After reviewing this week’s readings and
discussing the forum postings provided by our classmates, I notice that
the root cause of the sUAS mishaps are due to the operators not taking
their role seriously as an aircraft pilot. The FAA
representatives in their presentations repeat this statement time and
time again that since the FAA has granted the applicants as licensed
operators, that they are treated and should behalf as accredited pilots –
much the same as your traditional pilots.
This means that RPAS operators whether small or large, commercial or
recreational, should follow their training to adhered to checklists and
minimize risk whenever possible. This is done via stringent processes
such as reviewing NOTAMs, conducting pre-mission
planning to confirm favourable weather conditions, knowing the lay of
the land, alternate LZs and familiarizing themselves with emergency
procedures. There should also be pre-flight walkarounds or inspections
conducted as part of each sUAS mission. In the
investigative reports or unofficial findings, there is never any
mention of these conventional risk mitigation activities. It seems as
though since technology has evolved to such an easily accessible
flight-vehicle, that the responsibilities of the remote
pilot has also diverged from their traditional precautionary
responsibilities.
It may not be a far stretch to recommend that the
FAA in the near future institute random spot-checks or audits to ensure
that all risk mitigation activities are considered to minimize UAS
mishaps and accident rates. This will at least
increase the vigilance from a human factors perspective to ensure all
remote PICs are cognizant of the ramifications should they become
relaxed in their approach to risk factors for their sUAS missions.
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