January 17, 2016
Abstract
The Federal
Aviation Administration is aggressively working with industry experts and
stakeholders to develop the rules and regulations to ensure the safe operation
of unmanned aerial systems in the national air space. The paper identifies the key personnel needed
to effectively operate two specific systems in the conduct of oceanic
research. These two systems are
different from each other demanding unique skills from those personnel working
with them however, the FAA has yet to produce specific rules governing the
operation of varying UAS. This paper
will therefore present one set of educational, qualification, and training
requirements for both systems.
Research: Insitu ScanEagle & General Atomics Operator Qualification Standards
Introduction
The Federal Aviation
Administration is working aggressively, along with industry experts and
stakeholders, to develop rules necessary to ensure the safe operation of
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operation in the National Air Space (NAS). At the present time, many of those
regulations mirror the rules for manned aviation, and do not take into
consideration the size and capabilities of each platform. It is reasonable to believe more system
specific rules may be developed in the near future. This paper will present our own recommended
qualifications, certifications, and training requirements necessary to ensure
the safe operation of the Insutu ScanEagle and General Atomics Ikhana UAS as
they are employed for oceanic environmental studies.
Discussion
Both
the ScanEagle, and Ikhana are capable of autonomous
flight operation, and controlled flight operations via radio link. The Ikhana has the added capability of
utilizing SATCOM/INMARSAT communications as well, and has been used extensively
in fighting wildfires, providing extensive aerial imagery (Barnhart, R.,
Hottman, S., Marshall, D., & Shappee, pp 92) . The ScanEagle, though much smaller, costs in
the neighborhood of $100,000 and therefore careful consideration is warranted
with regard to its operation as well (Paur, 08/14/09). This report recommends the following crew
positions with associated education
requirements, qualifications, and training:
RF Engineer, Mission Planner, Pilot, and Sensor Operator.
RF Engineer
Education: RF Engineering; BSEE from an accredited
university.
Qualifications: Ability to lift 50 lbs. (Weight of ScanEagle
and associated equipment.
Training: Continuing education as recommended by radio
systems supplier.
Mission Planner
Education: No advanced degree requirements.
Qualifications: Experience with
aviation mission planning and scheduling.
Training: Ongoing, continuing education
as recommended by FAA.
Pilot
Education: Bachelor of Science.
Qualifications:
- 1000 hours (UAV) or 500 manned aircraft.
- Medical Exam as required by the FAA: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/get/Training: Ongoing; continuing education as recommended by FAA, Insitu, and General Atomics.Sensor OperatorEducation: No advanced degree requirements.Qualifications: Completion of Insitu/GA recommended sensor operator course.Training: Ongoing; continuing education as recommended by FAA, Insitu, and General Atomics
Conclusion
These
recommendations are not all inclusive and subject to revision as the FAA
releases their own requirements for education, qualification, and
training. All personnel should be
encouraged to pursue relevant education, and training on their own. In addition, the company should continue to
work with Boeing (Insitu) and General Atomics in an effort to develop future
training requirements.
References
- Barnhart, R.K., Hottman, S.B., Marshall, D. M., & Shappee, E, Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (2012), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.
- Paur, Jason, (08/14/09), Boeing’s Best Selling Aircraft Fits On Your Shoulder, Wired. Retrieved 01/17/16: http://www.wired.com/2009/08/boeing-uav/List of Firgures
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