Unmanned Aerial Systems: The Role Of The Operator And Human Factor Implications

With proven effectiveness across a number of missions, funding for UAS research has increased by approximately $9 billion since the early 1990\u27s [Johnson & Shea, 2008]. However, with the demand and use of UASs increasing, accident rates among these systems are also steadily rising, with human error found to be a major causal factor [Hing & Oh, 2008]. This increasing mishap rate is an important implication that must be reduced by identifying those factors that have the highest impact on system and operator failure. This poster will briefly overview: (1) the capabilities and limitations of UASs; (2) the role of UAS operators; (3) a summary of the human factors issues linked with modern UAS operators, and (4) how simulation can be implemented for reducing UAS human factor issues. The assessment of these categories will aid in recognizing the key factors that must be addressed to improve overall UAS design by assessing limitations linked with end-users. © 2010 SCS