Drones on the Rise: Societal Misperceptions of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

Throughout the past decade, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) have been on the rise in both the civilian and military sectors. It is forecasted that in the near future they will create thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue due to their ability to execute difficult and hazardous tasks safely, efficiently, and cost effectively. However, one current issue with the proliferation of the technology is a shortage of skilled employees due to a lack of education and common negative public misperceptions associated with them. To investigate this, responses from a mixed methods survey will be analyzed. Within the survey, questions such as the participants age, education level, current knowledge of sUAS, and their interest in learning more about the technology were asked. The new knowledge we hope to create is a clearer understanding about the challenges and barriers regarding public perceptions on sUAS. The examination of data may reveal how stakeholders can better communicate to the public in hopes of building a skilled and educated work force. One approach to changing misperceptions about drones is through formal and informal educational initiatives, which can engage the public. The research will propose opportunities for higher education to play a role in educating the public through (1) aviation focused after-school programs, (2) transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary courses and programs incorporating aviation, (3) the establishment of aviation minors and aviation university-level electives, (4) the development of informal aviation programs working with museums, and (5) facilitating summer aviation camps for high school students, to name a few