Main Subcommittee Category: Human Performance Analysis and Engineering

How would you label your submission?: Academia

Abstract:

There is a notable absence of set parameters and metrics for training unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots and determining piloting proficiency. Outside of safety requirements, individual agencies and organizations use widely varying methods for training and assessment, leading to the critical issue of minimal cohesiveness regarding the expectations of trained pilots. Among the most significant differences between training programs is the role of simulation systems within the training process, with differing opinions regarding how well skills learned in simulators translate to the field. Furthermore, it is valuable to recognize the importance of cognitive skills in UAS piloting. The goal of this work is to address gaps in existing measures of pilot proficiency by proposing an adapted field instrument that incorporates cognitive skills training and can be effectively transitioned from simulation training to field training. The present work approaches these goals by adapting a preexisting field instrument developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This adaptation enhanced the existing instrument by incorporating working memory and episodic memory tasks to integrate cognitive training into technical proficiency training. The training course was then integrated into a Mixed Reality (MR) flight simulator designed for small UAS (sUAS) and used in preliminary research. The use of a simulator afforded the flexibility to fine tune the course requirements by adjusting elements to increase difficulty as the research evolved. Changes included more complex targets and requirements of the course. This work demonstrates the potential benefit of an instrument that engages the cognitive mechanisms required of UAS pilots, while prioritizing a practical and efficient training model that addresses the need for instruments that can transition between simulation and field-based training. Doing so bridges existing gaps in comprehensive training, ensuring pilots are equipped to effectively navigate the challenges of their roles.

Keywords: MIXED REALITY

Additional Keywords not in the list above: sUAS, PILOT PROFICIENCY, COGNITIVE SKILLS, STANDARDIZATION