DACUM Research Chart for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Technician (UAS)
Produced & Facilitated by:
Jennifer Stevens
President & Chief Executive Officer
Virginia Advanced Study Strategies
Tools/Equipment
Organized
Attention to detail
Emotional intelligence
Able to follow checklists
Level headed/“cool and collected”
Able to handle sensitive situations
Problem solver
Integrity
Safety oriented
Punctual
Proactive
Spatial awareness
Situational awareness
Eye/hand coordination
Team player
Manage expectations
Ambassador for company
Takes responsibility
Honest
Resourceful
Project management
Learns from mistakes
Assertive
Leadership skills
Clear/concise communicator
Understanding of security in field
Security clearance
Able to pass background check
Initiative
Respect for authority
Humble
General Knowledge & Skills
Aircraft fundamentals
Airspace
Aeronautical knowledge
GPS
Weather
Solder
IT knowledge
Cameras
Sensors
Resistance
Amateur radio license
Research land use/ownership
Photogrammetry
Remote sensing
Electronics
Battery technology
Fuel technology
Physics
Electrical engineering
Voltage
Current
Communications
FAA regulations
FCC regulations
Crew resource management
Aeronautical decision making
RF communications
Surveying/mapping – GIS
Airspace authorizations
Part 107
Privacy policies- NTIA and state
State mapping laws
Basic cybersecurity
Liabilities/consequences
Insurance requirements
Mission planning
Post processing data
PWM
General mechanical torque skills
Flight controllers
PID control tuning
Tools/Equipment
UAS
PPE
Soldering iron
Multimeter
Batteries
Chargers
Package release mechanisms
Spotlight
Speaker
Magnetometer
Gas spectrometer
Ag. chemicals/treatments
Biological detection equipment
Multispectral/hyperspectral imager
Plotter
3D printer
Mechanical tools
Spectrum analyzer
SD cards
Thumb drives
Lighting equipment
Cellular/wireless hotspot
Bucket/sand
FPV goggles
Ground control targets
Surveying equipment
Laser height gauge
Field cases
Cones
Caution tape
Vest
Walkie talkies
First aid kit
Monitors
Aeronautical charts
Land use paperwork
Payloads
Camera
Thermal camera
LIDAR
Computer
Cell phone
Fire cabinet
Fire gloves
Spare parts
Generator
Cooler
Table/chairs
GPS
IMU
Future Trends/ Concerns
Automation
Artificial intelligence
Ability to request authorization automatically
Machine learning
Detect and avoid (DAA)
Beyond/extended visual line of sight
Being pilot in command of multiple aircraft
UTM integration
Coordination with military/LAANC
Operations over people
Operations at night
Part 135/121
Privacy- public and operators- 4th amendment
RTK system on UAV
Public acceptance of use of UAS
Workforce implications- loss of jobs due to increased use of UAS
Adding new types of jobs
Issues with wireless interference- places you cannot fly UAS
Real time onboard data processing
Real time delivery of products
Inspections by UAS
More efficiency/less cost using UAS
Manned/ unmanned teaming
Cybersecurity- concern with spy equipment and protection of data
Counter UAS
Terrorist attacks/weaponization
Protection of critical infrastructure
Existence of geofences
Recommendations from the Field
Require workplace experience as part of training program
Join ASSURE (for schools to test/stay abreast of new technologies)
Higher degrees may be in mission-specific industry (not UAS)
Minimum degree/requirements
Certificate in UAS
2-year degree-mission specific
Minimum hours of flight time (25+ hours)
Need to fly non-GPS mode comfortably
Capstone project or portfolio