Airprox 2024294 – What Really Occurred? – sUAS Information

On the night time of 22 November 2024 at 21:51 UTCa Nationwide Police Air Service (NPAS) EC135 helicopter working close to RAF Lakenheath reported a number of “drones” manoeuvring round it. In actuality, the objects had been USAF F15 fighters engaged in authorised night time coaching in Class G airspace (floor–FL150), coordinated by Lakenheath Method (“Overlord”).

Abstract of Key Information:

• Closest Level of Method (CPA): 1 NM horizontal / 1900 ft vertical separation (recorded).
• ATC Companies:
  • EC135 – Fundamental Service (no visitors info assured).
  • F-15s – Visitors Service (acquired details about the EC135).
• Misidentification Components:
  • EC135’s TCAS did not show the F-15s.
  • F-15 lighting did not resemble commonplace civil plane lighting.
  • The crew believed the lights had been drones as a consequence of their obvious behaviour and lack of TCAS affirmation.

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) concluded that there was no threat of collision (Danger Class E) and attributed the report back to misidentification and situational consciousness breakdown fairly than unsafe flying.

Why This Issues to Drone Operators

1. Misidentification Danger

Even skilled police aircrew utilizing EO/IR cameras mistook navy jets for drones. This exhibits how simply drone operators could be blamed for aerial occasions they weren’t concerned in.

2. Digital Conspicuity Limitations

The EC135’s TCAS didn’t detect the F-15s regardless of them squawking Modes A and C. This highlights the continued limitations of EC methods in advanced or mixed-use airspace, notably at night time.

3. ATC Service Ranges – Know the Distinction

Below a Fundamental ServiceATC is not required to supply visitors info. Drone operators ought to think about requesting a Visitors Service or Deconfliction Service for BVLOS, city, or delicate operations.

Public Notion: A Persistent Problem

• “Drone blame” is the default: Unidentified lights within the sky are sometimes assumed to be drones, fuelling public concern and regulatory overreaction.
• Poor understanding of airspace guidelines: The general public usually assumes ATC sees and controls all the pieces — which is unfaithful in Class G.
• Coordination gaps: The police helicopter tasking was not pre-notified to the USAF. This exhibits the necessity for higher operational coordination.

Danger Evaluation for UK Drone Operations

Potential Situations and Danger Ranges:

• Misidentification by different plane:
  • Probability: Medium
  • Severity: Low to Medium
  • Danger Stage: Average general, however Excessive reputationally
• No visitors information underneath Fundamental Service:
  • Probability: Medium
  • Severity: Medium
  • Danger Stage: Average
• Public/media backlash from perceived near-miss:
  • Probability: Excessive
  • Severity: Excessive
  • Danger Stage: Excessive (particularly for industrial operators)

Key Mitigations for Drone Operators:

• Use twin EC methods (ADS-B OUT and ground-based detect-and-avoid).
• Keep a telemetry and flight log archive for each operation.
• Pre-notify navy ATC when working close to MOD airspace.
• File CANPs, NOTAMs, or Non permanent Hazard Areas when relevant.
• Prepare pilots to request an improve to Visitors Service the place required.

Authorized and Regulatory Observations

• SERA.3205 and Ano Article 239 set the usual for proximity legal responsibility. Preserve compliance well-documented.
• Count on rising strain for necessary digital conspicuitywith incidents like this cited in coverage.
• If blamed in media or police statements with out proof, drone operators might have grounds for defamation or financial loss claims. Get authorized recommendation promptly.

Last Ideas

This wasn’t a drone incident — but it surely may have been perceived as one.

The lesson? Management the narrative by controlling the info.
File all the pieces. Safe it. Share it when mandatory. With the correct proof, drone operators can defend themselves from false blame and assist enhance UK airspace security.

Concerning the Writer

Richard Ryan is a UK barrister and aviation lawyer specialising in drone regulation, UAS integration, and counter-drone legislation. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he advises police forces, authorities our bodies, and industrial operators on airspace compliance and rising UTM frameworks. He’s additionally finishing a PhD on airspace integration and unmanned visitors administration at Cranfield College.