•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 faculties in any way contrary to safety (Rupprecht Law, 2019).” Does this cover OTC drugs? It has been brought to the attention of the
FAA, and the FAA has noted that OTC medications are addressed by the provisions
in 14 CFR 91.17(a)(3). I have been
unable to find details on what OTC drugs.
•What do you think are the most effective mitigation
strategies from a human factors perspective that operators can use when
conducting UAS operations?
Working in the aviation industry for 18 years, when there is
an issue of safety to workers, or safety of flight, a campaign is usually the
best method. For Foreign Object Debris (FOD)
Boeing has billboards and posters stressing FOD critical areas, tool control,
and clean as you go. These campaigns are
a constant reminder to make those precautions a standard norm for all activities. Whenever a UAS operator is granted permission
to fly, a reminder to operate safely should always be included in the granted
request.
•Describe how fatigue and stress affect the safe operation
of UAS.
Stress and fatigue is big issue in military UAS
operations. High stress levels, longer
than expected hours, and PTSD prevalent in UAS pilots who live at home in the
U.S. and fly missions in Afghanistan or Iraq and are ordered to destroy real
world targets. This is to say the least
a unique situation working in a combat zone, but living at home with family and
friends. Military UAS are flying constantly
so they may have to get caught up to speed quickly and take the handoff from
another pilot. The physical and mental
demands present unique psychological challenges.
A Pentagon study shows that almost 30 percent of drone
pilots suffer from burnout. How does
this effect the mission and safe operations?
A certain amount of fatigue and stress in aviation can lead to human error. Per flying hour, it is well known military
drone pilots have the highest number of accidents. Stress and fatigue, combined with the unique
challenges in unmanned aviation is dangerous.
References
Airspacedoc.com. (2019). How Pilots Can Safely (and Legally)
Use Antihistamines and Other Sleep-Inducing Medications. [online] Available at:
http://www.airspacedoc.com/how-pilots-can-safely-and-legally-use-antihistamines-and-other-sleep-inducing-medications/
[Accessed 31 May 2019].
Jrupprechtlaw.com. (2019). Section 107.27 Alcohol or drugs
(2018). [online] Available at: https://jrupprechtlaw.com/section-107-27-alcohol-drugs
[Accessed 31 May 2019].
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