Activity 8.5 Research: UAS Crew Member Selection

8.5 Research: UAS Crew Member Selection

Joseph Younts

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

ASCI 638- Shawn Wynn

May 2017

UAS Crew Member Selection

            Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crew member selection is necessary for safe UAV operations within the national airspace system (NAS). Crewmember selection requirements can differ between the various UAVs used in the military and civilian sectors. Crew size and composition can have a major impact on the ability of the crews to execute missions (Marshall, Barnhart, Hottman, & Shappee, 2012). There are multiple factors that determine how a crew is selected for UAV missions. While some small and micro UAVs can be operated alone, may systems require that the flight crew consist of several operators including external and internal pilots, a payload operator, a reconnaissance operator, and if needed, a mission planner (Marshall et al., 2012). Communication is critical during mission planning, during flight, and during post flight briefings. In order to prevent missions from experiencing difficulties, crew teams should be trained for various situations that could occur during a mission.

            The Insitu ScanEagle is a UAV that is used to provide daytime and nighttime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for both government and civilian applications (Boeing, n.d.). The UAV requires at least two operators for flight operations; one operator must manage the flight paths and other systems while the second operator uses the camera systems (Lum, 2009). The ScanEagle can remain in the air for over 24 hours, has a ceiling of 19,500 feet, can fly at a maximum speed of 80 knots, and cruise at 50-60 knots (Boeing, n.d.). The General Atomics Ikhana was developed to support science missions, demonstrate advanced aeronautical technologies, and serve as a testbed to develop new technologies to improve UAVs (NASA, 2014). The Ikhana operates at altitudes greater than 40,000 feet, has over 3,000 pounds of radar, sensors, communications, and imaging equipment on board, and can remain aloft for more than 24 hours (NASA, 2014). The Ikhana requires two operators for takeoffs and landings, but only one operator can fly the aircraft at a time. A single operator can handle the aircraft during flight and the primary operator may only require assistance with takeoffs and landings (Levine, n.d.).

            UAS operators have specific requirements that must be followed before flight. VFR UAS operations may be authorized by using ground-based or airborne visual observers onboard a dedicated chase aircraft (FAA, 2008). During line of sight operations, a visual observer is needed to comply with see and avoid flight rules. Operators of UAVs are responsible for the aircraft in the same manner that manned aircraft pilots are. The pilot in command (PIC) is responsible for the flight operations. The PIC can have supplemental pilots to provide any assistance, but the PIC retains the responsibility of the flight, no matter who is piloting the aircraft (FAA, 2008). The PIC must not perform flight duties for more than one UAS at a time. The PIC is not allowed to perform concurrent duties as a pilot and an observer (FAA, 2008). Not all UAV operations are the same; some operations will require a pilot certificate while others may not. A pilot may need to have a pilot certificate based on certain factors. These factors include the location of the planned operations, mission profile, size of the UAV, and whether the operation is conducted within or beyond line of sight (BLOS) (FAA, 2008). If the PIC does not hold a pilot certificate, the pilot may be allowed to fly smaller UAVs while operating below certain altitudes while the UAV is controlled within line of slight (FAA, 2008). For BLOS operations, the PIC must hold an instrument rating issued by the FAA.

            The following information has been taken from the FAA document “Interim Operational Approval Guidance 08-01” and retrieved from https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=723339.

Operations requiring a pilot certificate: The PIC shall hold, at a minimum, an

FAA pilot certificate under the following circumstances:

• All operations approved for conduct in Class A, C, D, and E airspace.

• All operations conducted under IFR (FAA instrument rating required).

• All operations approved for nighttime operations.

• All operations conducted at joint use or public airfields.

• All operations conducted beyond line of sight.

• At any time the FAA has determined the need based on the UAS’ characteristics, mission profile, or other operational parameters.

            The PIC must be current before operating a UAV. At a minimum, the PIC must perform three takeoffs and landings to a full stop in the specific UAV within the previous 90 days (FAA, 2008). The same currency requirements are necessary for night flight for UAV operations. The PIC must have a valid Class 2 FAA medical certificate in their possession when acting as the PIC. UAS operators will also go through additional training after the certificate has been issued. For ScanEagle and Ikhana operations, the operator must have manufacturer specific training, demonstrate proficiency in the UAV, and perform testing related to the operation of the UAV (FAA, 2008). Supplemental operators are operators that augment the PIC. There is not a specific rating for supplemental operators to have; however, supplement operators must have completed private pilot ground school and also pass the written test (FAA, 2008). Supplemental operators must maintain currency in the UAS being operated, must have a valid Class 2 FAA medical, and be trained in all specific details of the UAS being operated (FAA, 2008). Observers of UAV operations also have specific requirements that must be followed. Observers are required to have a Class 2 medical and complete training relating to communications in order to remain clear of potential conflicting traffic. Communications training consists of the observer understanding 14 CFR 91.111, 14 CFR 91.113, and 14 CFR 91.155 (FAA, 2008).

            UAV operators of the Ikhana and ScanEagle should be highly qualified for the positions. According to a research study completed by Howse (2011), UAV operators who preferred the air vehicle operator role were described as having an affinity for planning and logic. Those who preferred the sensor operator role had an affinity for uncertainty. Hand eye coordination is an important trait to have when conducting UAV flight. Traits such as physical strength, endurance, hearing issues and color vision were not required at greater than average levels (Howse, 2011). Other traits that were important to have were patience and logic. Operators must have well-developed communication skills in order to properly and effectively communicate with others within the ground control station (GCS). Communication may be one of the most critical components of safe UAV operations.

            An attribute list developed by Chappelle et al., (2011), as cited in Howse (2011) contains 7 abilities that these authors felt were critical for UAV operators to possess. The abilities Chappelle et al., (2011) felt were critical for UAV operators to possess include cognitive proficiency, visual perception, attention, spatial processing, memory, reasoning, and psychomotor processing skills (Howse, 2011).  These authors felt cognitive proficiency is important due to unexpected situations that can arise during UAV flight. Speed and accuracy of information processing is a necessary attribute. Visual perception includes being able to scan and recognize targets during flight. Potential pilots of the Ikhana and ScanEagle must have well-developed attention spans and the ability to remain vigilant when there are multiple sources of visual and auditory information occurring at the same time. Operators should have the ability to mentally process 2 and 4 dimensional images. Memory is a critical skill to have during UAV flight. Visual and auditory memory is necessary due to the constant need to process important information (Howse, 2011). Reasoning means that the operator can process real time information and use deductive reasoning skills to solve problems that may arise during flight. Finally, psychomotor skills are needed and are a preferred trait because reaction time and fine motor dexterity could mean the difference between an accident occurring and the prevention of an accident (Howse, 2011). As a final note, it is critical that UAV operators are familiar with the tools and technology in the GCS and that each operator has the knowledge to operate the UAV.

References

Boeing. (n.d.). ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems . Retrieved from             http://www.boeing.com/farnborough2014/pdf/BDS/ScanEagle%20Backgrounder%20011 4.pdf

FAA. (2014, March 13). Interim Operational Approval Guidance 08-01. Retrieved from Interim   Operational Approval Guidance 08-01

Howse, W. R. (2011). Knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics for remotely piloted   aircraft pilots and operators (No. DAS-2011-04). DAMOS AVIATION SERVICES INC     GURNEE IL.

Ikhana Performance and Specifications. (2014, March 13). Retrieved from             https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/aircraft/Ikhana/performance.html

Levine, J. (n.d.). No One on Board: Ikhana Pilots Fly Aircraft from the Ground. Retrieved from             https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/X-Press/stories/2008/07_08_pilots.html

Lum, C. (2009, March 10). Coordinated Searching and Target Identification Using Teams of        Autonomous Agents (Doctoral dissertation, University of Washington, 2009). (UMI No.            3356644 )

Marshall, D.M., Barnhart, R.K., Hottman, S.B., Shappee, E. (2012). Introduction to unmanned    aircraft systems. New York, NY: CRC Publishing.