On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 15:42:59 GMT, "Tony Cox" wrote:

"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
.. .

The implications of NON FAA CERTIFICATED UAV operation teams sitting
safely on the ground being responsible for seeing-and-avoiding
passenger carrying aircraft are ominous. How will they be held
accountable in the event of a mishap? They won't lose their lives in
the event of a mid air collision. How will the public know which
individuals are responsible? What standards will civil UAV operators
be required to meet?

I like the idea of UAV "pilots" being fitted with headsets that
explode if the UAV is involved in a mid-air. This will ensure
the appropriate level of concentration and attention to collision
avoidance.

While your suggestion may sound ludicrous at first, it is roughly the
equivalent to what the PIC faces on each flight.

Anyone who thinks this extreme hasn't properly understood
the responsibilities of a PIC, and certainly doesn't deserve to
make rules for those of us who take these responsibilities
very seriously.

The military is having enough difficulty staffing its UAV operations
as it is. Adding the "equitable" headset you suggest, while adding
more realism to UAV operations, may further reduce pilot interest in
them.

But it's all about money, as usual. It seems the UAV manufacturers
and NASA feel that UAVs offer something piloted aircraft don't. I
can't see how civil UAV operations with a ground based crew of 7 can
possibly provide a financial incentive for their operators. And one
mishap will put the final stake in civil UAV operation's heart as far
as the flying public is concerned. What am I missing?