Crew Resource Management During a Multi-Drone Operation
You are the pilot in command (PIC) of a small unmanned aircraft (sUAS) operation involving three sUAS flying simultaneously to survey a 500-acre farm. You have a visual observer (VO) and a payload operator (PO) on your team. The VO is responsible for maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS) of all three sUAS, while the PO manages the camera settings and data collection. The operation is in Class G airspace, and you have a clear communication plan using two-way radios. During the flight, the VO reports that one sUAS (sUAS-2) is drifting off course due to a sudden wind shift. At the same time, the PO reports that the camera on sUAS-3 is malfunctioning, and the battery on sUAS-1 is at 25%. The wind is now 18 knots gusting to 25 knots, and the sUAS have a maximum wind resistance of 20 knots. The VO is having difficulty keeping all three in sight due to sun glare.
1. How should you apply crew resource management principles to handle this situation?
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CRM principles: 1) Communicate clearly: Acknowledge reports from VO and PO. 2) Prioritize tasks: Address the most critical issue first-sUAS-2 drifting off course and potential loss of VLOS. 3) Delegate: Ask the PO to assist the VO by tracking sUAS-2 if possible, while you focus on sUAS-1 battery and sUAS-3 camera. 4) Use all resources: Utilize the radios to coordinate. 5) Maintain situational awareness: Monitor wind and battery status. 6) Avoid distraction: Do not get fixated on the camera issue while sUAS-2 is at risk. 7) Make a decision: Consider recalling sUAS-2 and sUAS-1 due to wind and battery, and either continue with sUAS-3 if safe or abort all. The PIC should assert authority and ensure the team works together to resolve the issues safely.
2. What specific actions should you take for each sUAS, and what communication should occur?
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Actions: For sUAS-2: Immediately instruct the VO to maintain visual contact and direct the sUAS-2 back on course or initiate return-to-home if control is lost. For sUAS-1: Since battery is at 25%, initiate return-to-home immediately to avoid forced landing. For sUAS-3: Since camera is malfunctioning, assess if the mission can continue without it; if not, return to home. Communication: Use concise, standard phrases: 'VO, maintain visual on sUAS-2, I am bringing it back.' 'PO, monitor sUAS-3 camera, we may abort.' 'All, be advised wind is 18 gusting 25, we are recalling sUAS-1 and sUAS-2.' Ensure everyone acknowledges. After landing, debrief the team on the issues and update procedures for wind limits and battery management.