2023-09 · NASA ASRS report 2036079
Multi-person UAS flight crew reported operating two aircraft at a towered airport. The UAS crew reported misunderstanding ATC instructions and took off without being cleared.
On Day 0 we planned to test flight two aircraft. I was pilot Aircraft X. After completing preflight activities and prep; my ground control station (GCS) operator indicated that we were cleared to lineup and wait on Runway X. Myself and Aircraft Y began to taxi to the 1000Ft. bars where we would turn around and line up for takeoff. My GCS operator reported to me cleared for takeoff and I replied cleared for takeoff and he replied cleared for takeoff brakes off full throttle; and I replied brakes off full throttle 'rolling' a few seconds later I replied airborne gear up flaps up and he replied loading flight plan; I began a climbing at a right turn and asked 'ready for auto?' pilot replied 'ready for auto' and I put the plane in auto. Aircraft Y began its takeoff roll; as I was walking back to the trailer with eyes on my bird. The mission proceeded quite normally until the end. However; we had received a call from tower that we had committed a pilot deviation in which I was informed we actually took off without being cleared for takeoff. As a result we held a debrief meeting and reviewed both our procedures for take off and landing and tower communications. With the Tower contractors we discussed ways to improve our communications exchanges. Our team did update our internal documents to reflect this and have not had any issues since.
I participated in a test flight of two aircraft; specifically Aircraft X and Aircraft Y; at ZZZ Airport; on Day 0. I was GCS Operator for Aircraft Y and also responsible for communications between the operations team; ZZZ Airport; and ZZZ ATC. After being granted permission from ZZZ ATC for the flight operations team to enter Runway X to prepare our two UAS for flight; ZZZ ATC communicated to 'advise on takeoff.' I interpreted this communication as permission for the Aircraft X and Aircraft Y to takeoff from runway X and to advise ZZZ ATC of when our aircraft took off. Shortly after takeoff of Aircraft X and Aircraft Y from Runway X; I informed ZZZ ATC we had reached 'Point 1'. ZZZ ATC requested Aircraft X and Aircraft Y to call ZZZ Tower. During the phone call; ZZZ Tower informed us that we had taken off on Runway X without proper ATC clearance; and I had created a Pilot Deviation from my misinterpretation of ZZZ ATC instructions. We completed our flight plan and procedures; then met together with a few folks from the Tower. Tower shared their concerns and explained what they needed for communications. We apologized for the confusion and explained our request for an 'option for runway.' This is needed to address our landing gear before landing but can imply another meaning for manned aircraft. Tower appreciated the exchange; and the discussion was helpful for everyone. We did update our internal documents to reflect some of the points discussed. Overall; it was a positive exchange.Given my role this day; I realize the responsibility involved and apologize for the Pilot Deviation between ZZZ ATC and Aircraft X and Aircraft Y. This situation is a lesson learned for my betterment as an aviator and the entire flight operations team.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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