By Brandon Guillot, RPC, MAS
While presenting at a conference some years ago, I brought up some of the memes associated with drone pilots. We had a good time laughing at how certain people view the profession–police assume we are spying on people, pilots assume we are flying guided missiles aimed at them, our parents just assume we never grew out of playing with toys. However, I wrapped it up by saying that in reality, sUAS pilots are probably out in the middle of nowhere either sweating or freezing profusely.
There is a great deal of truth associated with the last one. Realistically, UAS operations are generally selected to operate in environments that would be dull, dirty, or dangerous to manned aircraft—which can mean extremely isolated or inhospitable areas. The responsible Remote Pilot In Command (RPIC) does need to pay close attention to items that could provide hazards to their crew members while conducting flight operations.
Identify Possible Environmental Hazards to sUAS Pilots and Crew
Some of these categories may include weather and distractions, and each deserves the proper consideration. In addition, the safe sUAS pilot will be choosing a takeoff, landing, and transit area that is away from potential obstacles such as trees or buildings.
Those same obstacles provide helpful items for crew members, such as shade from the sun, so our decision to mitigate one hazard (striking an obstacle) can create another (crew exposure to heat).
Prepare sUAS Crew for Adverse Weather Conditions
In previous articles, we have examined weather in terms of both regulatory compliance to minimums, as well as potential safety effects on the aircraft itself. Naturally conditions such as low clouds or high winds would give the RPIC reason to pause and reconsider flying during that time. However, we also need to consider the potential impacts on crew members due to weather.
Similarly, cold weather environments can be extremely detrimental to safe operations as well. Low temperatures, combined with high winds or humidity, can make it extremely difficult for personnel to keep warm while they are in the field. Both heat exhaustion and hypothermia can lead to problems with fatigue, slurred speech, and reductions in their abilities for sound decision making—posing a hazard to themselves as well as the overall mission.
As such, it is crucial that the RPIC ensures their crew members have the right equipment for the weather conditions that are expected during the operation. For hot days, personnel should have sunscreen, sunglasses, some kind of hat with a wide brim, and plenty of water.
Be Aware of Distractions to Drone Pilots
Distractions are another item that should also be considered by the RPIC. With professional-grade sUAS, there are a number of specific functions that should be checked prior to each flight. This can be difficult when the weather is unpleasant, or a group of people walk up to ask questions, or you have to operate in a place that has constant distractions (such as next to a busy road). For that reason, checklists are extremely important, and should be followed by personnel during each launch and recovery operation. Ideally, these should either come from the sUAS manufacturer, or a Chief Pilot if you are a member of an organization.
Similarly, these same environmental items (loud noises, proximity to traffic, external personnel) can reduce mission capabilities by distracting RPICs, PMTCs, and VOs from more critical tasks at hand. If someone takes the time to explain how the GPS on board the aircraft works, they may miss the cropdusting aircraft entering the area from the south. To that end, it is important to remain focused on the most important tasks at hand. Be good neighbors, but also explain to people that you may have to go over things once the aircraft lands.
For areas with loud noise or potentially dangerous traffic, make sure that there is a thorough brief of all crew members regarding safety, staging areas, takeoff and landing areas, and communications procedures. If necessary, move your crew site to some place more conducive for safe operations.
Make Sure Environmental Issues Will Not Adversely Impact Your Crew
We spend a lot of time focused on how to operate the aircraft safely, and that is something that should absolutely be considered. However, we also need to be taking care of our crew members, and making sure they are not adversely impacted by environmental issues during flight operations. Establishing priorities for risk mitigation, making sure your people have the right equipment, and reducing distractions will all go a long way toward ensuring you have a safe operation for all involved.
Brandon Guillot has a Masters of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Management and Aviation Safety Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds an FAA Private Pilot and Remote Pilot Certificate. Brandon has 13 years of experience in the Operations, Security, and Emergency Management and sUAS fields. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teaching UAS Management. Brandon owns Unmanned Aerial Solutions of Arkansas and assists the FAA Safety Team with educating sUAS pilots.
- Autonomous Drone Flight 101 - February 8, 2020
- Regulatory Update: Recreational sUAS in Controlled Airspace - June 17, 2019
- Toy or Tool: How Are We Representing What We Fly? - March 9, 2019
