Engineering Commons^™

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Training Programs Through The Lens Of A Traditional Flight Training University, David Thirtyacre, C. Woodyard

Publications

According to CFR 14 Part 107, an RPC is issued strictly on the results of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) knowledge test and background security check. This leaves commercial sUAS operators on their own to determine the training and proficiency required to fly safely and effectively. Regardless of the learning method, the question becomes, what knowledge and maneuvers should be learned, and to what proficiency level? This paper explores specific knowledge and skills which should be mandatory for all sUAS commercial pilots and recommends a probation period to gain experience before receiving an unrestricted RPC.

Secure Aircraft Maintenance Records Using Blockchain (Samr), Ahrash Aleshi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

We propose to enhance the security and transparency of aircraft maintenance records in the aviation industry through the use of blockchain technology. A physical aircraft maintenance logbook is susceptible to being lost or destroyed. A nonexistent aircraft maintenance logbook hurts the confidence in integrity and reputation of the aircraft. Furthermore, fraud can occur through forgery of FAA personnel signatures and the installation of non-official aircraft parts. The scope of this work is to develop a secure blockchain that can store aircraft service records and information in a digital distributed ledger. By keeping the maintenance logbook on a digital ledger, records …

Hazards And Mitigation Measures In Aerospace Non-Destructive Testing, Khay-Wai Leong, Patti J. Clark

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

As an aircraft component is subjected to tensile/torsional/bending forces and heat cycles during operation, non-destructive inspection programs have been mandated by aviation regulatory authorities and component manufacturers to ensure that cracks and flaws in the aircraft structure, engine and components are detected before reaching catastrophic failure modes. In aerospace settings, eddy current, magnetic particle, dye penetrant and radiography inspection methods are known to affect worker health. Two recent studies have linked dye chemicals to bladder cancer, excessive electromagnetic field exposure has been linked to undue stress on the human body, and excessive exposure to ionizing radiation has been linked to …

Effect Of Active Learning On Instrument Rated Pilots’ Knowledge And Self-Efficacy, Robert Leroy Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The study examined the effect of active scenario-based training on the knowledge and self-efficacy of instrument rated pilots who were not instrument current. Additionally, this study addressed an issue that was not present in the existing literature by validating the potential of using at-home personal computer scenario-based simulation for instrument currency. The current method of maintaining instrument currency does not require any context or scenario-based training. At a minimum, a pilot must perform a specific number of instrument approaches and holds in an airplane, approved simulator, or training device.

Sixty-two non-current instrument rated pilots who represented the U.S. general aviation …

Uas Maintenance: A Critical Component In Maintaining Airworthiness, Bettina M. Mrusek, Kristy W. Kiernan, Patti J. Clark

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Over the last several decades, the notion of traditional aircraft design has significantly changed. While there are many modern aircraft that resemble earlier models, their components, systems, and overall architecture have evolved, including the introduction of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Despite the growing consumer attraction to own and operate these aircraft, the subsequent impact on safety is an area of intense concern. The requirement of an established maintenance program for manned aircraft is rooted in ensuring that all aircraft are deemed safe for flight. Preventive maintenance schedules are based on component reliability data, which minimizes unnecessary maintenance while preventing …

From Paper To Digital Maintenance With Electronic Signature, Marcelo Backes, Fernando Miwa, Cesar Okajima, Ari Souza Jr., Daniel Tkacz

Graduate Student Works

This research paper reviewed the impact of the implementation of digital maintenance records replacing paper documents in the commercial aviation through gains in efficiency and cost reduction in airplane transitions. Throughout the lifecycle of a commercial airplane, repairs are incorporated, components are replaced and maintenance tasks are accomplished every day, each of those activities generate records that need to be kept and reconciled. Lessors have strict contract terms that require operators to keep all required maintenance documents stored and available so that asset value is maintained, this process is done today mostly with paper documents and is very costly and …

Applying The Technology Acceptance Model To Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions Toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction, Yu Wang, Amadou Anne, Tim Ropp

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology, since its inception, has been enhanced significantly by software and hardware developers, and has been widely utilized in various fields such as manufacturing, entertainment, architecture, commerce and education. In recent years, maintenance instructions developed on the basis of AR technology have demonstrated their potential to positively impact maintenance training and technical tasks in aviation. Features of AR maintenance instructions include interactive content, user-friendly operation interface, enhanced visualization and real-time data feeds. The researchers conducted a case study of forty-one aviation maintenance students at a Midwestern university. The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate the …

Late Morning Concurrent Sessions: Innovations In Aviation Technologies: Presentation: Relative Material Loss: A Methodology For Assessing Island Airport Steel Marine Bulkheads, Robert Ernsting, Constantine M. Koursaris

Aviation / Aeronautics / Aerospace International Research Conference

A July 2015 report from the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) states “U.S. airports are long overdue for [a] major structural improvement projects. Most U.S. airports are aging, … and because of budgetary restrictions, they’re not aging well.”(Garcia and Clampet, 2015). The average US age is 40 years old with the youngest (Denver International) recently turning 20 years old. As airports continue to age, airport commissioners will struggle to find creative ways to either fund airport replacements or extend the service life of existing airport facilities (commonly referred to as service life extension projects or SLEP). Due to …

Causes And Trends In Maintenance-Related Accidents In Faa-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, Alan Stolzer

Publications

The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most general aviation accident studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question.

The Microsoft Access database was queried for accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses.

The rate of maintenance-related general aviation accidents was 4.3 per million flight hours for the 1989–1993 period and remained unchanged for the most recent period (2009–2013). Maintenance errors …

Causes And Trends In Maintenance-Related Accidents In Faa-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, A. Stolzer

Publications

The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most general aviation accident studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question.

The Microsoft Access database was queried for accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses.

The rate of maintenance-related general aviation accidents was 4.3 per million flight hours for the 1989–1993 period and remained unchanged for the most recent period (2009–2013). Maintenance errors …

Finite Element Modeling Of Macro Fiber Composite Actuators With Application To Wing De-Icing, Boutros Youssef Azizi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Icing can have a profound impact on aircraft performance during inclement weather conditions. Aircraft icing primarily occurs on the leading edge of wings, tails and engines. The de-icing/anti-icing technologies currently in use are typically bulky, heavy, cover the entire airfoil surface and consume high energy. These drawbacks highlight the need for a de-icing technique that can overcome some or all of the aforementioned problems. Therefore, in this thesis, a proposed de-icing technique is studied in which lightweight Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuators are used to break the adhesive bond between the leading edge of a wing and an accumulated ice …

Aircraft Materials And Analysis, Tariq Siddiqui

Publications

Note: This pdf only includes chapter 1 and 10.

Complete coverage of aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance

Aircraft Materials and Analysis addresses aircraft design, mechanical and structural factors in aviation, flight loads, structural integrity, stresses, properties of materials, compression, bending, and aircraft fatigue. Detailed analysis of the failure process is provided.

This authoritative guide examines materials used in aircraft construction such as aluminum, steel, glass, composite, rubber, and carbon fiber. Maintenance procedures for corrosion and aging aircraft are discussed and methods of inspection such as nondestructive testing and nondestructive inspection are described. Accident investigation case studies review aircraft design, material …

Aviation Maintenance Management, Harry A. Kinnison, Tariq Siddiqui

Publications

Note: This pdf only includes chapter 1 and 18.

THE COMPLETE, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO MANAGING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Thoroughly revised for the latest aviation industry changes and FAA regulations, this comprehensive reference explains how to establish and run an effi cient, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft maintenance program. Co-written by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University instructors, Aviation Maintenance Management, Second Edition offers broad, integrated coverage of airline management, aircraft maintenance fundamentals, aviation safety, and the systematic planning and development of successful maintenance programs.

LEARN HOW TO:

• Minimize service interruptions while lowering maintenance and repair costs
• Adhere to aviation industry certification requirements and …

The Effect Of Cockpit Noise On The Temporary Threshold Shift Of Cessna 172sp Flight Instructors, Andrew Robert Bellini

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to study the temporary threshold shift of general aviation flight instructors resulting from their working environment. Exposure to noise before a temporary threshold shift completely recovers can cause a permanent threshold shift with no possibility of recovery, resulting in permanent hearing loss. A result showing minimal to no temporary threshold shift would indicate that hearing personal protective equipment is working properly. This study used sound-level measurements, and audiometric testing, together with survey data to determine whether or not flight instructors were at risk for potential hearing impairment due to temporary threshold shift. Independent t …

Toward GemeinschaftsgefüHl: Exploring Subordinate And Manager Perceptions Of Trust And Perceptions Regarding Behavioral Change Potential, Bobby G. Martin

Publications

In this qualitative, phenomenological study, Maslow‘s Eupsychian theory was used as the guiding framework for exploring the perceptions of trust and the behavioral change potential of subordinates (includes frontline supervisors) and managers (excludes frontline supervisors) within selected aviation maintenance organizations in Arizona. The problem addressed in the study was the growing concern that managers willfully mistreated subordinates, which led to decreased trust, motivation, and productivity. A combined representative sample of 10 maintenance technicians and frontline supervisors was purposively selected from the production lines of a large commercial aviation repair and overhaul station located in Arizona. An additional combined representative sample …

The Effect Of Shift Turnover Strategy And Time Pressure On Aviation Maintenance Technician Performance, William R. Warren

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) provide the technical and applied knowledge required to maintain airworthiness in aircraft. In commercial aviation, maintenance tasks are performed across multiple shifts. When AMTs share a maintenance task between shifts, the shift turnover strategy used may determine if information is effectively transferred between AMTs. Ineffective shift turnover strategies are a contributing factor in many aviation accidents and incidents. Additionally, time constraints on certain maintenance tasks may cause AMTs to commit error when performing a task. The present study examined the effect of shift turnover strategy (face-to-face or written) and time pressure on error capture, accuracy, and …

The Taiwan Civil Aviation Safety Reporting (Tacare) System In Aircraft Maintenance: An Evaluation Of The Acceptance Of Voluntary Incident Reporting Programs For Maintenance Personnel In Taiwan, Yi-Fan (Tom) Chen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of the Taiwan Civil Aviation safety reporting (TACARE) system for maintenance personnel to improve aircraft safety. The research evaluated what are the issues that affect the participation of the TACARE system. The understandings of the safety culture for maintenance personnel in Taiwan were also analyzed. The research was conducted with a mixed method. The survey and interview were developed to sample the acceptance and opinions regarding the TACARE system for the maintenance personnel in Taiwan. Statistical analysis of the data from 605 survey respondents and 9 interviewees concluded the maintenance …

A New Guidance System For Aircraft Based On Gps, Mukul Mishra

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The navigation displays commonly used in aircraft (Course Deviation Indicators), provide only the offset from desired track, leaving the pilot to figure out steering correction necessary to get back on track. This correction, determined by trial and error, adds to the workload, especially in windy conditions. The feasibility of using a new algorithm for providing guidance to the pilots for improved interception and tracking is examined in this thesis. The proposed system employs GPS to calculate the offset from the track as well as the instantaneous ground speed vector, to provide steering information. Thus, precise tracking is possible in real …

Are Four-Year Universities Better Than Two-Year Colleges At Preparing Students To Pass The Faa Aircraft Mechanic Certification Written Examinations?, Jeffrey Bruce Summey, Marian C. Schultz, James T. Schultz

Publications

This study evaluates differences between two-year and four-year schools offering a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 aviation maintenance technician program. The actual average test scores were analyzed to determine whether students from four-year university programs were better prepared for the test than students from two-year college or technical school programs. Test scores can be viewed as a direct indication of the quality of the aviation maintenance programs at these schools. The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in the test scores between two-year college and four-year university students taking the FAA examinations. These results support previous …

Controlling Lead Exposure During The Process Of Cleaning Aviation Spark Plugs, Curtis E. Beers

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study examines the process of removing lead bromide from aircraft spark plugs and the health hazards associated with the present method of cleaning the lead bromide accumulation from aviation spark plugs. Aviation maintenance technicians can be inadvertently exposed to lead while cleaning the lead bromide accumulation from the spark plug electrode during scheduled engine maintenance.

This study explores controlling the lead bromide particulate matter after it is removed from the spark plug electrode. Various control methods and/or procedural changes that may be employed to control the spread of lead bromide dust throughout the shop environment and the prevention of …

Modifications To An Existing Glycol Retention Pond And Alternative Technologies Review For Aircraft Deicing Operations And Glycol Recovery And Treatment: Dane County Regional Airport, Steven J. Sletten

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to review new aircraft deicing technologies and developments and surmise which approach may be the most appropriate for the Dane County Regional Airport’s (KMSN) expansion plans, size, available funds, and environmental impact reduction efforts. This paper focuses on the emerging glycol source reduction issues that may be most suitable for this particular airport. A new deicing technology at KMSN would reduce the amount of aircraft deicing fluid used, allow for effacing flight operations, limit environmental impact, and lessen the costs of maintaining and operating the current glycol fluid recovery and treatment system.

Storm water …

A Summative Evaluation Of Flightsafety International's Computer Assisted Instruction Known As "Principles Of Troubleshooting", Willie Don Middlebrooks

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The objective of this experimental research was to ascertain if cognitive skills developed by the "Principles of Troubleshooting" (POT) educational course improved aircraft fault diagnostic ability in aircraft maintenance trainees. Sixty randomly chosen Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) students served as control and experimental subjects with the POT course as the independent variable. Because random assignment was possible, a posttest-only control group design was used. Thirty ERAU maintenance trainees who had received basic and advanced ERAU fault diagnostic training were administered the POT course. A practical test administered to both groups using two tailed t tests for independent means indicated improvement …

The Effects Of A Pathway-In-The-Sky Display On Performance Of A Two Axis Tracking Task By Instrument Rated Pilots, Leonard W. Hennessy, Iii

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study was founded on the premise that airplane cockpit operations, while generally safe and relatively efficient, can be made even more so by employing instrument displays which are potentially more intuitive than existing displays. A low fidelity flight simulator was used to conduct an experiment comparing the performance of twenty-four instrument rated pilot subjects on a two axis tracking task (an Instrument Landing System Approach) under three instrument display conditions: (1) conventional instruments (INST); (2) a Pathway-in-the-Sky (PITS) display; and (3) a combination of the two (BOTH). The primary hypothesis, that pilot performance using the PITS and BOTH display …

Mandatory Certification Of Aviation Line Service Technicians: A Question Of Formal Or Informal Training, Jeffrey S. Lewis

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Accidents and incidents are created by improperly trained aviation line service technicians. To reduce accidents and incidents associated with improperly trained line service personnel, a mandatory certification plan should be developed. This study utilized the procedures established for the descriptive research method. The researcher gathered data with a self constructed questionnaire, from 72 separate sources of the 120 solicited. All relevant data was analyzed to decide if the research hypothesis could be accepted. The researcher anticipated that statistical evidence would support the research hypothesis, that structured formal training procedures would reveal a significant reduction in the number of accidents and …

Computerized Aircraft Accident Investigation: Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors' Perceptions, David S. Ryan

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to solicit the perceptions of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on the use of a personal computer in the aircraft accident investigation process. A descriptive study survey questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study, which was sent to 150 FAA ASIs. The data collected supported the hypothesis that aircraft accident investigators think the use of a computer will help them with accident report form completion, managing the accident data collected, and in determining the factors contributing to an accident. Furthermore, the data supported the hypothesis that the use …