Why do we increase our situational awareness during RPAS Operations?

Increasing situational awareness during Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations is essential for multiple reasons, primarily focusing on safety and operational effectiveness.

By enhancing situational awareness, operators are better positioned to identify and mitigate threats, such as other air traffic, obstacles, and changing environmental conditions. This proactive approach contributes significantly to avoiding potential errors that could lead to accidents or incidents.

Additionally, having a high level of situational awareness ensures the safe operation of the Remote Pilot Aircraft (RPA). This encompasses maintaining control of the aircraft, understanding the operational environment, and being informed of any regulatory requirements or maneuvers that may be necessary to maintain safety.

While completing operations on time is important, it does not directly relate to the critical objectives of increasing situational awareness, which primarily revolves around safety and effectively managing risks during drone operations. Therefore, the combined focus on avoiding threats and ensuring safe operations captures the essence and importance of situational awareness in RPAS operations.