AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference-259668

259668 - Article 19

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The AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference, led by Dr. Melchor Antuñano of the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), examined the medical and human factor challenges posed by novel aerospace transportation systems. The focus was on new aviation possibilities like single-pilot commercial operations, advanced air mobility, and autonomous systems, highlighting the complexity of human-machine interactions in these evolving environments.<br /><br />Key points included the necessity to reassess medical certification for future pilots and remote operators. The conference emphasized the importance of developing tailored medical standards to enhance the safety and performance of these systems. With the rise of highly automated and autonomous transportation, such as urban air mobility vehicles and commercial space flights, the traditional roles and certifying procedures for pilots must adapt to ensure safety with reduced or single-pilot operations.<br /><br />The event touched on the integration of AI and machine learning into aviating practices to manage in-flight tasks and potentially reduce pilot workload and stress, especially during critical flight phases. This technology's implication for pilot state monitoring and decision-making processes was also discussed, raising important considerations about how these technologies might influence current regulatory frameworks.<br /><br />Further, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were another focal point, with discussions around the appropriate medical standards needed for their operators. The regulatory landscape for UAS operations was reviewed, noting that while no FAA aviator medical certificate is required for UAS pilots, there's an emphasis on maintaining personal health standards to ensure the safe operation of UAVs.<br /><br />Lastly, the conference covered the ergonomic challenges and potential injuries related to workstation conditions for control centers, underlining the broader implication for human factors in the design and management of new aerospace systems. As technology in aerospace transportation advances, the implications of these developments on safety, human health, and regulatory practices form a critical area of ongoing research and discussion.

Keywords

AOCOPM 2023

aerospace transportation

single-pilot operations

advanced air mobility

autonomous systems

medical certification

AI in aviation

unmanned aerial systems

pilot workload

ergonomic challenges