Anthony Wise

Types of UAV Interfaces part 2 The level of autonomous flight required is dictated by the complexity of your mission set. For simple pre assigned photo or data collection fully autonomous flight may be best and provide easily repeatable quality products. More dynamic mission sets will require a more active user input from your operator. Waypoint, orbit, and software limited manual control will serve you well in a more fluid environment. Moving targets and frequently changing objectives require this more direct user input.

Part 1 response As the article mentions there are many types of interface and software option form you UAS. However in my experience rather than attempting to limit yourself to a single type, I find a combination of multiple to be the most efficient and effective design. UAS operations are generally very dynamic, requiring the ability to adapt and adjust frequently on the fly. An Ext Pilot is invaluable for launch, recover, and emergency situations. Software can only predict so much with it's limited data feedback.

All of the resources listed in this article are great sources for COTS UAS. Should you be operating a larger or more complex system such as those used by military and defense contractors, the maint-manual is your best friend for most issues. Your TM, -10, -20, or -30 should have nearly all you need to know for resolving most issues. Unfortunately issues outside of these documents will occur. This is the time to look to your experienced co-workers or home base. There are a plethora of tips, techniques and tricks only passed town through "tribal knowledge". You may be surprised at times where this info comes from. Not always the old guys. Keep an open mind, no matter how long you have been doing it, there is always something new to learn.

Documentation is key with all UAS operations. The data from your flights is just as important as the data you are gathering for your customer. Recording everything from flight and engine times, weather, maintenance actions and any anomalies experienced feeds into the much larger picture of how you run your operations. These data points create trends and usable metrics. Duty cycles for components of your AC, number of incident free hours for proving safety of flight. Feedback from customers on their product is invaluable as it allows you to adjust your techniques to provide better and better products for them. Failures should also be documented as they can give reason behind limitations and training examples for incoming new operators.

Every UAS operation should have a thorough pre-flight procedure as well as brief. You should go over the aircraft physically- hands on every connection and control surface, torque all bolts to the proper torque value, visually- inspect surfaces and connectors for signs of wear and serviceability, and functionally- go through all systems and payloads to ensure proper operability. Personnel should also be prepared for flight. All operators should be certified/qualified and current on the system unless under training and being supervised by an instructor. Ensure crew is well rested and coherent. The brief should be go over all ground, air, and environmental considerations. Be prepared to talk through any crew concerns or questions.