Beale grounds Global Hawk

Published: Dec 14, 2006
Source: www.appeal-democrat.com



The Air Force has stopped Global Hawk flights from Beale Air Force Base after pilots briefly lost contact with the unmanned aircraft during its first operational flight mission over the United States, a base spokesman said Wednesday.

The communication glitch occurred Nov. 21, said Capt. Mike Andrews, spokesman for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and Air Combat Command are determined to find and address the problem so flights can resume, he said.

“Safety and program security remain our top priorities, which is why the Air Force is working closely with FAA to help identify concerns and provide corrective actions to ensure this doesn't happen again,” Andrews said.continue..