Examining UAS Employment Expectations and Requirements

Brent A. Terwilliger, Ryan J. Wallace, Matthew P. Earnhardt

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology is radically changing how organizations, such as government agencies, non-profit corporations, and companies, apply aviation resources. Unmanned aviation is supporting improved efficiency, expanded capability, and heightened reliability through an increasing number of uses relating to: a) research and development and training-education, b) event filming, c) industrial, utility, and environmental projects, d) real estate, e) construction activities, f) agricultural, g) press and media, and h) state/local emergency services. The increasing application, and subsequent operational growth, is occurring in response to maturing technology, refined operational management and permissibility, innovative concept development, demonstrated capability, enhanced supportability, and the availability of specialized education and training opportunities. Technological advancement, regulatory changes, economic development, and widespread adoption of this technology is also leading to an observable growth of related employment opportunities. The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that there are currently 116,027 remote pilots certified to operate small UAS in the National Airspace System, with growth to almost 350,000 by 2023. The examination of current career opportunities, in connection with commonly advertised job types and the associated roles and responsibilities, could better inform future UAS curricula design and enhancement efforts. This paper and associated presentation will feature an in-depth examination of such positions to categorize type and summarize prevalent attributes, while also highlighting notable features such as popular hiring locations, salary estimation, and experience-levels. The intent is to provide a detailed summary of hiring expectations and identify potential opportunities for improving academic alignment and career development efforts.

Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Mar 2 2020

Keywords

  • UAS
  • sUAS
  • Unmanned Aircraft
  • Remote Pilot
  • UAS Career Development

Disciplines

  • Adult and Continuing Education
  • Advertising and Promotion Management
  • Agribusiness
  • Benefits and Compensation
  • Business Administration, Management, and Operations
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Human Resources Management
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Training and Development
  • Vocational Education

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