Section 4. Crewmembers
4.1 - Crewmembers Defined
CDRP UAS crewmembers constitute any personnel responsible for the safe operation of the unmanned aircraft, support systems, payload, or coordination systems. Crewmembers are classified into one of the following positions: Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), Aircraft Operator (AO, deprecated), Sensor Operator (SO, deprecated), Visual Observer (VO), and Person Manipulating the Controls (PMC).
The required positions for all UAS flights are Remote Pilot in Command and Visual Observer. Other positions may be added to a flight if mission requirements and workload dictate.
4.2 - Remote Pilot in Command
The Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) flies the aircraft and is the final legal and operational authority on all aspects of the UAS flight. The PIC is responsible for all aspects of the UAS operation and supervises all crew assigned to the aircraft as well as observers. This includes the Visual Observer, Aircraft Operator, and/or Sensor Operator.
The Pilot-in-Command must possess a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107) or any FAA Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 91). When operating as a Public Aircraft, the RPIC must have a current CDRP
4.2.1 - Pilot-in-Command Knowledge and Practical Standards
The PIC must have met the knowledge and practical standards in the document "CDRP Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) Crew Certification Standards" available at cdrp.net/library.
4.2.2 - Pilot-in-Command Currency Requirements
Prior to UAS operations for research or operational applications, the PIC will have logged a minimum of 3 hours as a UAS pilot and 3 take offs and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days. This is total time, not in a specific aircraft. This currency requirement does not apply to training flights.
4.2.3 - Florida Personnel Qualifications - Small UAS Pilot (SUASP)
CDRP RPIC who deploy for disaster response or recovery missions, or work public safety related events such as missing persons, etc. should have a current personnel qualification as 'Small UAS Pilot' as defined as by the State of Florida Air Operations Branch.
4.3 - Aircraft Operator
This position is deprecated for most currently operational aircraft. The Aircraft Operator (AO) operates the UAS autopilot and autonomous systems. Using these systems, the AO may control the aircraft using waypoint navigation or guided mode. The AO assists with the launch and recovery of the aircraft and coordinates with the Sensor Operator if assigned. Most modern small UAS combine the AO with the PIC. AOs are most common with Pixhawk autopilots or similar systems utilizing a data radio and laptop.
4.4 - Visual Observer
The Visual Observer (VO) acts as a second set of eyes for the RPIC and ensures safe operation of the UAS. This includes ensuring separation of UAS operations from manned aviation activity, enforcing minimum safe distances of bystanders and observers, and safe interaction of the crew. The VO assists with launch and recovery of the aircraft and necessary maintenance tasks.
4.5 - Sensor Operator
This position is deprecated for most currently operational aircraft. The Sensor Operator (SO) operates the UAS payload and/or sensors, including EO/IR cameras, digital still cameras, atmospheric sensors, or any other payload. The SO assists with the launch and recovery of the aircraft and coordinates with the Aircraft Operator if assigned.
4.6 - Instructor Pilots
Instructor Pilots (IP) are responsible for internal and external training, including CDRP personnel as well as academic and professional students. IPs conduct knowledge and practical training, develop training curriculum, administer knowledge and practical tests, create student assessments, and certify crew members into any crew role.
4.6.1 - Instructor Pilot Certification
The IP must meet all qualification requirements of the RPIC. In addition, the IP must have met the knowledge and practical standards in the "CDRP Instructor Pilot Crew Certification Standards" available at cdrp.net/library.
4.6.2 - Instructor Pilot Currency Requirement
Prior to UAS training operations, the PIC will have logged a minimum of 3 hours as a UAS pilot and 3 take offs and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days. This is total time, not in a specific aircraft.
4.7 - Program Administrator
As specified in Sections 2.1 and 2.2, the CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Administrator is the authority to define these crew roles and certify personnel into a crew role. This authority may be delegated (in writing).
4.8 - Training and Proficiency
CDRP UAS crew will maintain proficiency through periodic training and proficiency flights. These will be administered by Instructor Pilots and the Program Administrator
RPIC, IP, and VO must demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and practical standards every 90 days.
4.9 - Florida UAS Position Descriptions
CDRP/DIRT crew members may qualify as deployable/typed single resources as part of the Florida UAS Working Group (FLUASWG). CDRP/DIRT UAS Teams may be typed as a FLUASWG deployable team or task force, per the published standards.
The State of Florida utilizes FLUASWG Typing Documents as a Tier II (State) resource system. This is independent of Federal FEMA Resource Typing located at rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov. CDRP/DIRT may be typed and deployed as at Type 1 Unmanned Aircraft System Team.
Qualification and subsequent deployment as a state or federal resource (under either FEMA or FLUASWG typing definitions) is managed separately from CDRP/DIRT Crew Qualifications.
FLUASWG maintains four resource typing definitions:
- All Hazards UAS Team
- Small UAS Pilot (SUASP)
- Small UAS Team Leader (SUASTL)
- Small UAS Data Technician (SUASDT)
These resource definitions are maintained at cdrp.net/library.
4.10 - Position Task Books
The FLUASWG maintains Position Task Books (PTBs) to track personnel qualifications toward the resource typing definitions. Completion and certification of a PTB qualifies am individual to serve in that typed position within an All Hazards UAS Team.
Instructor Pilots are authorized to sign off on specific tasks or actions in a PTB. The CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager is authorized to certify a complete PTB.
4.11 - Crew Flight Logs
All crew are required to maintain accurate logs of all time associated with UAS flights. This includes, but is not limited to; time as Pilot-in-Command, time as Aircraft Operator, time as Visual Observer, time as Sensor Operator, and time as an Instructor Pilot.
Flight logs should be consolidated once per calendar month, stored electronically in a centralized location, and reviewed periodically for accuracy and completeness.
As of 2020, the CDRP UAS System of Record for flight logs is Lantern V1 (Appendix C). All flight related logs and records should be maintained in that system.
4.11.1 - Flight Log Audits
The CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager, or designee, will conduct monthly audits of flight log records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
4.11.2 - Failure to Maintain Flight Logs
Failure to maintain flight logs may result in punitive actions against the crewmember. These may include:
- Suspension of Crew Certifications (RPIC and/or IP) for 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Revocation of Crew Certification (RPIC and/or IP). This will require the crewmember to re-start the qualification process.
- Written reprimand in employee records
Determination of punitive actions is at the discretion of the CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager.
4.12 - Eligibility to Serve as a Crewmember
The CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager may declare any person eligible to serve as a CDRP/DIRT UAS Program crewmember.
This declaration may be verbal when:
- The proposed crewmember is an employee of Florida State University
- The proposed crewmember is a formal volunteer for Florida State University
- A student in an academic or professional training course. This is valid only for the duration of the course.
In all other cases, the declaration must be in writing and include:
- Effective dates and times. A termination/sunset date must be declared.
- Standards of conduct
4.13 - Crew Rest
No maximum duty day length is set in this SOG. However, the CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager should ensure maximum reasonable rest and downtime for crews when flying in multi-day operations.