REMOVED FROM THE COCKPIT: THE PILOT IDENTITY CRISIS AND THE RISE OF UNCREWED AIRCRAFT IN NAVAL AVIATION
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Authors
Clark, Sarah R.
Subjects
identity
social identity theory
organizational culture
innovation
naval aviation
pilot
naval aviator
drone
UAV
UAS
unmanned aircraft
autonomous aircraft
technology adoption
identity theory
aerial vehicle operator
organizational model
William Bridges
Everett Rogers
United States Navy
line officer
sail-to-steam
uncrewed aircraft
crewed aircraft
MQ-25 Stingray
MQ-8 Fire Scout
MQ-4 Triton
steam power
engineer
naval history
social identity theory
organizational culture
innovation
naval aviation
pilot
naval aviator
drone
UAV
UAS
unmanned aircraft
autonomous aircraft
technology adoption
identity theory
aerial vehicle operator
organizational model
William Bridges
Everett Rogers
United States Navy
line officer
sail-to-steam
uncrewed aircraft
crewed aircraft
MQ-25 Stingray
MQ-8 Fire Scout
MQ-4 Triton
steam power
engineer
naval history
Advisors
Nieto-Gomez, Rodrigo
Date of Issue
2022-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the transition from crewed to uncrewed aircraft, naval aviation has focused on the technical instead of the human aspects of the change. The transition challenges the traditional pilot identity, based on sitting in a cockpit and physically operating an aircraft, because pilots of uncrewed aircraft control them remotely or manage the battlefield rather than the cockpit. This thesis uses identity theory and social identity theory to analyze similar cultural factors in the Navy’s transition from sail-to-steam power in the 1800s to identify how and why some line officers resisted and rejected steam technology, inhibiting the transition. In this case study, naval leadership encouraged resistance through orders mandating sail over steam power and failed to direct the needed change in line officer identity when engineers took away propulsion control and replaced the symbols associated with the line officer identity. To avoid repeating this failure, the Navy must oversee the pilot identity transition in order to leverage the full potential of both technology and humans. Instead of creating division, naval leaders should emphasize unity by creating an inclusive pilot identity, using terms that do not focus on human occupants when referring to aircraft categories, and creating viable career paths for all.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.