Case Analysis Effectiveness

As this ASCI 638 – Human Factors in Unmanned Aero Systems class comes to an end, I have realized that I have honestly learned the most about human factors of UAS through the Case Analysis tool. While the discussion and research topics were intriguing and thought-provoking; for an online class they don’t compare to what I would have gained from a face-to-face experience… the true perspectives of my peers. With that said, the Case Analysis tool essentially gave me a deep, well-rounded knowledge, comprehension, and application of UAS concepts. The Case Analysis tool allowed me to explore not only my topic handoff issues in UAS but the history and future of unmanned aviation. Seeing as though I started my Air Force career in aircraft maintenance (KC-135 Crew Chief) it is only fitting that I attempt to see how this experience will help me now and in the future, as well as, what could be improved upon with the Case Analysis tool to help future students.

Currently, I am a satellite system operator. In other words, I ensure, satellites are healthy and stay in orbit. As the technology of UAS advances and evolves, it will be the use of satellites that will assist along the way. All of the UAS platforms which use beyond line-of-sight commanding, use satellites to relay the signal between the ground control station, or GCS, and the aircraft itself. Right now, I make sure the satellite is there to relay the signal. In the recent years, the accurate position of satellites, as well as the health and safety of the satellite are much more of a concern, especially for constellations such as GPS and the various communication constellations. As an enlisted satellite system operator, it is sometimes challenging to understand the importance the work we do and how it contributes to signal recipients on the ground and in the air. However, like most of my space brethren, we are always looking for a challenge and the recent Air Force introduction of the enlisted unmanned pilot allows us to do just so.

In the next year or so, I plan to transition over and become a pilot of remotely piloted aircraft, or RPA, platforms. As such my Case Analysis tool was purposely steered in the direction of military UAS operations so I can expand my knowledge of the field. Currently, the Air Force is attempting to remedy the lack of interest and retainability in the RPA field by allowing the enlisted member to operate unmanned aircraft. What is particularly attractive to me is the desire to model the enlisted pilot program after the enlisted space operator program, of which I have extensive experience. With the knowledge gained from ASCI 638, especially the Case Analysis tool, my hope is I can be a sounding board for evolution and advancement of RPA operations for the Air Force. However, there are a few things that I feel that could be added to ASCI 638, which would have better prepare me for what is to come.

It is an honor to be able to provide recommendations to make ASCI 638 truly better for future students. If given the opportunity to improve the Case Analysis tool process, I would remove the multimedia project and add more peer-to-peer collaboration. The multimedia project was an interesting way for me to regurgitate my extensive Case Analysis project onto PowerPoint slides. But in the end… it did not add to the learning process. One thing that could be added in its place to greatly enhance the learning process is the collaboration with classmates. While I’m not entirely sure what this would look like, I do know I really appreciated the feedback from my peers on the Case Analysis tool draft. Additionally, I liked being able to read their drafts. This allowed me to increase my knowledge of UAS issues and gain some innovative perspectives on solutions.

All in all, I liked the Case Analysis tool. The project allowed me to explore UAS in a way I would not have without the structure and guidance. There are two minor things I would recommend in the future: remove the multimedia project and include more peer-to-peer collaboration. With these recommendations, ASCI 638 will hopefully be a very popular class.