Thread: Border Patrol Using Predator Drone for First Time from A Civilian Airport

Border Patrol Using Predator Drone for First Time

PRESS RELEASE | FRIDAY, JAN 29, 2016

[CBP, San Angelo, Texas] – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations is testing the feasibility of operating an Unmanned Aircraft System Predator B, out of San Angelo Regional Airport, also known as Mathis Field.

The three- to four-week deployment, which began Thursday, is a first-ever UAS deployment at a civilian airport. AMO aircrews normally operate the UAS above 18,000 feet, using Instrument Flight Rules, and while in constant communications with Air Traffic Control. AMO will operate the UAS in accordance with an approved Certificate of Authorization.

AMO conducts its law enforcement and homeland security missions at and beyond the nation’s borders. During this proof-of concept, AMO will operate the UAS from San Angelo and conduct its border security mission along the Texas border. AMO selected San Angelo because of its favorable weather conditions, central location and the existence of a current AMO operating location.

http://scvnews.com/2016/01/29/border...or-first-time/