514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

33-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

Aircrew Training Program Manager (ATPM)

Manages the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) program, keeps track of individual flight records, and oversees the SUAS fleet. They are the main contact for aviation operations.

Mission Coordinator (MC)

Chosen for their aviation skills, judgment, and communication abilities. They are in charge of SUAS operations and are the final authority unless there's more than one crew, then a single MC is needed.

Mission Briefing Officer (MBO)

Reviews and gives initial approval for SUAS missions before final approval by ATPM and AMAA.

Remote Pilot (RP)

Ensures missions are conducted safely and legally, responsible for operating and securing the aircraft and equipment.

Visual Observer (VO)

Required for all flights, keeps the drone in sight, and helps the RP by watching for hazards. They communicate with the RP and other authorities as needed and join in pre- and post-mission briefings.

Trusted Agent (TA)

Reviews and agrees to follow the rules set in APL 95-1-1 before being designated.

Government Flight Representative (GFR)

Must be current or former military officers approved to oversee USACE contracts, working to standardize surveillance activities.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

33-3. Who is selected for their level of aviation proficiency, judgment, and ability to effectively communicate with other crews and the customer?

The Government Flight Representative (GFR)

The Visual Observer (VO)

The Mission Briefing Officer (MBO)

The Mission Coordinator (MC)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 33-4.

33-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

a.  Aircrew Training Program Manager (ATPM).  ATPMs are the Commander’s/Director’s designated representative required to manage the SUAS program, which includes overseeing and implementing the aircrew training program, maintaining individual flight records, and managing the SUAS fleet.  The ATPM is the primary point of contact for the FOA’s aviation operations per APL 95-1-1.  (33-4.a)

b.  Mission Coordinator (MC).  MCs are selected for their level of aviation proficiency, judgment, and ability to effectively communicate with other crews and the customer.  For a single crew, the RP is the MC unless otherwise directed.  MC and RP duties may be performed simultaneously.  A single MC must be designated for missions involving more than one crew.  The MC is the final authority for SUAS operations.
(33-4.b)

c.  Mission Briefing Officer (MBO).  MBOs review proposed SUAS missions and provide intermediate approval before it is reviewed and approved by the ATPM and AMAA.  (33-4.c)

d.  Remote Pilot (RP).  RPs are responsible for the safe and legal conduct of UA missions for USACE. The RP is the final authority for operating, servicing, and securing the UA and its associated equipment according to APL 95-1-1.  (33-4.d)

e.  Visual Observer (VO).  VOs are mandatory for all USACE SUAS flights.  VOs are required to be knowledgeable on the platforms and briefed on mission details before missions are executed according to APL 95-1-1.  VOs must maintain visual contact with the UA at all times and perform other duties as assigned by the RP.  The VO accurately describes the UA’s proximity to hazards and other aircraft, direction of travel, and aircraft location relative to the launch and recovery site.  Effective crew coordination between the VO and RP is critical to prevent an unsafe condition from developing into an accident or near miss.  The VO must also communicate with the airspace control authority, controlling entity, and/or MC, as directed by the RP.  VOs must attend and participate in crew briefs and debriefs.  (33-4.e)

f.  Trusted Agent (TA). TAs must review and acknowledge the requirements in
APL 95-1-1 prior to being designated.  (33-4.f)

g.  Government Flight Representative (GFR).  GFRs designated for USACE contracts and Government civilians must be current or former Rated Military Officers and vetted by the APM prior to designation by the Approval Authority.  GFRs must work closely with the Headquarters Aviation GFR to standardize surveillance activities.
(33-4.g)