Automation bias can lead to complacency, increasing risk during UAS operations.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Automation bias is the tendency to trust automated systems and their sensor data more than one’s own perception or manual checks. In UAS operations, this means a pilot may accept the automation’s decisions or displayed information without verifying it, leading to reduced vigilance. When the automation encounters a fault or uncertain data, that complacency can delay detecting the issue or prompt slower, less effective corrective actions, increasing the risk of a mishap. For example, a GPS or altitude sensor anomaly can mislead the autopilot, and if the operator doesn’t double-check or take manual control, the aircraft can drift into unsafe conditions. The best guardrails are active monitoring, cross-checking data from multiple sources, and practicing manual handling and abnormal scenarios so you’re ready to intervene if automation behaves unexpectedly.