Human factors for remote pilots — transcript

00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:04.862 Human factors: how your mind, body and eyes shape every flight.

00:00:05.900 --> 00:00:11.541 Every action is a loop. Sensation: you see a bird. Perception:

00:00:11.541 --> 00:00:17.898 it's heading for the drone. Decision: climb. Response: move the stick.

00:00:17.898 --> 00:00:20.764 A break anywhere causes errors.

00:00:21.114 --> 00:00:22.651 Memory has limits.

00:00:22.651 --> 00:00:28.152 Short-term memory holds about seven items for up to thirty seconds.

00:00:28.152 --> 00:00:34.542 And perception isn't reality: you tend to see what you expect. So cross-check,

00:00:34.542 --> 00:00:36.160 and use checklists.

00:00:36.510 --> 00:00:43.747 Situational awareness has three levels. Perception: what's happening. Comprehension:

00:00:43.747 --> 00:00:50.557 what it means. Projection: what happens next. Under pressure: aviate, navigate,

00:00:50.557 --> 00:00:52.941 communicate, in that order.

00:00:53.291 --> 00:00:59.744 Six hazardous attitudes. Anti-authority: the rules don't apply to me. Antidote:

00:00:59.744 --> 00:01:05.712 follow the rules. Deference: don't look at me. Antidote: I'm responsible.

00:01:05.712 --> 00:01:10.793 Impulsiveness: acting without thinking. Antidote: not so fast.

00:01:11.143 --> 00:01:17.639 Invulnerability: it can't happen to me. Antidote: it could happen to me. Macho:

00:01:17.639 --> 00:01:23.973 there's nothing I can't do. Antidote: taking chances is foolish. Resignation:

00:01:23.973 --> 00:01:28.358 there's nothing I can do. Antidote: I'm not helpless.

00:01:28.708 --> 00:01:33.306 Quick check. A new pilot wants to show off for friends. Which attitude?

00:01:34.108 --> 00:01:36.799 Impulsiveness. Not so fast, think first.

00:01:37.208 --> 00:01:40.865 Early start, short night. Before the drone comes out, check the pilot.

00:01:43.708 --> 00:01:49.262 Use IMSAFE before every flight. Illness. Medication. Stress. Alcohol. Fatigue.

00:01:49.262 --> 00:01:53.129 Eating and emotion. If any one isn't right, don't fly,

00:01:53.129 --> 00:01:56.012 or hand over to another qualified pilot.

00:01:56.362 --> 00:02:00.970 Alcohol: no drinking for at least eight hours before flight. Safer:

00:02:00.970 --> 00:02:04.223 no more than one or two drinks within 24 hours.

00:02:04.223 --> 00:02:09.781 Acute fatigue needs a good night's sleep. Chronic fatigue needs lifestyle change,

00:02:09.781 --> 00:02:11.069 or medical advice.

00:02:13.362 --> 00:02:17.393 Stare at a drone against an empty sky and your eyes relax,

00:02:17.393 --> 00:02:22.517 focusing just one to two metres away. Other aircraft can slip past unseen.

00:02:22.517 --> 00:02:26.684 Every so often, focus on a contrasting object on the ground.

00:02:28.262 --> 00:02:31.149 Your eyes can be fooled. From where you stand,

00:02:31.149 --> 00:02:35.817 parallax can make the drone look above the trees when it's level with them.

00:02:35.817 --> 00:02:37.352 Cross-check your screen.

00:02:39.862 --> 00:02:43.336 Lost it against a blank sky? Your observer keeps eyes on it.

00:02:46.362 --> 00:02:51.531 Help your eyes. Use a briefed spotter. Add hi-vis markings and lights,

00:02:51.531 --> 00:02:57.136 so you can tell front from back. Test polarised sunglasses with your screen.

00:02:57.136 --> 00:02:58.665 Carry spare glasses.

00:02:59.362 --> 00:03:05.396 Recap: know the loop. Flip the attitude. Run IMSAFE. Keep refocusing your eyes.

00:03:06.362 --> 00:03:11.403 Final check. Long survey against an empty sky. How do you beat empty field myopia?

00:03:12.562 --> 00:03:15.331 Refocus on something on the ground, every so often.