MITRE seeks pilot volunteers for study

MITRE, which exists to facilitate the exchange of technology between government and private industry, has previously offered cash prizes for the best drone defenses, though the organization’s interest extends to many areas of the rapidly developing unmanned aviation world. MITRE’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) conducts research for the FAA that aims to improve safety and efficiency within an integrated National Airspace System.

CAASD put out the call for commercial and recreational remote pilots, including RC model enthusiasts—in essence, just about anyone who has hands-on experience flying by remote control in the last six months.

“We are interested in folks with experience operating fixed wing, rotary wing, or multi-rotor UAS,” MITRE noted in a press release.

Volunteers may be invited to complete online studies from home, typically requiring an hour or less for each. Flight simulation events will be held at the CAASD simulation facility in McLean, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. Exercises held there will typically require half-day or full-day commitments.

Interested pilots may learn more and sign up online.