Preselection of Applicants for Small UAV Remote Pilot Training

In this article a new method is proposed for the preselection and objective evaluation of applicants for UAV training based on HMI models and mathematical analysis. With the rising number of UAV users there is a need for their preselection and qualification based on objective evaluation of their performance to assure the safety of air operations. A system consisting of a UAV RC controller, a display, and a software solution for the measurement of potential UAV pilot reaction was created. 59 participants were given the task to move the sticks of the RC controller to the random positions shown on the display as quickly and precisely as possible multiple times in a row. Based on the recorded stick movements, the performance of the participants was evaluated using HMI models and mathematical analysis. Four key aspects were identified for the preselection and continual evaluation of the UAV pilots: Transport delay, Time to 90% regulation, Overshoot, Deviation from the target in the stabilized state. For these parameters, limit values were proposed for the preselection of UAV pilot applicants. The created system with possible expansions can be used for effective UAV applicant preselection. The research supports the aim of better preselection and effective training of UAV pilots.