OBJECTIVE

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have been used to support state department of transportation (DOT) activities, including surveying, inspection, construction, and emergency management. Most state DOTs operate under CFR 14 Part 107 rules, which require pilots to pass a knowledge exam. However, the exam is knowledge-based and does not include a practical flight skills component. Not verifying flight proficiency represents a significant barrier and source of liability for states wishing to use drones. Currently, there is no nationally accepted flight proficiency certification or practical test standard (PTS) for small UAS pilots to demonstrate practical knowledge, competent controller operation/manipulation skills, and safe, efficient, and effective operation of UAS’.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a “Basic Maneuvering” test, with protocols for organizations to use. However, NIST does not provide guidance on minimum skill levels or certify organizations to administer their exams. The Basic Maneuvering test has several limitations when used as a standardized flight proficiency exam. Building the test is costly and cumbersome to store. Administering the exam requires access to a large level field and a significant labor investment of the proctor to call out instructions and then manually grade the images. Additionally, varying environmental conditions (wind, lighting, etc.) can make score standardization, test-over-test, difficult.

Building on the scan team report for NCHRP Project 20-68A, Scan 17-01: “Successful Approaches for the Use of Unmanned Aerial System by Surface Transportation Agencies”, this project will develop and pilot method(s) for state DOT UAS pilots to demonstrate practical skills of UAS operations that complement the CFR 14 Part 107 knowledge exam. 

TASKS

The project will be delivered through the fulfillment of the following tasks and their respective deliverables:

1. Conduct a kick-off meeting with the research panel members and research team members to identify potential issues with the proposed research design, and review research milestones.
2. Develop draft UAS initial flight proficiency guidance that defines the specific aspects of UAS proficiency and which assessments need to be made in Task 3, within the framework recommended in the NCHRP Scan 17-01 document. The draft will include definition of specific attributes of UAS flight proficiency, and quantification of the level of knowledge and skill needed to be considered proficient.
3. Develop specific methods to assess the field operations and aircraft control aspects of flight proficiency developed in Task 2.
4. Conduct a pilots’ workshop and pilot testing of the flight proficiency guidance developed in Tasks 2 and 3.
5. Develop the final flight proficiency guidance and testing framework, that incorporates feedback from the pilots and the project panel from Tasks 3 and 4.
6. Conduct a workshop for DOT UAS leaders and train them to implement the proficiency guidance.
7. Develop the final report documenting the activities and results of the project, that includes (i) the UAS Flight Proficiency User’s Guide, (ii) a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products,” and (iii) a final Panel presentation describing the findings and implementation strategies of the certification program.