According to the Federal Aviation Administration (2016) Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) is a method for pilots to respond appropriately to stressful events through the use of risk management. Risk management is the approach of assessing hazards and risks and then making a proactive decision based on the prevalent set of circumstances. ADM is a crucial part for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to ensure safe flight operations within national air space (NAS). The idea behind ADM is teaching UAS operators how to operate within NAS while having the capability to perform with good judgment when issues arise. This good judgment ultimately allows the operator to perform accident-free if implemented according to the FAA’s guidelines.
Some of the major challenges UAS operators face with ADM and risk management that stick out to me are not having the same visibility and interaction with the UAS as a manned aircraft does. This lack of visibility and interaction makes it harder for UAS operators to efficiently use their ADM and risk management skills. UAS pilots must have a good perception of their surroundings along with the UAS environment. There is a lot to perceive requiring constant situational awareness. Efficient interaction with the UAS requires operators to act when issues or hazards arise. This action exercises ADM and risk management through observing and mitigating the risks.
The FAA’s CFR 14 Part 107 lays out very specific regulations for UAS operators to follow. These regulations pose unique challenges for certified commercial UAS operators regarding the issue of human factors. Human factors play an important role within the UAS industry and make ADM that much more important. According to the FAA (2016) nearly 80 percent of all aviation associated accidents are directly affiliated to human factors issues with landing and takeoff incidents to make up the bulk of those accidents. Human factors relating to the use of UAS not only pertains to those operating the UAS but also those who are within the operations proximity.
Federal Aviation Administration (2016). Remote pilot - Small unmanned aircraft systems study guide. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
Some of the major challenges UAS operators face with ADM and risk management that stick out to me are not having the same visibility and interaction with the UAS as a manned aircraft does. This lack of visibility and interaction makes it harder for UAS operators to efficiently use their ADM and risk management skills. UAS pilots must have a good perception of their surroundings along with the UAS environment. There is a lot to perceive requiring constant situational awareness. Efficient interaction with the UAS requires operators to act when issues or hazards arise. This action exercises ADM and risk management through observing and mitigating the risks.
The FAA’s CFR 14 Part 107 lays out very specific regulations for UAS operators to follow. These regulations pose unique challenges for certified commercial UAS operators regarding the issue of human factors. Human factors play an important role within the UAS industry and make ADM that much more important. According to the FAA (2016) nearly 80 percent of all aviation associated accidents are directly affiliated to human factors issues with landing and takeoff incidents to make up the bulk of those accidents. Human factors relating to the use of UAS not only pertains to those operating the UAS but also those who are within the operations proximity.
Thanks,
EMW
References
Federal Aviation Administration (2016). Remote pilot - Small unmanned aircraft systems study guide. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
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