The Development and Initial Validation of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) External Pilot Selection System.

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to develop physical and selection performance standards for the screening of candidates for entrance into the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV) Pioneer Pilot training program. A minimum Pioneer crew consists of an external pilot, internal pilot, and a mission commander/payload specialist. The mission commander/payload specialist is responsible for the overall planning and execution of the specific mission and control of the visual/information gathering during the mission. The internal pilot is responsible for the control of the Pioneer when it is beyond visual range. The external pilot is responsible for takeoffs, landings, and any in- visual-range control of the vehicle. A task analysis was done in the training and fleet squadrons to identify critical tasks for safe flight and the relevant skills required to perform the piloting tasks. From this task analysis, specific computer-based tests batteries were chosen as potential predictor variables. The system was programmed and students and external pilots were administered the test battery. A composite training measure was created from objective training scores, verified with subjective instructor ratings, and used as the criterion for predictive validation of the system. The sample size was small for the preliminary model, but a significant relationship between a composite of multitask tracking scores and UAV performance was observed (adjusted R2 = 0.86). In addition, structured and unstructured interviews of the Pioneer crews, students, instructors and senior squadron personnel were used to identity important physical characteristics essential for safe operation of the Pioneer. These traits were then used to derive medical screening criteria for all crew positions.