Trust Dynamics in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations

Purpose of the Study

You are invited to participate in a research study about trust and autonomy in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The purpose of this study is to better understand how operators perceive, trust, and interact with UAVs under different levels of autonomy and system transparency. Your input will help inform the design of future human-autonomy teaming systems in defense and aviation contexts.

Procedures

If you agree to participate, you will complete:

• A short demographic questionnaire (e.g., experience level, role, training background).
• A survey on your experiences and perceptions of UAV autonomy and trust.
• Optional: an invitation to a brief follow-up interview (if you choose).

The survey will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Risks and Benefits

Risks: There are no anticipated risks beyond those encountered in everyday life. Some questions may prompt reflection on professional experiences, which you may skip if you wish.

Benefits: There is no direct personal benefit. However, your participation may contribute to improving the design and safe use of autonomous UAV systems.

Confidentiality

Your responses will be anonymous. No personally identifying information will be collected unless you voluntarily provide contact information for a follow-up interview. All data will be stored securely on a password-protected computer. Only the research team will have access, and results will be reported in aggregate form only.

Voluntary Participation & Withdrawal

Your participation is completely voluntary. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer and may stop the survey at any time without penalty.

Eligibility

Participants must meet the following requirements to take part in this study:

1. Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
2. UAV Operational Experience: Must have direct experience operating or supervising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in at least one of the following contexts:
   • Military UAV operations (active duty or prior service).
   • Defense contractor or government research programs involving UAVs.
   • Civil/commercial UAV operations with FAA Part 107 certification.
   • Academic or research-based UAV projects involving autonomous or semi-autonomous systems.
3. Experience Level: Must have at least 10 flight hours or equivalent supervisory experience with UAVs.
4. Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English to ensure comprehension of survey and interview materials.

Recorded but Not Required for Eligibility

The following will be collected as background/demographic data but are not required for participation:

• Prior manned aviation experience (e.g., Private Pilot License).
• Total UAV flight/supervisory hours.
• Type(s) of UAV platforms used.
• Organizational affiliation (military, contractor, academic, commercial, recreational).

Contacts for Questions

Researcher: Vianelis Martinez, vmartinez@captechu.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jeremy Pretty, PhD, jdpretty@captechu.edu

If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please contact the Capitol Technology University Institutional Review Board (IRB):

By clicking “Yes, I agree” below, you confirm that:

• You are 18 years of age or older,
• You have read and understood the information above, and
• You voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.

Thank you for your interest in participating in this study. Based on your responses, you do not meet the eligibility requirements to continue with the survey.

We appreciate your willingness to contribute and the time you have already given. If you would like to learn more about this research project or be informed about future opportunities to participate, you may contact the researcher directly at:
vmartinez@captechu.edu

Your partial responses will not be included in the study data.

We sincerely appreciate your support and interest.