UAV Human Factors

Human factors play an important role within the aviation industry, particularly within Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) operations. There is still a need for human interaction despite the “unmanned” aspect, therefore resulting in human factor issues. These issues include system failures, crew training, sensory cue deprivation, and many other factors regarding UAV and human interaction interfaces.

System Failures
UAV systems differ immensely regarding the degrees of freedom in which controls allow human interactions. These controls restrict or authorize an operator in how they interact with the UAVs performance and operation. It is concluded that further research be conducted to determine which UAV operations are best suited to be autonomous or controlled by an operator.

Crew Training
Thorough and appropriate training along with meticulous crew selection is necessary to reduce human factor issues regarding UAV operations. Ensuring crew members partake in essential UAV training may provide for less operator related issues and instead provide proficient operator performance. The potential for mishaps may increase with the lack of appropriate training and understating of pertinent UAV behavior.

Sensory Cue Deprivation
There is a loss of observing sensory cues from the lack of interaction between operator and UAV. This lack of interaction keep the operator from observing the necessary sensory cues needed to keep- the UAV from potential mishaps. While there are a few sensors on board the UAV providing the operator some input, there is still a major lack of interaction resulting in operator isolation from the UA. This isolation from the UAV ultimately affects the operators performance.

Thanks!

EMW
 

Reference

McCarley, J. and Wickens, C. (n.d.). Human factors concerns in uav flight. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/library/documents/media/human_factors_maintenance/human_factors_concerns_in_uav_flight.doc