What type of aircraft system relies on human control at all stages of flight?

The type of aircraft system that relies on human control at all stages of flight is the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. This system is designed to be operated by a pilot who is situated remotely from the aircraft itself. The pilot has full control over the UAS during its entire flight, including takeoff, navigating waypoints, and landing. This level of control allows the operator to respond to changing conditions and make real-time decisions based on the situation.

In contrast, autonomous UAS operate with pre-programmed instructions and can make decisions without continuous human input, relying instead on onboard sensors and systems. Half-autonomous UAS also have some level of autonomy but may still require human oversight for certain tasks or stages. Weather UAVs typically focus on gathering meteorological data and may not fall neatly into the category of human-controlled systems, as they can be operated autonomously or remotely depending on their design. Therefore, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is distinct in its necessity for human control throughout the entire flight operation.