Tower Controllers reported a UAS demonstration with several hundred UAS operating near a Class B airport without the control tower's knowledge. Controllers reported an airborne conflict between a UAS and helicopter resulted in temporarily suspending local helicopter operations.
Synopsis
Tower Controllers reported a UAS demonstration with several hundred UAS operating near a Class B airport without the control tower's knowledge. Controllers reported an airborne conflict between a UAS and helicopter resulted in temporarily suspending local helicopter operations.
Narrative
On this night a drone show of; what was found out later; 500 drones conducted an unauthorized show .64 NM northwest of the ZZZ VOR. The tower was never made aware of the show. The controller working then Local Control (LC) 2 position was the first to notice the show. The controller working the helos advised the 2 that were on the tour of the show. One helo had to climb to 3;300 feet MSL to avoid the show. I was working TMU and told the controller working helos to not let any more helos depart due to safety concerns. The Police helicopter was out on patrol and provided assistance by getting the tower the number to the Hotel Security; where the drone show was being performed. After sometime the controller in charge was able to get in contact with someone from the hotel and they advised that the drone show was done for the evening. We then allowed for tours to continue. After further research; we found a NOTAM pertaining to the the drone show. The NOTAM was for a 12 hour time period and an altitude of SFC-400 feet AGL. There was no other information available such as specific times or contact information. The controllers in the tower were left in the dark about the entire show. The drones also appeared to go higher than 400 feet AGLWhomever approved this drone show should have coordinated with the tower. A NOTAM is not sufficient enough information for us to work with. There needed to be contact information for the drone show operator. The operator should have been instructed to call the tower for final approval to launch the show. There should have been outreach to all the helicopter operators about the drone show. The ball was seriously dropped on this and we should consider ourselves very lucky that there was not an accident.
Second reporter narrative
While working Local Control (LC) 2; I noticed what appeared to be a UAV show west of the field; near the airport. The show was not coordinated with the controller in charge nor where any controller made aware of this event. Aircraft X was on a tour route under the control of LC1 and the aircraft requested to climb due the UAVs. Upon research; it was determined that a NOTAM had been issued for the UAV show but the controllers working the shift where never briefed on the time; altitude; location or impact to the operation of the event. The event lasted approx 10 min as all helicopter operations were haulted until it could be determined what the actual show was. It appeared the UAV show was coordinated with management prior to the event and approved.Management; when made aware of events that may have any impact on the operation; should brief the controllers; especially the controllers working during the event.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.