ERAU Unmanned Systems by Raymond DeMarco

•Which OTC medications do you think pose the most significant risk to UAS operators? ◦Why? Some Over the Counter (OTC) drugs despite misconception, can be dangerous to flight safety.   For consuming strictly OTC medications, the first that come to mind or those that heed warning not to operate machinery.   Antihistamines, anti-allergy, and cold symptom medications that relieve itching, running nose, sneezing etc. can produce significant drowsiness, and effects can last longer than the person realizes.   For manned flight, the FAA warns pilots they should ground themselves for at least 5 times the drug’s half-life, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) (airspacedoc.com, 2019).   Should the rules be the same for UAS operators? Part 107, section 91.17 Alcohol or Drugs states “no person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage… while using any drug that affects the person’s faculti...

Describe the essential elements of ADM in your own words. Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) is preparedness.   It is minimizing the chance of getting into a situation that could and should have been avoided by assessing risks.   ADM is flight management and taking responsibility to assure a flight is well planned, risks and hazards have been identified, rules and regulations are obeyed. It is also like the motto of safety first.   After preparation, on the fly, ADM is perceiving information, using knowledge and evaluating to decide, then performing to take the best course of action.   Situational Awareness (SA) is a term you hear often in aviation.   This is the pilot’s perception and reaction, interaction with the environment, knowing what’s going on, and being prepared for what situations may occur. What ADM and Risk Management issues in UAS operations really stood out to you? My background before studying with Embry Riddle is in human phys...