Operators V Pilots

[skippydiesel]

A debate to enliven this sloooow Forum -

 

I have always held that an agricultural tractor, is operated, not driven. I hold this opinion about all equipment/machines, those primary purpose is something other than conveyance eg a car/truck which is driven (has a driver)

 

In keeping with the above, I do not see drone operators as pilots of aircraft (assuming the drone is an aircraft). 

 

A pilot controls his vessel (aircraft or boat) from within and responds to visual/audible/etc cues experienced first hand. While many aircraft will have technical support to assist the pilot, this is secondary to the pilots skill. ie the aircraft can, in most instances, be controlled, without the technical support.

 

The drone operator is controlling a machine from some distance. As such, is wholly depended on on onboard technical systems, without which the machine would be uncontrollable/crash.

 

The operator is no more "THE PILOT", than a traffic controller issuing instruction to the pilot for speed/altitude/direction changes.

 

As remote control systems become ever more sophisticated (advent of AI, accurate GPS, etc), so the operator skills are more aligned with a computer operator, than those of a pilot.

 

It is conceivable that at some time in the future, pilots will become redundant, as will drivers of ground based vehicles, with all such activities being conducted by on board computers, at the instruction of distant operators.

😈

 

[pmccarthy]

Agreed. They are not pilots. I  think pilot somehow means out in front, leading, like pilot whales or the pilots who bring ships into harbour.

[Blueadventures]

Definition - A drone pilot is an individual who is trained and authorized to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. These skilled professionals control the flight and maneuvers of drones using remote controls or computer systems. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and successful operation of drones and capturing high-quality aerial footage.

 

Therefore I'm happy if they can call themselves a 'Drone Pilot'.