Transfer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology to SCDOT for Enhanced Bridge Inspections

To operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for commercial purposes, pilots must pass the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA’s) Part 107 knowledge test and earn their remote pilot certificate. The examination assesses a pilot’s knowledge of weather, airspace, and regulations. Part 107 only tests general knowledge and does not have a practical component. “ASTM F3266: Standard Guide for Training for Remote Pilots in Command of UAS Endorsement” is the industry standard for assessing flight proficiency. ASTM F3266 defines flight proficiency as having sufficient general knowledge, field operations, and aircraft control. The standard indicates that UAS general knowledge can be assessed with the Part 107 knowledge test. However, individual agencies must assess field operations and aircraft control. The standard indicates specific field operations and aircraft control topics that should be assessed but does not stipulate a specific assessment tool. This is a gap in the literature that this project seeks to fill. There is no standardized assessment tool that DOTs can use that measures field operation and aircraft control ability. This project will create and pilot test this assessment tool as part of a comprehensive training program. At the end of the project, DOTs will have an assessment tool that complements the FAA’s general knowledge test and the ability to assess UAS flight proficiency comprehensively.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Funding: $294185
    • Contract Numbers:

      69A3551747117

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

      University Transportation Centers Program
      Department of Transportation
      Washington, DC  United States  20590

      Clemson University

      216 Lowry Hall
      Clemson, SC, SC  United States  29634

      Benedict College

      1600 Harden Street
      Columbia, South Carolina  United States  29204
    • Managing Organizations:

      Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility

      Clemson University
      Clemson, SC  United States  29634
    • Performing Organizations:

      Clemson University

      110 Lowry Hall
      Box 340911
      Clemson, SC  United States  29634-0911

      Benedict College

      1600 Harden Street
      Columbia, South Carolina  United States  29204
    • Principal Investigators:

      Burgett, Joseph

    • Start Date: 20231001
    • Expected Completion Date: 20240930
    • Actual Completion Date: 0
    • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01907178
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility
    • Contract Numbers: 69A3551747117
    • Files: UTC, RIP
    • Created Date: Feb 6 2024 8:22PM