MQ-9 Reaper Operations at Syracuse AirportVideo by Senior Airman Michael Connors American Forces Network Pacific
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing conducted their first MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) flying operation from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and Syracuse Hancock International Airport on Wednesday, December 16. The 174th Attack Wing is the first Air Force organization in the United States to fly an RPA in class “C” airspace, the common airspace around commercial airports. Prior to this week, all flight operations of the MQ-9 aircraft were conducted at Wheeler Sack Army Airfield at Fort Drum. Over the past week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted approval for the wing to begin launch and recovery operations with the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and the Syracuse International Airport.The FAA approval follows a technical and operational review for the safe and effective takeoff and recovery of MQ-9 aircraft at Hancock Field, home to operator and maintenance training of MQ-9 crews. The FAA modified airspace around Hancock Field in 2013 to expand available training areas and provide transition from high altitude down to Hancock Field. “Flying from Hancock Field will increase student production by up to 50 percent at our Formal Training Unit (FTU), while also reducing the operational risk to unit personnel who travel to and from Fort Drum on a daily basis,” said Col. Greg Semmel, 174th wing commander. “Having this ability will result in a savings of over $1 million in taxpayer costs.” The 174th Attack Wing was established in 1947 as the first Air National Guard flying unit in New York State. Throughout its history, it has flown F-47 Thunderbolts, F-51 Mustangs, F-84 Thunderjets, F-86 Sabres, A-37 Dragonflies, A-10 Thunderbolts and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It currently flies the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.