ABSTRACT
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) are rapidly emerging as a new sector of civil aviation. This chapter explores the terminology of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Federal Aviation Administration has released regulations that allow lightweight RPA to be flown near the ground within sight of the pilot. The higher accident rate for RPA can be partly explained by technological factors such as the use of noncertificated components and a lack of system redundancy. Remote pilots may also require nontechnical skills training focusing on issues such as flight termination decisions, coordination with remote crew members, and the impact of reduced sensory cues on threat and error management. Virtually, every aspect of remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), from interface design, interaction with air traffic control, and pilot decision-making, demands attention from the human factors profession. Existing human factors knowledge from aviation and other industries can be applied directly to RPAS.
