UAS Crew Member Selection

Insitu ScanEagle

The Insitu ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance UAS built by Insitu, which is a subsidiary of Boeing. The Insitu ScanEagle being a smaller UAS only requires two operators. One main pilot and the other crew member serves as support or a back-up operator. The ScanEagle uses a launcher that thrust it into flight and captures it with a hook or net. The Scaneagle system is simple enough to fly that an operator can view and track static or moving targets in flight with minimum need for flight control corrections or adjustments (Army Recognition, 2011). Ideally the Model Aircraft (and Small UAS) FAA Guidance would work best. Since the FAA almost always requires the pilot in command of the UAS to possess a private pilot’s license for operations conducted above 400 feet, a private pilot’s license would be adequate for this UAS and mission (Barnhart, Shappee, Marshall, 2012). The licensing and certification would be up to the discretion of the military or manufacturer.

Proper training is a major factor in safe and successful operation. New UASs and technologies do not fit neatly into the currently accepted training programs, and these flight systems are being produced faster than the existing flight-training regime can react to them (Barnhart, Shappee, Marshall, 2012). The training segment allows the manufacturer, purchaser, and pilot to interface creating a critical point in developing safe and efficient operations. Job aids, checklists and other important training materials can be implemented at that time. Given the unique design and operations of the Insitu Scaneagle, specific skills will be required to safely operate the UAS. The UAS will require operators to hold a second class medical certificate, as deemed necessary by the FAA (Williams, 2007).

General Atomics Ikhana

The General Atomics Ikhana is a UAS capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. While the UAS is larger and more expensive than the ScanEagle, it only requires a two member flight crew. The pilot in command controls the takeoff, flight and landing operations, and the co-pilot serves as sensor operator/co-pilot ready to take control if the pilot in command needs to perform a hand-off. The Ikhana will conduct Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) missions over the open ocean, which requires greater systems understandings and operations for the satellite communication uplink and downlink.

The UAS manufacturer requires the co-pilot or sensor operator to own a commercial pilots license along with at least 300 pilot-in-command flight hours. The flight hour requirement for the pilot-in-command is even higher. Given the need for greater systems understandings and operations the skill level and knowledge requirements greatly impact Ikhana crewmember training. The training must meet the manufacturer standards. In addition, the flight crew should be cross trained and prepared to handle either sensor operator or pilot-in-command position at any given time. Virtually all organizations involved in training realize that flying a UAS in today's environment is a team task. Crew resource management will be an important piece of additional training for Ikhana operators.

References

Army Recognition. (2011). ScanEagle. Retrieved from http://www.armyrecognition.com/us_american_unmanned_aerial_ground_vehicle_uk/scaneagle_uas_uav_unmanned_aerial_vehicle_system_data_sheet_specifications_information_description.html#description

Barnhart, R. K., Shappee, E., and Marshall, D. M. (2012). Introduction to unmanned aircraft systems. New York, NY: CRC Publishing.

Williams, K. (2007). Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Medical Certification Requirements. DOT/FAA/AM-07/3, Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Aerospace Medicine, Washington D.C.