US soldiers have to rewire their brains to learn to fly drones — it's not like flying other aircraft
The US Army is training soldiers to pilot FPV drones by teaching them to develop new neural pathways for remote flight. Because these drones lack the physical feedback of traditional aircraft, soldiers must learn to rely entirely on visual input from goggles.
Why it matters
Highlights the cognitive challenges and technological shifts in modern warfare as militaries adapt to drone-centric combat.
US Army soldiers are learning how to pilot drones. 2nd Lt. Veronica Jordan/US Army The Army is teaching soldiers to fly drones as it races to catch up in drone warfare. FPV pilots must build "new neural pathways" to fly aircraft they cannot physically feel. Simulators help soldiers develop the skills without repeatedly crashing costly drones. US Army trainers teaching soldiers to fly drones are trying to get them to rewire their brains so that they can master a form of flying and fighting unlike piloting conventional aircraft. Soldiers first learn to fly drones on simulators and, when they get good enough, transition to live flight. One of their biggest challenges is adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation of remote flight. Maj.
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