Birds of Prey: Training Solutions to Human Factors Issues

Abstract : The use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) in military operations is expanding rapidly, and this trend will likely continue given increases in funding for UAV development from $3 billion in the 1990s to over $12 billion for 2004-2009. High UAV mishap numbers have generated multiple reviews of unmanned operations in the past few years, but even within common platforms, different analysts attributed these mishaps to differing causes. Thirty Air Force Predator Class A mishaps (more than $1 million damage) occurred from the introduction of this system into the Air Force inventory in 1995 through the end of FY 2006. Reports were reviewed to identify trends. Substantial changes over time were observed regarding annual mishap rates, annual mishap counts, and causal factors. Mishap rates across the past three years dropped to less than one half the rate across earlier years. Mishap counts, however, steadily increased, as did Predator flying hours. Early mishap reports typically cited mechanical problems and operator station design issues. Mechanical problems were much less frequently cited in the last three years. Rather, 80% of recent mishaps cited causal human error factors. Equipment interface problems were still cited as causal or major contributing factors in almost half of recent mishaps. Recent mishap reports often cited shortfalls in skill and knowledge (checklist error, task misprioritization, lack of training for task attempted, and inadequate system knowledge), situation awareness (channelized attention), and crew coordination. These trends come in a period characterized by a rapidly growing crew force and highlight the need to revisit both individual and team Predator training objectives and consider alternative training interventions that focus on the practice and improvement of these key operator skill areas.