Personnel Selection, Roles, and Training for sUAS

Abstract

Verbatim from NASA NTRS. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

The rapid advancement of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies, coupled with the growing integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) into commercial, defense, and public safety operations, has fundamentally transformed the aviation landscape. These innovations promise significant benefits, including enhanced efficiency, expanded accessibility, and new opportunities for transportation, logistics, and emergency response. However, they also introduce complex challenges, particularly in the areas of personnel selection, training, and role definition. As automation capabilities increase and operational demands grow, traditional concepts of piloting and crew responsibilities are being reimagined. Managing multiple UAS in diverse operational contexts requires not only technical expertise but also a nuanced understanding of human factors, workload management, and crew resource coordination. Developing standardized approaches to address these needs is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and scalability. This paper explores these challenges and opportunities by synthesizing insights from existing practices, lessons learned, and expert recommendations. Through a comprehensive review of industry trends, case studies, and human factors research, the paper highlights critical considerations for sUAS personnel selection, training, and role development. The findings aim to support organizations in preparing for the safe and effective integration of sUAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) while laying the groundwork for future regulatory and technological advancements.

Authors

• Scott Scheff Hf Designworks (United States)
• Garrett Sadler Ames Research Center
• Meghan Saephan Ames Research Center
• Phillip Walker SIFT
• Chris Schupp Red Canyon Software
• Timothy Beglau Federal Aviation Administration
• Wendy Ljungren Anzen Unmanned
• Robert Owen SOCOM
• Vernol Battiste San Jose State University
• Rese Drucker DroneUp
• Brittany Duncan University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Edwin Sanchez Votix
• Christine Arboleda Hf Designworks (United States)
• Gita Hodell Ames Research Center
• Richard Thompson Los Angeles Fire Department

Keywords

• training
• personnel
• m:N
• multi-UAS
• sUAS