Selection, Training and Qualification of UAS Crews
Welcome back, fellow Aces! This week we delved into the subject of what criteria should be used to select (hire), train, and qualify personnel as UAS aircrew members. Depending on which company in the industry or military branch you ask, you will receive a wide variety of responses. Although, they vary in their approaches there seems to be some consensus about what the most important factors are for a successful outcome (e.g. a capable and qualified aircrew member) According to study by the Navy Medical Research Unit, the top 6 characteristics for selection, training, and certification of personnel for UAS operations (in order of priority) include: (1) Task Prioritization, (2) Oral Comprehension, (3) Oral Expression, (4) Vigilance (5) Problem Solving, and (6) Critical Thinking (Williams et al., 2014, p.13). From my personal experience of training and certifying new Air Force RPA crews, I would agree with this breakdown. If I didn't have t...
