Some of the requirements, such as being able to demonstrate the UAV is able to detect-and-avoid capabilities might not be needed with a pilot-in-the-loop to demonstrate a component technology.

Depending on the application, some tasks, like surveying a large area, can be performed autonomously with the pilot out of the loop, making it a truly autonomous mission. This can be enhanced by incorporating AI for further guidance, data collection, and data harvesting. There are two main approaches: one involves having a pilot in command with a payload specialist running the application, while the other is fully autonomous. Both solutions should be available as options. For example, many nighttime flights to survey wildfires can be entirely autonomous, with the pilot intervening only when necessary. Automating these processes and removing the human from the loop can often be beneficial.