THE HUMAN FACTOR IN TEST

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THE HUMAN FACTOR IN TEST EVALUATION OF
REMOTELY OPERATED AIRCRAFTOUTSIDE OF RESTRICTED
AIRSPACE, OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside of restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
There are definable milestones that define the
history of operating ROA in the NAS, outside
restricted airspace, for test and evaluation
purposes ? In the late 1970s the FAA and DOD
jointly developed criteria that enabled ROA
to operate outside restricted area
airspace ? Initial ROA systems were small
and operated in close proximity to
the operator ? Advent of the Predator ROA in
1995 expanded the scope of ROA operations to
greater distances and higher altitudes ?
Arrival of the Global Hawk ROA in 1998 stretched
the bounds of operation to the international
arena
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside of restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
Since safety is paramount, the statement Youll
never be able to do that controls the thought
process when it comes to performing test and
evaluation functions of new ROA in other than
restricted areas and warning areas airspace
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside of restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
Issues that affect the decision process ?
Without a pilot how is the ROA going to avoid
other aircraft? ? How can safety be maintained
if the ROA experiences a loss of command
and control link? ? How can ROA be operated
outside restricted area airspace without posing
a potential hazard to persons and property in
the air and on the surface? the FAA will
never let you do that
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside of restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
The human factor is the key in overcoming the
perceived obstacles ? Knowledge of how safety is
achieved in the National Airspace System
(NAS) and in international airspace planning
ROA flight operations accordingly and
understanding the process for obtaining FAA
authorization is important ? See-and-avoid ?
Positive Control ? Compliance with operating
rules
Achieve an equivalent level of Safety
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
Proof of concept that TE can be performed
safely outside restricted areas and warning
areas ? Predator Advanced Concept Technology
Demonstration (see-and-avoid) ? Roving Sand
Military Exercise 1995 (New Mexico) ? South
Command Exercise 1995 (Southern Florida) ?
Global Hawk Advanced Concept Technology
Demonstration (Positive Control) ? Roving
Sands military exercise 1999 (New Mexico) ?
Deployment from Edwards AFB CA to Eglin AFB FL
and subsequent return ?
Round-trip flights to Alaska, Portugal, and the
Equator ? Deployment from Edwards AFB to
Australia and subsequent return
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
Lesson learned ? Advanced coordination with the
FAA at the region, the affected ATC
facility, and any impacted military airspace
users is very important ? ROA system must
operate as advertised ? ATC radar transponder
with altitude reporting capability enhances
safety ? Direct communication with ATC may be
required, however, work-around solutions
exist ? Flight termination systems are not
mandated by the FAA
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside of restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
Items to consider when looking for locations were
ROA test and evaluation activity can be performed
safely and with a reasonable expectation of
meeting objectives ? Sparsely populated beneath
flight area ? Relatively light air traffic
(airport and en route) ? Supportive environment
? Airport management ? Community
? FAA (ATC facility and Regional Office) ?
Adequate facilities

Locations that meet these requirements do exist
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The human factor intest and evaluation of
ROAoutside restricted airspace,overcoming
obstacles
While the ability to operate ROA in the NAS and
other airspace worldwide during portions of the
test and evaluation activity is currently more
restrictive than manned aircraft, the benefits
that can be derived may be worthwhile and the
thought of flying ROA in other than restricted
area airspace should not be dismissed without
being given thoughtful consideration.