Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Training Study

Authors' Class Standing

Kirsten Kasper - Senior David Toon - Sophomore Carl Phelps - Sophomore

Lead Presenter's Name

Kirsten Kasper

Faculty Mentor Name

Alex Mirot

Abstract

In the near future, the FAA will need to make decisions regarding small and large unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training standards. This includes appropriate training, licensure, and security requirements for pilots to safely operate UAS of all sizes in the National Airspace System (NAS). Current regulation requires small UAS operators to gain knowledge equivalent to traditional manned aircraft (NP 8900.227) but fall short of addressing the skills required to safely operate a small UAS. This study addresses the skillset required for small UAS training by examining link between participants’ previous training and experiences and how it affects UAS training. This study consists of one main research objective; determine whether there is a direct correlation between traditional pilot training, remote control aircraft training or video gaming experience and a significant ability to safely handle and fly a small UAS? The study will use three participant groups: participants with manned pilot hours, participants with RC hours or significant previous gaming experience, and participants with a background in none of these categories. The participants will complete a training regime which will culminate with a final, graded flight. By establishing a correlation between a particular regime of training and small UAS performance this study aims to make recommendations for future small UAS skill based training requirement

Location

Flight Deck

Start Date

9-4-2014 10:00 AM

Share

COinS
 
Apr 9th, 10:00 AM

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Training Study

Flight Deck

In the near future, the FAA will need to make decisions regarding small and large unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training standards. This includes appropriate training, licensure, and security requirements for pilots to safely operate UAS of all sizes in the National Airspace System (NAS). Current regulation requires small UAS operators to gain knowledge equivalent to traditional manned aircraft (NP 8900.227) but fall short of addressing the skills required to safely operate a small UAS. This study addresses the skillset required for small UAS training by examining link between participants’ previous training and experiences and how it affects UAS training. This study consists of one main research objective; determine whether there is a direct correlation between traditional pilot training, remote control aircraft training or video gaming experience and a significant ability to safely handle and fly a small UAS? The study will use three participant groups: participants with manned pilot hours, participants with RC hours or significant previous gaming experience, and participants with a background in none of these categories. The participants will complete a training regime which will culminate with a final, graded flight. By establishing a correlation between a particular regime of training and small UAS performance this study aims to make recommendations for future small UAS skill based training requirement