized for known traffic.  Deconfliction involves the separation, to the extent possible, and is limited by the militarys ability to contact all their aircraft.  When military aircraft while in their training or operating areas might conflict with a flight mission, the agency should request that the military deconflict the airspace in which agency aircraft will be operating.  This deconfliction is negotiable.  As noted, it may be affected by the militarys inability to contact all aircraft currently on an MTR or within SUA.  The deconfliction request must be submitted immediately upon identification of need and regardless of whether a TFR will be sought from FAA.  Deconfliction must be performed for both fire and non-fire operations.

 

FIRE FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Aviation operations taken in response to wild land fires.  Response may be in the form of any combination of air tankers, smokejumper aircraft, helicopters, lead planes, and air tactical aircraft.  Areas should be avoided even when smoke or flame is not apparent, since numerous aircraft may still be operating in the vicinity during the mop-up stages of a fire.

 

HILL RANGE CONTROL: Provides real time range scheduling; ground party access, range safety, and special test assistance.  May not be staffed after normal working hours, holidays, or weekends.

 

MAY: Optional action, not mandatory.

 

MILITARY TRAINING ROUTES (MTRs): Routes established to accommodate low-altitude training operations that permit aircraft to operate at speeds in excess of 250 KIAS below 10,000 feet above sea level (MSL).  Only the route centerline is depicted on Aeronautical Sectional Charts.  There are two types of MTRs:

 

1.      IFR MTRs (IRs): Operations on these routes are conducted in accordance with Instrument Flight Rules regardless of weather conditions.  Current information concerning these routes is available from any ARTCC within which the route is located.  However, the most reliable source of information concerning these routes is contacting the scheduling agency listed in the AP/1B Handbook.  All routes transiting the UTTR complex must be deconflicted by Hill Range Control.

 

2.      VFR MTRs (VRs): Operations on these routes are conducted in accordance with Visual Flight Rules in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Current information concerning these routes is available from any ARTCC within which the route is located.  However, the most reliable source of information concerning these routes is contacting the scheduling agency listed in the AP/1B Handbook.  All routes transiting the UTTR complex must be deconflicted by Hill Range Control.

 

NEAR MID-AIR COLLISION: A near mid-air collision is defined a an incident associated with the operation of an aircraft in which a possibility of collision occurs as a result of proximity of less than 500 feet to another aircraft, or a report is received from a pilot or flight crew member, stating that a collision hazard existed between two or more aircraft.

 

NON FIRE FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Flight operations conducted for the purpose of performing non fire land management functions such as horse herding or counting, other wildlife surveys or facility installations, wilderness reconnaissance, etc.

 

NOTICE TO AIRMEN (NOTAM): Time critical information, which is of either a temporary nature, or not sufficiently know in advance to permit publication on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications.  Receives immediate dissemination via the National Notices to Airman System.

 

SHALL: Mandatory action, not permissive or optional.

 

SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE (SUA): Special Use Airspace consists of airspace wherein an activity must be confined because of its nature and/or wherein limitations may be imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities.  The purpose of SUA is to identify for other airspace users where military activity occurs, segregate that activity from other users to enhance safety, and to allow charting to keep airspace users informed.  Special Use Airspace includes Military Operating Areas (MOAs), Restricted Areas (RAs), Prohibited Areas (PAs), alert Areas (AAs), Warning Areas (Was), and Controlled Firing Areas.  Both MOAs and Restricted Areas are part of the UTTR Range complex.

 

1.      MILITARY OPERATIONS AREA (MOA): Airspace established outside the Positive Control Area (PCA) to separate/segregate certain military activities from IFR traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are conducted.  Whenever a MOA is active, nonparticipating IFR traffic may be cleared through the area provided ATC can ensure IFR separation; otherwise, ATC will reroute or restrict nonparticipating IFR traffic.

 

2.      RESTRICTED AREA (RA): Airspace established to denote the existence of unusual, often invisible hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or missiles, etc.  Penetration of restricted areas may be extremely hazardous to the aircraft and its occupants and is legally prohibited.  Authorization to transit restricted areas, which are not in use, may be obtained from the controlling agencies.  NOTE:  A TFR within a Restricted Area is not necessary, nor is it obtainable from FAA, since a Restricted Area is by definition a flight restricted area.

 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFRs): A TFR is implemented under FAR Part 91.137 which identifies an area of airspace, both laterally and vertically, for which entry by non-participating aircraft is restricted for a specified period of time.  Flight restrictions may be requested in response to the aviation safety needs for separation of aircraft for both disaster type occurrences (example fires) and, very infrequently, for non-disaster type events.  It is requested form the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) within whose jurisdiction the location lies and is forwarded by the ARTCC to the National Flight Data Center for processing and dissemination to FAA Flight Service Stations.  All pilots are required to be aware to TFRs.  Entry into the airspace by non-participating aircraft is prohibited or severely restricted.

 

UTAH TEST AND TRAINING RANGE (UTTR): The UTTR is composed of Restricted Areas R6402A, B, R6404A, B, C, D, R6405, R6406A, B, and R6407.  MOAs include Lucin A, B, C, Sevier A, B, C, and Gandy.  

 

WILL: Futurity, permissive for future application,


Attachment B, #11C39

1.  POINTS OF CONTACT/HOURS OF OPERATION/TFR NOTIFICATION

 

1.1. CLOVER CONTROL

 

Note:  Call in the priority listed below

 

 

1.2.  HOURS OF OPERATION

 

1.2.1.  Hill Range Control

 

1.2.1.1.  Monday - Friday 0700-1630

 

1.2.1.2.  Alternate Friday 0700-1530

 

1.2.2. Clover Control

 

1.2.2.1.  Monday Thursday 0700-0000

 

1.2.2.2.  Friday 0700-1800

 

1.2.2.3.  Saturday 0800-1600

 

1.2.2.4 Sunday is not normally scheduled, although there are exceptions.

 

1.3.  TFR NOTIFICATION

 

ORGANIZATON

DSN

COMMERCIAL

CLOVER CONTROL

777-7575, 7576

 

801-777-7575, 7576

HILL RANGE CONTROL

777-4401, 777-9385

777-9386

801-777-4401, 801-777-9385, 801-777-9386

HILL CONSOLIDATED COMMAND POST

777-3007

 

801-777-3007

 


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