How can drone pilots maintain situational awareness during flights?

2 Challenge 2: Cognitive Overload

Another challenge for drone pilots is the cognitive overload that can result from the high demand of processing multiple streams of information, performing multiple tasks, and switching between different modes of operation. For example, a drone pilot may need to control the flight path, adjust the camera settings, monitor the airspace, communicate with other pilots or observers, and follow the mission objectives. These tasks can compete for the limited attention and memory resources of the drone pilot, leading to errors, omissions, or distractions. Therefore, drone pilots need to prioritize their tasks, allocate their attention, and manage their workload according to the situation.

3 Challenge 3: Human Factors

A third challenge for drone pilots is the human factors that can affect their performance, such as fatigue, stress, boredom, complacency, or overconfidence. These factors can impair the drone pilot's perception, comprehension, or projection of the situation, resulting in reduced awareness, impaired judgment, or risky behavior. For example, a drone pilot may become tired after a long flight, stressed by a difficult maneuver, bored by a routine task, complacent by a familiar scenario, or overconfident by a successful outcome. Therefore, drone pilots need to monitor their own physical and mental state, recognize their own limitations and biases, and seek feedback and support from others.

4 Strategy 1: Pre-Flight Planning

One of the best strategies for maintaining SA during drone flights is to conduct a thorough pre-flight planning. This involves gathering and analyzing relevant information about the mission, the environment, the drone, and the crew. For example, a drone pilot may need to check the weather forecast, the airspace regulations, the flight plan, the drone's condition and capabilities, and the roles and responsibilities of the team members. By doing so, the drone pilot can anticipate potential hazards, prepare contingency plans, and set clear goals and expectations.

5 Strategy 2: In-Flight Monitoring

Another important strategy for maintaining SA during drone flights is to conduct a continuous in-flight monitoring. This involves observing and interpreting the current situation, comparing it with the expected situation, and identifying any discrepancies or changes. For example, a drone pilot may need to watch the camera view and the telemetry data, listen to the radio communication, and scan the surrounding area. By doing so, the drone pilot can detect and correct any errors, avoid or mitigate any threats, and adapt to any opportunities.

6 Strategy 3: Post-Flight Review

A final useful strategy for maintaining SA during drone flights is to conduct a post-flight review. This involves evaluating and reflecting on the performance, the outcomes, and the lessons learned from the flight. For example, a drone pilot may need to review the flight data, the video footage, the feedback from the team, and the personal experience. By doing so, the drone pilot can identify and acknowledge any strengths and weaknesses, reinforce any best practices and standards, and improve any skills and knowledge.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?