Physiological Issues in UAS

 This week's blog post will discuss these three topical points. 

  1. Which OTC medications do you think pose the most significant risk to UAS operators? Why?
  2. What do you think are the most effective mitigation strategies from a human factors perspective that operators can use when conducting UAS operations?
  3. Describe how fatigue and stress affect the safe operation of UAS.
    To address the first point, according to Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (2003), some of the most common OTC antihistamines and decongestants have high probability to cause dangerous side effects for UAS pilots such as drowsiness and decreased cognitive capability. But, all medications, OTC and prescription, have pros and cons: there will always be side effects. It is up to the pilot (and potentially their doctor) to judge how severely those side effects will affect them and their ability to competently and safely complete their duties. 
    I believe the most effective mitigation strategies from a human factors perspective are preventative measures. I believe there's an age old saying in medicine that goes along the lines of "The best medicine is preventative medicine." Making sure you drink enough water, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and sleep enough every night goes a long way in maintaining good health. The best part about this is that there are no negative side effects to preventative medicine (besides maybe sacrificing extra time to sleep more instead of playing video games with friends). Additionally, work-life balance and therapy can help with mental health and keeping stress at bay. 
    Stress and fatigue affect the safe operation of UAS by affecting the mental abilities and ADM of the UAS pilot. Stress can weigh heavy on the mind of an operator, causing them to second guess themselves in situations where there is no time for it. Stress can also pressure pilots into operating in unsafe conditions or performing unsafe maneuvers as demonstrated by our homework scenario. Fatigue similarly affects the pilot by making their brain feel sluggish or foggy, increasing reaction times which can cause safety issues. Fatigue can affect ADM as well as a tired pilot may choose to take shortcuts to get the job done quicker so they can rest by sacrificing safety procedures. 

References:
United States. Federal Aviation Administration. (2003). Pilot’s handbook of aeronautical knowledge. United States Department Of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration.

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