Human Challenges in the Maintenance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Executive Summary Human error will pose a threat to the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), just as it does in other fields of aviation. If UAVs are to be permitted to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS), it will be necessary to understand the human factors associated with these vehicles. Rather than eliminating the potential for human error, the removal of the on-board pilot may transfer some of the risk of human error from pilots to maintenance personnel. The objective of this study was to identify human factors that will apply in the maintenance of UAV systems. The study was focused on UAVs weighing less than 500 lbs. Unlike conventional aircraft maintenance, UAV maintenance personnel must ensure the reliability of an entire system that comprises the vehicle, the ground station, and communication equipment. At present, there are no published studies of the human factor issues relevant to UAV maintenance. In addition to a literature review and site visits, thirty-one structured interviews were conducted with personnel experienced in the operation of mini-to medium-sized UAVs. The researchers gathered information on critical UAV maintenance tasks including tasks unique to UAV operations, and the facilities and personnel involved in maintenance. The researchers identified issues and grouped them into four categories: hardware; software/documentation; personnel, and environment. Hardware issues included the frequent assembly and disassembly of systems, and a lack of information on component failure patterns that would enable maintenance personnel to plan maintenance effectively. The risks associated with certain types of batteries emerged as a potential major hardware maintenance issue. Software/documentation issues included the need to maintain computer systems, and difficulties associated with absent or poor maintenance documentation. Environmental issues include the extreme operational conditions that can be experienced in UAV operations. Personnel issues included the influence of the remote controlled aircraft culture and the skill requirements for maintenance personnel. UAV systems rely on computer technology, autopilots, radio transmission and allied fields to a greater extent than conventional general aviation airplanes. For this reason, many of the skill and knowledge requirements critical to UAV maintenance will lie in the avionics field. In addition, an emerging distinction between field maintenance and major shop maintenance has implications for the skill and knowledge requirements for UAV maintainers. Personnel who perform field maintenance on UAV systems may require less specialized knowledge and skills than shop personnel who perform major repairs or major preventative servicing tasks. The diversity …