Abstract
In civilian operations, the utilization of UAVs is diverse and broad, the variations of UAVs are extensive, and the application needs and performance characteristics also vary significantly. To this end, the emerging opportunities for UAV operations have generated an urgent need for trained operators to ensure these systems are used effectively and safely. This chapter discusses the importance and integration of appropriate non-technical skills (NTS) training, particularly situation awareness (SA) and workload management, to further improve UAV mission effectiveness. The chapter explores technical design and human factors challenges impacting on UAV operations. By reviewing historical research and applicable studies in the field, the chapter also offers recommendations and solutions. While technical design solutions to UAV systems and interfaces are examined, the authors contend that specific training strategies, which focus on the human UAV operator, should also be considered.
TopBackground
Consider that within any flight, there are many layers to the complexity of the operations. For example, there are layers of technology, protocol as well as behavioural layers. Non-technical skills are considered an essential layer as they reduce the likelihood that an error or failure will lead to an accident. Non-technical skills are social, mental and personal management skills that contribute to safer and more efficient operations. Non-technical skills support the technical skills of flight crew and contribute to dependable and effective performance in the often-complex work systems that characterise the aviation industry. Non-technical skills in the aviation industry typically include: situational awareness; decision-making; communication; team work; leadership; managing stress; workload/task management; and coping with fatigue.
Key Terms in this Chapter
“Inhabited” Aviation: An aircraft that is controlled by a pilot that inhabits the aircraft cockpit during operation.
Vestibular Input: The sensation of any change in position, direction, or movement of the head. The receptors are located in the inner ear and are activated by the fluid in the ear canals moving as you move.
Non-Technical Skills (NTS or NOTECHS): Encompasses attributes including the ability to recognize and manage human-performance limitations, to make sound decisions, communicate effectively, lead, and work as a team and maintain situation awareness. When coupled with strong technical skills, NTS is the difference between performance that is acceptable and performance that is outstanding.
Haptic Displays: Haptic technology or kinesthetic communication recreates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user. Haptic devices may incorporate tactile sensors that measure forces exerted by the user on the interface.
Stick-and-Rudder: A colloquialism used in the aviation industry to refer to the manual manipulation of controls in the cockpit to manage the flight path of an aircraft.
Artefact: Shein’s model of culture is well established in the aviation human factors area. Shein divides organizational culture into three levels. One level refers to artefacts, which are the visual organizational structures and processes that are easy to identify, yet are hard to understand.
Situational Awareness: The perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their future status.
Threat and Error Management: The process of identifying and responding to threats with appropriate countermeasures to reduce or remove their consequences and mitigate the probability of errors.
Fly-by-Wire: A semi-automatic and typically computer-regulated system for controlling the flight of an aircraft that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface.
Flight Management Systems (FMS): A fundamental component of a modern airliner's avionics and a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks, reducing the workload on the flight crew.