Remotely Piloted Aircraft: The impact of audiovisual feedback and workload on operator performance

Abstract

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) offer new possibilities to a growing civilian field. However, unlike pilots of conventionally piloted aircraft, the remote pilot operates in a sensory deprived environment. A reduction in available sensory cues present unique human factors challenges, hence the aim of the present study was to understand the impact of real-time auditory feedback from the RPA on operator performance. Experiment 1 tested conventional pilots manually flying a small multi-rotor RPA under two visual operating conditions. Experiment 2 introduced a non-pilot participant group in an automated configuration. Experiment 3 retained the methodology of the second, but presented an adaptable auditory feedback component, with incremental volumes above and below a comfortable sound level. Key findings revealed transitional instances of auditory feedback being perceived as either sound (i.e., useful information, and/or arousing) or noise (i.e., sound that is unwanted), with results broadly aligned with predicted values associated with behavioural models of performance such as the Maximal Adaptability Model. In addition, no statistical significant differences in task performance (automated flight conditions) between the pilot and non-pilot participants were evident. Together, these findings suggest the ability to include or remove the availability of sensory cueing for remote pilots should be dependent on the stage of flight and associated workload. In addition, they raise questions about the restrictions imposed on who is permitted to operate an RPA. Practically, this gives credence to the inclusion of adaptable sensory cueing in future systems. Furthermore, consideration should be given to licensing operators without conventional flying experience for more complex, automated RPAS operations