Physiological Issues in UAS

 

Effects on OVC Medication

Drug usage can lead to drug abuse due to the development of tolerance and dependency. When person regularly use certain substances, the body can adapt, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This escalating pattern, however, can lead to dependence leading to the point where the individual feels they need the substance to function normally. In respect to a UAS operator, drug usage can significantly impact physiological functions critical for safe operation. Drugs that cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, or altered cognitive function can severely affect an operator's ability to make quick decisions, maintain focus, and react appropriately to changing situations. Moreover, substances that induce dizziness or blurred vision can compromise situational awareness, making it challenging to navigate the UAS safely. Consequently, drug usage among UAS operators can pose substantial risks, potentially endangering not only the operator but also others in the airspace and on the ground. Therefore, maintaining sobriety and avoiding drug usage is imperative for ensuring optimal performance and safety during UAS operations.

How can safety be improved through Human Factors Perspectives?

Several effective mitigation strategies from a Human Factors (HF) perspective can enhance safety during UAS operations:

Comprehensive Training: Adequate training on UAS operations, emergency procedures, and human factors awareness is crucial. Operators should be well-versed in handling various scenarios and managing stress during critical scenarios.

Checklists and Procedures: Implementing standardized checklists and procedures can aid in reducing errors and maintaining consistency in operation. These tools become handy when performing pre-flight checks, thus assists in adherence to protocols, and decision-making.

Improved Interface Design: Enhancing the design of Ground Control Stations (GCS) and UAS interfaces can optimize human-automation interaction. Intuitive displays (i.e., graphic user interface (GUI)), clear feedback, and user-friendly interfaces aid operators in making informed decisions.

Crew Resource Management (CRM): Encouraging effective communication and teamwork among operators, support staff, and stakeholders fosters a culture of safety. CRM principles facilitate information sharing, problem-solving, and situational awareness.

Fatigue Management: Establishing protocols to manage fatigue is crucial. Operators should ensure they are well-rested before conducting operations and recognize the signs of fatigue during prolonged missions.

How fatigue and stress affects UAS operations

Fatigue and stress pose significant risks to the safe operation of UAS by undermining human performance and decision-making abilities. Fatigue, stemming from prolonged work hours and inadequate sleep, diminishes operators' situational awareness (SA) and alertness. This reduced vigilance often leads to slower reaction times, impairing judgment and increasing the likelihood of critical information being overlooked or disregarded, potentially culminating in accidents. Fatigue, compounded by various factors such as stress, insufficient sleep, and desynchronosis, can accumulate, exacerbating its impact on operational safety.

Elevated stress levels can significantly impact a human operator (HO) during UAS operations, stemming from mission complexity, time constraints, or unexpected scenarios, all of which can detrimentally affect performance. Stress often induces tunnel vision and impairs decision-making, making the HO susceptible to distractions. Amidst stress, the HO may focus solely on immediate concerns, potentially overlooking crucial aspects of flight safety. Moreover, heightened stress levels heighten anxiety, impairing communication, concentration, and coordination among team members, fostering the potential for misinterpretation of information or misunderstandings during UAS operations.