Crew Resource management in a dual operator dji inspire 1 mission
Crew resource management (CRM) is critical in any aviation operation, but is rarely implemented when it comes to uas operations. Making sure that each person in a crew is doing their job is critical in a uas operation, especially in a complex operation where each crew member is doing a different job.
An example mission is to film a wedding on a beach with a dji inspire 2 with a zenmuse X7. This operation cannot be done with just one person as they would be to task saturated, as they cannot easily operate the drone, change the camera settings and watch where the drone is flying over. You need at least two people for this operation, but it is highly recommended to have three. The three people would be a remote pilot in command, a sensor operator and a visual observer. Each person has their own task to do, as well as communicating with others about their task.
Remote pilot in command (PIC)
The PIC is in charge of operating the aircraft safely and within the bounds of the FAA regulations firstly, secondly they are in charge of positioning the aircraft such that the sensor operator is able to acquire the necessary filming requirements for the client. They should utilize the sensor operator to give them feedback on maneuvering of the aircraft for capturing the required imaging. The PIC should also use the visual observer to ensure that the aircraft is being flown at a safe distance from structures, obstacles and people.
Sensor operator
The sensor operator should be primarily focused on the operation of the gimbal, and controlling all aspects of the filming. They have to control the focus, zoom, shutter speed, iso, white balance and the pan and tilt of the gimbal, just to name a few. Their primary communication is with the PIC to ensure that the drone is flown in a way to allow the sensor operator to capture the images they need.
Visual observer
The visual observers primary job is to report to the PIC of any obstacles, people and structures that could create hazards for the operations. Another thing that the visual observer is in charge of is marking sure that the crew is not interrupted or distracted during an operation, and ensures that their is and area cleared for takeoff and landing of the uav.
If all operators work together a smooth operation can be done and the proper photos and videos can be capture. CRM is crucial to safe drone operations, not just for a simple wedding video, but for any operation as making sure that everyone knows the position and is working towards the same goal will provide the best results.
An example mission is to film a wedding on a beach with a dji inspire 2 with a zenmuse X7. This operation cannot be done with just one person as they would be to task saturated, as they cannot easily operate the drone, change the camera settings and watch where the drone is flying over. You need at least two people for this operation, but it is highly recommended to have three. The three people would be a remote pilot in command, a sensor operator and a visual observer. Each person has their own task to do, as well as communicating with others about their task.
Remote pilot in command (PIC)
The PIC is in charge of operating the aircraft safely and within the bounds of the FAA regulations firstly, secondly they are in charge of positioning the aircraft such that the sensor operator is able to acquire the necessary filming requirements for the client. They should utilize the sensor operator to give them feedback on maneuvering of the aircraft for capturing the required imaging. The PIC should also use the visual observer to ensure that the aircraft is being flown at a safe distance from structures, obstacles and people.
Sensor operator
The sensor operator should be primarily focused on the operation of the gimbal, and controlling all aspects of the filming. They have to control the focus, zoom, shutter speed, iso, white balance and the pan and tilt of the gimbal, just to name a few. Their primary communication is with the PIC to ensure that the drone is flown in a way to allow the sensor operator to capture the images they need.
Visual observer
The visual observers primary job is to report to the PIC of any obstacles, people and structures that could create hazards for the operations. Another thing that the visual observer is in charge of is marking sure that the crew is not interrupted or distracted during an operation, and ensures that their is and area cleared for takeoff and landing of the uav.
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Figure 1. A flow chart of the communication between the members of the flight crew |
If all operators work together a smooth operation can be done and the proper photos and videos can be capture. CRM is crucial to safe drone operations, not just for a simple wedding video, but for any operation as making sure that everyone knows the position and is working towards the same goal will provide the best results.
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