The Development of Empirically-Based Medical Standards for Large and Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft System Pilots
Abstract
This study was undertaken to establish recommendations for aeromedical certification standards for pilots controlling either large or weaponized unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). This study employed a task analysis of MQ-I Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAS pilots to establish the type of work performed by UAS pilots and the contextual work conditions. Subsequently, a panel of aerospace medicine subject matter experts at the USAF's Aeromedical Consultation Service (USAFSAM/FEC) representing various subdisciplines of medicine developed recommendations for UAS pilot medical standards. Issues considered by the panel included the physical demands of the present and anticipated future ground control station environments and the likelihood for medical conditions to predispose to incapacitation or cause undue distraction or performance degradation. The recommended medical standards differed significantly for current medical standards for ground-based controller duty and for flying duty. A separate set of medical standards should be created for career UAS pilots flying large or weaponized UASs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456387
Entities
People
- Anthony P. Tvaryanas