Module 4 weighed heavily on UAS regulations and the legal framework surrounding emerging technology. The power struggle between federal regulation and state and local laws continues to blur the lines of preemption and present new challenges to UAS integration into the NAS. State and local laws pertaining to UAS are increasing in number and the scope widening (Walsh, 2017). Unlike the aircraft manufacturing industry that is heavily, federally regulated, unmanned aircraft manufactures face little to no oversight by government, and the relationship between emerging technology and the principles underlining legal defense has diminished. With the human element removed from the flight-deck and replaced by a remotely operated pilot, “technological self-reliance challenges the well-established legal principles of duty and causation” and the decision-making process engineered into the software controlling the UAS (Walsh, 2017). With this said, the other half of Module 4 focused on aviation decision making (ADM) and risk management related to UAS.
Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is a method used to make decisions in an aviation environment. This approach is systematic and builds upon the pilot’s mental process to determine, consistently, which course of action best suits a particular situation. The elementary properties of ADM consist of the ability to recognize how personal attitude can contribute to the overall safety of flight; being able to open up and accept ways which allow behavior to change; understanding stress and how to identify the onset of stress and dealing with effectively; gaining knowledge and building a risk assessment toolkit by utilizing all available sources of information afforded; and measure how effective one’s decision-making abilities are and constantly finding ways to improve and refine ADM skills (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 2016).
The ADM and Risk Management involved in UAS operations differ slightly from the techniques used in the manned-flight arena. What stands out the most regarding UAS ADM and Risk Management is having the cognizance of the technology at hand and being able to identify a software or hardware issue in timely manner before it turns into a hazardous situation which is unmanageable. It seems UAS operators are limited in the sense of resources that available and must be aware of this limitation and factor it into the risk assessment matrix.
Commercial UAS operations are challenged with some unique issues. One challenge that comes to mind is resource management. Depending on the type commercial operation endeavor, one may find him or herself conducting flight operations singlehandedly and lack the resourcefulness needed to cope with an emergency, unlike the resources available to pilots on-board a commercial airliner. I realize this is comparing apples to oranges; however, I feel that this may be an issue UAS operators with no actual aviation-flight experience should be aware of.
References
U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2016). Remote pilot – small unmanned aircraft systems study guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
Walsh, W. H. (2017). Drone risks create new legal challenges. Risk Management, 64(8), 10-12. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1938049500?accountid=27203
ASCI 638 HUMAN FACTORS IN UNMANNED AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 