The Neck Strap Problem: Why Drone Pilots Are Still Suffering

While drone technology has taken great leaps, the gear we rely on to operate these advanced systems is lagging. One of the most overlooked issues in the drone industry is the continued use of traditional neck and shoulder straps—a design flaw causing fatigue, discomfort, and long-term strain for professional drone pilots.

Whether you're an instructor, a fleet manager, or a safety officer, understanding the ergonomic risks your team faces are no longer optional. It’s time to rethink how we support the tools that make unmanned flight possible.

Common Complaints from Drone Pilots Using Neck/Shoulder Straps

Neck and shoulder straps are failing drone professionals in several ways:

• Neck strain and upper back fatigue during long missions
• Instability when taking a hand off the controller to use the touch screen
• The challenge of maintaining precise control inputs while supporting the controller
• Discomfort from poor neck/head position increases fatigue, making focus on the mission a challenge. 
• Significant musculoskeletal issues due to the failure to maintain a neutral neck and arm position.

These recurring complaints aren’t just minor annoyances—they compromise pilot focus, efficiency, and safety.  A harness that does not provide secure ergonomic support may also impact mission success and the business’s bottom line.

The Link Between Poor Carry Systems and Flight Control

Drone pilots aren’t just flying—they’re navigating, filming, surveying, and collecting data in real-time. Many missions require intense focus on the live video feed and telemetry data to ensure mission success.  Every second of distraction caused by ill-fitting or uncomfortable gear increases the risk of operational errors.

Poorly designed controller support systems:

• Disrupt hand positioning
• Cause unintentional stick movement
• Force unnatural postures, creating discomfort and fatigue
• Make it harder to access touchscreens and controls quickly and accurately

When the system carrying your controller fights against you, your precision suffers—and with that, so does mission success and safety.

What to Look for in a Safer, More Functional Harness

An ergonomic drone harness should do more than “hang” your controller—it should enhance your workflow. Here’s what to demand from your setup:

• Weight Distribution: Balanced across shoulders and back
• Hands-Free Functionality: Secure controller access without the need to stabilize it with your hands
• Posture Support: Promotes upright stance and spinal alignment – assists maintenance of a “netral” body position
• Quick Adjustment: A great fit for multiple body types and individual preferences
• Field-Tested Durability: Built for real-world job sites.

At Fitek Gear, we specialize in ergonomic tablet and drone controller harnesses that solve these issues for professionals working in demanding environments.

See It in Action: How a Fitek Harness Transforms Field Work

Don’t take our word for it.  Watch this video in which the founder of Fitek Gear interviews a commercial UAV pilot about their experience with using neck straps versus our supper comfortable Drone Controller Harness. 

📽️ Watch the Video Now
(https://youtu.be/5VXwcQ-3JN0?si=fNpFtz68NaxruawB)

 

Research-Backed Insight: What Science Says About Ergonomics

A growing body of research backs up what pilots already know. In the paper titled “Ergonomic Risk Analysis for Drone Pilots” by Rubén Rodríguez Elizalde, findings show that repetitive strain and poor posture are major risk factors among UAV operators—especially when using outdated carry systems.

This research reinforces what we've heard in the field users: ergonomic gear is not optional—it’s essential.

It’s Time to Ditch the Neck Strap

The neck strap might have worked adequately for Radio Control (RC) aircraft controllers.  These RC pilots had their heads up as the needed to focus on the aircraft.  For drone pilots that are focused on the display built into the controller the use of a neck or shoulder strap forces their neck out of a neutral position to maintain a view of the display. Whether you're flying for construction inspections, environmental assessments, or cinematography, your Drone Controller Harness should help, not hinder. 

Make the switch to ergonomic gear that prioritizes your comfort, control, and long-term health.

🔗 Explore Fitek Drone Harnesses – built for professionals who demand better.