Engineering Commons^™

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite- R Series (Goes-R) 2016, Paige N. Dixon

Student Works

This is a report on the first NOAA GOES-R satellite, launched on November 19th, 2016. This report will cover some of the details of the GOES-R project, as well as discuss the collaborations that made the project possible. This document will also detail some of the new satellite’s capabilities including geostationary lightning detection, and space weather monitoring, and will focus on real-world application of such technology. Additionally, this report will list some of the current and projected GOES-R products, and the potential benefits if testing proves successful.

Concorde – 20th Century Icon, John Hutchinson

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Europe to the U.S. in less than 3 ½ hours at 60,000 feet and Mach 2! The Concorde was one of world’s most recognized aircraft and a technological marvel. Learn what it was like to fly it from a pilot who did so for 15 years. Capt. Hutchinson was a Concorde route check airman and a British Airways pilot selector. He also worked with BBC television as a presenter of Airshow programmes and helped promote the Concorde/QE2 travel packages. What a way to travel!

Accident Rates, Phase Of Operations, And Injury Severity For Solo Students In Pursuit Of Private Pilot Certification (1994–2013), Douglas Boyd, Peter Dittmer

Publications

Flight training accidents constitute 14% of general aviation accidents. Herein we determined the rates, injury severity, and phase of flight for primary student solo accidents/incidents (mishaps) in Cessna 172 aircraft. Mishaps over the period spanning 1994–2013 were identified from the NTSB database. Student population data were from the FAA. Statistics employed proportion tests, Poisson distribution, and Mann-Whitney tests. Across the study period, 598 mishaps were identified. While the mishap rate increased nearly two-fold between 1994/1997 and 2002/ 2005, a 35% decline was evident thereafter. Nevertheless, no statistical difference in mishap rates was evident between the initial and current periods. Over …

From Xst To F-117a, Alan Brown

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn the remarkable story of stealth technology from the man often referred to as “Mr. Stealth.” From 1975-1989 Alan Brown was a member of Lockheed “Skunk Works”, becoming program manager & chief engineer for the F-117A Stealth Fighter from initial concept until the first production aircraft was built, 1978 to 1982. Hear the inside story of the many challenges faced by the stealth program and how they were solved.

2016 General Aviation Flight Training Metrics, Steven Hampton, Ken Byrnes, Troy Techau

Publications

The study evaluates training at a collegiate flight training program (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) providing metrics for time and costs from zero time to a Commercial certificated Pilot with Instrument and Multi-Engine add-ons. Training times for flights and activities are pulled from a sophisticated database used at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and matched with flight and ground school lessons and then further subdivided to determine the amount of time spent training in areas of operation that are prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration in the published Practical Test Standards and Airman Certification Standards for those seeking pilot licenses and ratings.

Provided …

On Safety Assessment Of Novel Approach To Robust Uav Flight Control In Gusty Environments, Vladimir Golubev, Petr Kazarin, William Mackunis, Sherry Borener, Derek Hufty

Publications

In a follow-up to our previous study, the current work examines the gust-induced “cone of uncertainty” in a small unmanned aerial vehicle’s (UAV) flight trajectory addressed in the context of safety assessments of UAV operations. Such analysis is a critical facet of the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), particularly in terminal airspace. The paper describes a predictive, robust feedback-loop flight control model that is applicable to various classes of UAVs and unsteady flight-path scenarios. The control design presented in this paper extends previous research results by demonstrating asymptotic (zero steady-state error) altitude regulation …

Standardization Of Human-Computer-Interface For Geo-Fencing In Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, David Thirtyacre, Robert Brents, Michael Goldfein, David Hunter, B. Terwilliger

Publications

The use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) has increased significantly in the past year. Geographic fencing (geo-fencing) is software built into most medium-cost consumer sUAS. This software is typically used to limit the altitude above launch point, the flight distance from the transmitting controller, and/or restrict flight inside a no-fly zone. While the concept of a geo-fence is simplistic, the human-computer-interface (HCI) varies drastically among platforms, and even between software iterations on the same platform. This research examines the HCI of three popular consumer-level sUAS with regard to geo-fencing. The software procedures and human interface for the DJI Inspire-1, …

Passenger Obesity And Regional Aircraft Performance For The Most Corpulent States In The Usa, Douglas D. Boyd

Publications

Obesity affects over 25% of Americans; however, prescribed FAA standard passenger weights for US airlines are based on data compiled 15 years ago. Since increased passenger weight degrades aircraft performance and may lead to a loss of control, the hypothesis herein is that passenger weight under-estimation for states with high obesity rates could potentially lead to a runway overrun or the inability to out climb rising terrain. In terms of the employed methodology, current person weights for the ten most obese states were determined using nationwide data adjusted for state ethnicity. Performance degradation for regional aircraft was assessed by accelerate-stop …

Aviation And Cybersecurity: Opportunities For Applied Research, Jon Haass, Radhakrishna Sampigethaya, Vincent Capezzuto

Publications

Aviation connects the global community and is moving more people and payloads faster than ever. The next decade will experience an increase in manned and unmanned aircraft and systems with new features and unprecedented applications. Cybertechnologies—including software, computer networks, and information technology—are critical and fundamental to these advances in meeting the needs of the aviation ecosystem of aircraft, pilots, personnel, passengers, stakeholders, and society. This article discusses current and evolving threats as well as opportunities for applied research to improve the global cybersecurity stance in the aviation and connected transportation industry of tomorrow.

Aircraft Cyber Security And Information Exchange Safety Analysis For Department Of Commerce, Timothy B. Holt, Mohammad Moallemi, Linda Weiland, Matt Earnhardt, Sonya Mcmullen

Publications

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen) program is a long-term modernization and transformation of the current National Airspace System (NAS) into a more effective and coordinated decision-making system. NextGen provides a more reliable, secure, and dependable aviation capability for both users and operators ensuring more capacity, throughput, and safety. This research delineates a high-level Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) related to NextGen technologies, specifically Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) as well as Aircraft Access to System Wide Information Management (SWIM) network (AAtS). Other communication mediums such as Mode-S or ADS-B transponder are also data exchange …

General Aviation Accidents Related To Exceedance Of Airplane Weight/Center Of Gravity Limits, Douglas D. Boyd

Publications

Obesity, affects a third of the US population and its corollary occupant weight adversely impacts safe flight operations. Increased aircraft weight results in longer takeoff/landing distances, degraded climb gradients and airframe failure may occur in turbulence. In this study, the rate, temporal changes, and lethality of accidents in piston-powered, general aviation aircraft related to exceeding the maximum aircraft weight/center of gravity (CG) limits were determined.

Exploits Of A Helicopter Tv Journalist, Jerry Foster

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Jerry Foster was the first TV helicopter pilot/reporter in the country; the first to go live over the scene of a breaking story. High speed police chases; devastating floods and daring rescues now splashed all over cable TV, started in the early 1970s in Phoenix. Hear this fascinating story from a remarkable aviator who won the Harmon Trophy for his flying exploits. What he pioneered would later be copied by medical and law enforcement agencies throughout the country leading to the saving of countless lives.

Airline Quality Rating 2016, Brent D. Bowen, Dean E. Headley

Airline Quality Rating Report

The Airline Quality Rating (AQR) is the most comprehensive study of the performance and quality of the largest airlines in the United States. The rating is a multifactor look of the airlines based on mishandled baggage, consumer complaints, on-time performance and involuntary denied boardings.

The Airline Quality Rating industry score for 2015 shows an industry that improved slightly in overall performance quality over the previous year. Six airlines (Delta, ExpressJet, JetBlue, SkyWest, Southwest, and United) showed improvement in AQR scores in 2015. ExpressJet and SkyWest had the largest improvements in their AQR scores for 2015.

Dreamland: Secrets Of Area 51, Peter Merlin

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Dreamland, or Area 51, at Groom Lake, Nevada, has served as a secret proving ground for advanced aircraft and weapon systems since 1955. Throughout the Cold War, workers at this secret site toiled in anonymity to test the U-2, A-12 (first of the triple-sonic Blackbirds), Soviet fighters, stealth aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Declassified interviews, documents, and pictures now make it possible to tell the true story of this unique national asset. Hear this fascinating story from Peter Merlin, an ERAU graduate who has appeared in more than a dozen aviation documentaries.

The Legacy Of The Tuskegee Airmen, William Norwood

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn about the historic Tuskegee Airmen of WW II and how they influenced the first African American pilot hired by United Airlines. Raised in segregated Centralia, IL, he was inspired to fly by his elementary school principal who was a “Red Tail” pilot. He overcame obstacles along the way to become a USAF B-52 pilot before joining UAL where he would retire 31 years later as a DC-10 Captain. Bill shares his love of flying and adventurous spirit in hopes of inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Maintenance Implications For Unmanned Aerial Vehicles In Remote Locations, Ian R. Mcandrew, Mark Kaintz, Andrew Carruthers

Publications

Maintenance in the aviation industry has evolved considerably since commercial and general aviation became a modern mode of transportation. ICAO has made maintenance a top priority by directing local National Aviation Authorities, NAA, to have implemented, robust and standardized training and qualifications for all maintenance personnel that work on any safety critical structure or component. There are rules, law and standards that are audited and the aviation industry is, perhaps, the most successful industry in maintaining standards and reliability. With the advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAV, the role of maintenance is now needing to be reviewed to determine how …

Glide Effects On Low Speed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles With Ice Formation, I. Mcandrew, K. Witcher, E. Navarro

Publications

This paper builds on the research that was previously presented and defended at a conference and adds to the depth of glide characteristics and aerodynamics. The basic assumed theory of low speed flight is used as the starting point and determined if this holds true for low speed. Traditionally, flight has always been about achieving faster and high flight operations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are not typically designed to fly fast, the construction and power units are limiting, added to the lack of complexity in propulsion systems prevents high speeds in most cases. Here, aerodynamic data for Ice on leading …

Apollo 13: The Longest Hour, Sy Libergot

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

The epic story of Apollo 13 is well known, but hear the inside details from the NASA flight controller who was on duty when the unthinkable happened. Author of Apollo EECOM, Journey of a Lifetime, Sy Libergot’s space experience began in 1966 and spanned the entire Apollo Lunar Program; Skylab; the Apollo-Soyuz project; early Shuttle and even the International Space Station, but Apollo 13 would become the unwelcome highlight of his flight controller career. Don’t miss this exciting talk by the man who was at the console when it all happened.

Accident-Precipitating Factors For Crashes In Turbine-Powered General Aviation Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, Alan Stolzer

Publications

General aviation (14CFR Part 91) accounts for 83% of civil aviation fatalities. While much research has focused on accident causes/pilot demographics in this aviation sector, studies to identify factors leading up to the crash (accident-precipitating factors) are few. Such information could inform on pre-emptive remedial action. With this in mind and considering the paucity of research on turbine-powered aircraft accidents the study objectives were to identify accident-precipitating factors and determine if the accident rate has changed over time for such aircraft operating under 14CFR Part 91.

The NTSB Access database was queried for accidents in airplanes (

The “Checklist/Flight Manual …

What Are The Predictors Of System-Wide Trust Loss In Transportation Automation?, Stephen Rice, Scott R. Winter, John E. Deaton, Ismael Cremer

Publications

Prior research has examined how individuals place trust in single (e.g., Meyer, 2001, 2004) and multiple (e.g., Geels-Blair, Rice, & Schwark, 2013) automated devices when one fails. This has shown that participants are influenced by system-wide trust (SWT). What has been missing is an investigation into what types of people succumb to SWT effects. The current study attempts to replicate SWT findings and identify possible predictors of individuals likely to be influenced by SWT. The findings did demonstrate a replication of SWT. The study found that ‘‘feelings of negativity when automated devices fail’’ was a significant predictor of SWT theory.

Wide-Scale Small Unmanned Aircraft System Access To The National Airspace System, John Robbins, Brent Terwilliger, David Ison, Dennis Vincenzi

Publications

Expected revisions of federal policies and regulations for the operation and certification of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are anticipated to significantly increase the volume of traffic in the National Airspace System (NAS). By investigating critical needs of regulatory compliance and safety, as well as new advancements, it may be possible to identify strategies to address the most pressing concerns of sUAS integration. Findings and recommendations from this research are presented to highlight implications and possible solutions to urgent needs of UAS stakehold-ers, including industry, government, and academia.

Emerging Tools For Evaluating Safety Management Systems Effectiveness, T. Brady, A. Stolzer

Publications

Safety Management Systems (SMS) have become prevalent in a host of industries, including aviation, for managing safety, but little research has been performed to-date on measuring the effectiveness of SMS. This research examined the independent application of two related concepts to assess effective- ness: IO/SMS, an Input-Output economics concept applied to SMS, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Input-Output (IO) is a method for systematically determining the inter-relationships among ele- ments in a system. To determine if IO could be applied to SMS, it was necessary to calculate the relative importance to the system of the four components of SMS. Five …