Human Factors Challenges Facing UAS Integration into the NAS

The need to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) is increasing at a rapid pace. In order to address some of the issues impeding regular UAS access to the NAS, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has begun a new program to assist the FAA and stakeholder community in establishing requirements for routine operations. One of the technical pillars of this program is the Human Systems Integration (HIS) effort which will work toward two major objectives: development of a research test-bed and database to provide data and a proof of concept of a Ground Control Station (GCS) for UAS integration into the NAS; and work with standards organizations to develop human factors guidelines for GCS operation in the NAS. In addition to a brief overview of the HSI program and objectives, members from the HSI group will present what they consider the biggest human factors challenges to the integration of UAS in the NAS, and how these challenges will be addressed in the program. The authors have been chosen for their individual expertise in differing areas relevant to the issue such as: military and civil UAS operations, small UAS operations, air traffic control and airspace management, pilot/operator challenges, and guidelines development. This paper therefore attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the wide range of human factors challenges facing the integration of UAS into the NAS for regular operation