A Comparative Study to Determine Which Candidates Make the Best Potential UAV Operator
Presented during Session 3 (continued): UAS – Training and Implications for Pilots
Abstract
The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military and civilian operations has created a growing demand for qualified UAV pilots. One of the challenging problem in the emerging unmanned aviation industry today is determining what group of individuals has the skills to operate a UAV. The existing literature strongly suggests that additional research is warranted to further explore the potential to adapt non-aviators in the role of UAV operators. The paper/presentation will discuss a research study conducted to determine what group of subjects has the potential to make the best UAV pilots. An important part of being a good UAV pilot is to learn the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle itself. How it responds in ideal conditions, how it respond in less-than-ideal or hazardous conditions. The categories of subjects consisted of certified pilots, both fixed and rotary wing pilots, video gamers, and non-pilots, non-gamers. Subjects were given a biographical questionnaire to determine their level of proficiency with flying and gaming. For the study a stabilized remotely operated quad copter coupled to a video and graphic recorder was used to evaluate the operator performance and to minimize safety issues and crash potential. The pilots were tested for their: (i) ability to manipulate the sticks with sensitivity and accuracy, (ii) ability to predict the UAV’s behavior during environmental influence, and (iii) ability to think ahead. The research design, implementation, and results of the study will be discussed in the final paper/presentation.
A Comparative Study to Determine Which Candidates Make the Best Potential UAV Operator
Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center (Bldg. #602)
The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military and civilian operations has created a growing demand for qualified UAV pilots. One of the challenging problem in the emerging unmanned aviation industry today is determining what group of individuals has the skills to operate a UAV. The existing literature strongly suggests that additional research is warranted to further explore the potential to adapt non-aviators in the role of UAV operators. The paper/presentation will discuss a research study conducted to determine what group of subjects has the potential to make the best UAV pilots. An important part of being a good UAV pilot is to learn the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle itself. How it responds in ideal conditions, how it respond in less-than-ideal or hazardous conditions. The categories of subjects consisted of certified pilots, both fixed and rotary wing pilots, video gamers, and non-pilots, non-gamers. Subjects were given a biographical questionnaire to determine their level of proficiency with flying and gaming. For the study a stabilized remotely operated quad copter coupled to a video and graphic recorder was used to evaluate the operator performance and to minimize safety issues and crash potential. The pilots were tested for their: (i) ability to manipulate the sticks with sensitivity and accuracy, (ii) ability to predict the UAV’s behavior during environmental influence, and (iii) ability to think ahead. The research design, implementation, and results of the study will be discussed in the final paper/presentation.
