Engineering Commons^™

The Effects Of System Reliability And Task Uncertainty On Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator Performance Under High Time Pressure, Manuela Jaramillo

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

For many years, the military has understood the value and versatility of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In the recent years, UASs have sparked the interest of other fields, and in the very near future, they will be introduced into the National Airspace System (NAS). With this inclusion come new concerns. Due to the future wide range applications for UASs, it is important to explore factors, which may affect operator performance. The UAS operator task differs from that of a manned aircraft pilot. An UAS operator does not get the same sensory cues as a pilot and their field of vision …

The Influence Of Motivation And Investment On The Length Of Time Pilots Fly Into Degraded Weather, Bonnie M. Saxton

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Approximately 75% of weather-related accidents result in fatalities and are a primary safety concern in aviation. This study attempted to understand how financial motivation and time investment influence the length of time pilots fly into degraded weather. The sunk-cost effect claims that financially motivated pilots would continue longer when weather is encountered late in the flight. The results revealed that the financially motivated pilots continued longer than the non-financially motivated pilots when weather was encountered early in the flight. These results support the situation assessment hypothesis and cognitive anchoring. Specifically, how pilots assess the situation and utilize information obtained before …

Using Scenario-Based Training To Teach Single Pilot Resource Management Related To The Use Of The Brs Parachute, Shayna Danielle Strally

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The Ballistic Recovery System is an emergency parachute for single engine aircraft which, when released, lowers the aircraft to the ground to prevent terrain collision. This study sought to examine the effects of scenario-based training on pilot’s use of the BRS. Of particular interest was the point at which the pilot decides to deploy the BRS. Single pilot resource management was included as a training objective, as it encompasses relevant cognitive skills such as decision making and situational awareness. The results showed participants in the scenario-based training condition performed significantly better than participants in a traditional training condition on several …

Effect Of Automation Management Strategies And Sensory Modalities As Applied To A Baggage Screening Task, Michelle Ann Leach

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Automation management strategies can assist the operator in coordinating activity in automated systems. Baggage screening is a domain in which automation and alarms can be studied in terms of signal detection theory. Baggage screening is vital to national security and should be completed in a time efficient manner without compromising accuracy. In the present study, the automation management strategies of management by consent (MBC) and management by exception (MBE) were crossed with alarm modalities of a visual (flashing) or an auditory alert which served as redundant cues in a baggage screening task. A control base line condition existed in which …

The Pilot Proficiency Audit Of Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Adding To The Air Carrier Safety Toolbox, James M. Walters

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The correlation between air carrier pilot performance and age, total flight time, total airline flight time, and time in current position has not been fully documented. This study observed 62 F/Os in line operations and graded 74 knowledge, skills, and abilities performance variables, utilizing a five-point Likert scale. Knowledge items scored slightly below the referent, with no improvement over time; skills improved with both flight time and years of service; and abilities decline markedly across all independent variables. Changes to pilot training syllabi and techniques, as well as hiring practices, may be indicated. Integrating Pilot Proficiency Audit data into existing …

Application Of Systems Engineering Principles And Methods To An Advanced Technology Research Project, Robert William Peak

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis is a case study of the tailored application of modern systems engineering principles and methods to a joint sponsored research and development program. The Small Aircraft Transportation System program is a $100M class, 4 year proof-of-concept research and demonstration program jointly sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and a consortium of industry, universities, research institutes, and state and local aviation authorities. Its goals are to show that the introduction of emerging airborne and ground technologies and procedures in personal and business aircraft and at small, underutilized airports, can facilitate and …

Air Cargo As A Different Business Unit, Juan M. Gomez

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

By combining cargo and passenger operations under the same business, airlines are facing an operational conflict with respect to the cargo operation, which has always been perceived as a by-product and not as an essential revenue generating activity; This fact leads to poor product quality, weak revenues, and value deterioration. By dedicating time and resources to the cargo operation in a different business unit with a defined strategy, carriers may increase cargo profitability and achieve superior operational results.

The purpose of this study is to identify and explain the benefits for passenger airlines to invest in air-cargo operations by defining …

The Role Of Eeg Biofeedback Training Preceding An Automated Monitoring Task, Matthew Bernd Hilscher

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Discussions are taking place in aviation circles to revamp and revolutionize air traffic management under the term "free-flight". The plans for a new system would incorporate, to a high degree, automation technologies that may have important human factors implications. One such concern speaks to quality of mental involvement as authority roles change. This modification of cerebral involvement may have an effect on performance during critical system failures. The purpose of this research has been to investigate whether specialized EEG biofeedback training might have an ameliorating effect on reducing the vigilance decrement. Partial support was found that evidences utility to this …

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 …

Strength And Weaknesses Of Npv Analysis And Its Application To Aircraft Value Modeling, Sebastian Lourier

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study is to analyze the Net Present Value (NPV) technique as a mean to forecast aircraft values and the analysis of aircraft value forecasting accuracy. The main part of the examination is the evaluation of the actual quality of aircraft appraisals. The appraisal evaluation is based on historical forecast accuracy determinations and on a comparison of 1998 aircraft value forecasts. The discussion of a survey conducted by the author in 1998, will reveal the disunity among the appraisers. The survey data was provided generously by the appraisers most recognized in the industry. A sensitivity analysis exhibits …

Culture And The Management Of Advanced Automation: An Analysis Of Two Airlines, Surendra Cudah Ratwatte

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between National, Organizational and Professional Cultures and the attitudes toward managing advanced automation among the flightcrew of two international airlines. The Flight Management Attitudes Questionnaire developed by the University of Texas was utilized to determine the attitudes and perceptions held by airline pilots of various nationalities who fly late model Airbus and Boeing airliners. A census survey was conducted at the crew bases of the two airlines, one in the Middle East and other in South Asia. A total of 230 completed surveys were received. Chi Square analysis was used …

An Optimization Technique Of Airlines' Seat Inventory Management, Husam Abdallah Mahmoud Fanasheh

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study consisted of a simulation to maximize an airline's Origin- Destination revenues. It has been hypothesized that Linear Programming is capable of maximizing airlines' networks revenues. Simulation was performed with Linear Interactive Discrete Optimizer (LINDO). This project was designed to consider different fares and its classes along with multi flight connections. The seats' allocation process came out with the maximum possible revenues, and enough flexibility in terms of changing such allocation to work around competition and trends. Results came supportive to the hypothesis. Sensitivity analysis provided our model with a tool to modify and change different variables, like fares, …

Passenger Knowledge Of Airline Safety Icons: A Cultural Study, Bridget L. Mattingly

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Japanese, Korean, and American cultures in their ability to comprehend icons used in airline passenger safety information. The 116 subjects were outbound international airline passengers traveling from San Francisco International Airport to either Japan or Korea. The instrument used contained thirteen icons similar to those on current passenger safety briefing cards. Subjects were asked to identify the icons as accurately as possible. Answers were graded on a three point ordinal scale, and frequency data were obtained. To test for significant differences between cultures, the data were analyzed through use …

Analysis Of Small Airports Within A One Hundred And Twenty Mile Radius Of Medium And/Or Large Airports, Cheryl Mitchell Cunningham

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this research is to investigate how income, population age, scheduled air carrier services, and distance between competing airports impact annual scheduled passenger enplanements for airports in smaller communities. Small airports located within a 120 miles radius of larger sized (medium or large) airports are considered to be within the "shadow" of larger airports with which they must compete for passenger enplanements.

Two methods were employed to evaluate shadow airports within a 120 mile radius of larger airports. First, an historical view, analyzing each of the airports with regard to schedule passenger enplanements, median disposable incomes, median ages, …

Privatization And Its Impact On National Economy With A Close Look At Saudi Arabian Airlines, Abdulatef Halawani

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis investigates the possibility of privatizing Saudi Arabian Airlines. The research study has been divided into different sections. The author investigates the privatization programs in airlines and airports.

A number of airlines have been chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of privatization. An overview of Saudia regional performance was conducted. This was done to show the Saudia position among other regional carriers. The last chapter includes a regression analysis and empirical findings.

The major finding of the research study concluded that Saudi Airlines would have been profitable if it had been privatized at the same time as British Airways. The …

The Use Of Electronic Ticketing - A Case Study, Olav C. Unger

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis will look at the impact of electronic ticketing travel on the behavior and acceptance trends by airline customers, its effects on revenue generation and cost-cutting opportunities, and the implications in the established transaction flow processes. This form of ticketing is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. and European airlines due to the reduced costs in different areas of passenger and transaction flow handling when compared to the current paper-based ticketing method. While at first glance this new ticketing technology application seems like a move in the right direction for airlines, there is no evidence as to the views from …

Job Satisfaction And Dissatisfaction Factors Of Airport Security Screeners: National Survey Results, Francis X. Goeddeke Jr.

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study is to accurately and reliably determine what factors are most important to airport security screeners that effect job satisfaction and excessive employee turnover. Using survey items generating in a previous study, job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction survey scales for this population were developed and validated. A modified version of the Rensis Likert Scale of Organizational Climate was also developed. These surveys, including a demographic questionnaire, were administered to a large nationwide sample of airport security screeners. The results were analyzed using chi-square contingency tables, one-way analysis of variance tests, and the Fisher post-hoc procedure. Post-hoc …

The Development Of A Computerized Airline Strategy Simulation: A Decision Support System To Assist Airline Management Training, Chulkyu Lee

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis involves the development of a computerized airline strategy simulation, decision support system to assist airline management training. The simulation program is designed to be run under the Microsoft Windows™ environment on any IBM - compatible computer. The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a useful program to be helpful in practicing decision making skills in a group setting, understanding the significance of strategic management, forecasting demand in today's turbulent airline industry, learning stockholders' roles in a business, and practicing skills required in airline operations management.

Airport Security Checkpoint Screener: An Analytical Study Of Job Retention And Attrition Factors, Norman Mark St. Laurent

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The proposed research seeks to identify the factors contributing to job retention and job attrition in terms of why an airport security checkpoint screener would try or want to stay on the job or leave the job. By identifying the causes of employee satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and by understanding the integral components of employee turnover can develop appropriate interventions that curb existing retention problems (exceeding 70% annually in most facilities). Aside from the obvious costs affiliated with recruiting, selecting, and training replacement employees, there is likely to be a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of airline passenger screening when a …

The Effects Of The Proposed Larger Aircraft On Airport Capacity In The United States, Kerwin S. Mckenzie

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The problem of airport capacity is one that has been around for some time. With air travel projected to increase into the year 2000, Airbus Industrie, Boeing Corporation and McDonnell Douglas are making plans or are in the process of building large transports. Airbus has built the A340/A330 and is planning the now named A3XX, a 600 plus seater. Boeing is currently flying the 747-400 which holds up to 570 passengers. In addition, Boeing rolled out the 777 in June 1994, which holds up to 550 passengers. Douglas is planning the MD-12 with a 700 plus passenger load. The purpose …

An Econometric Analysis Of The Canada - Florida Air Passenger Market, Craig W. Poteet

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis evaluates the Canada - Florida commercial air passenger market and explains fluctuations in the demand for air passenger service based on an econometric modeling process. Canada - Florida commercial air passenger traffic is segmented into those passengers flying on scheduled air services and those travelling on chartered air services. Two separate multiple regression equations are constructed to address the two segments of the Canada - Florida market. Both equations are formulated utilizing the same three independent variables. It was expected that the three chosen independent variables, Canadian GDP, a ratio of chartered air fare levels by scheduled air …

A Simulation Study Of Pilots' Ability To Perceive Angular Motion Under The Influence Of Alcohol, Wali N. Mughni

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The study consisted of experimental research to determine the effect of alcohol on the pilots’ ability to perceive angular motion. It was hypothesized that in the absence of visual cues, pilots’ thresholds of perceiving a change in angular motion is adversely affected by alcohol in the blood, thereby increasing the potential to enter a state of spatial disorientation. The experiments were designed to simulate a real time in-flight scenario, in a rotating flight simulator, where angular accelerations could be controlled and pilots’ thresholds of perceiving a change in angular motion could be measured. The study revealed that the subjects registered …

The Perception Of Travel Agents As To Passenger Acceptance Of The High Speed Civil Transport In Commercial Airline Service: A Study Of Tomorrow's Transpacific Air Travel, James H. Starnes Iii

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Through a cooperative effort between NASA, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Douglas Aircraft Company, GE Aircraft Engines, and Pratt & Whitney, technology for a new-generation supersonic transport aircraft is being developed. To determine if air travelers will choose this aircraft, the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT), as their mode of air transportation on transpacific routes, a self-developed questionnaire was sent to randomly selected travel agents in the Los Angeles, California area. The questionnaire examined criteria that passengers use to select transpacific flights, including fare, schedule, flight time length, and comfort. Results indicated that all passengers will be attracted to supersonic air …

An Econometric Analysis Of The Nw/Klm Corporate Alliance, Boon S. Koo

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis investigates whether a corporate alliance between international air carriers is beneficial, considering the changes in the global air transport system. Dividing the research method into three phases, the author first lists and identifies the recent changes in world air transport trends. Then, the author defines the different types of alliances and studies the advantages and disadvantages of these corporate alliances. Finally, a multiple regression analysis is performed using the KLM/Northwest Airlines alliance as a case analysis.

The Influence Of Cross-Cultural Differences On The Interpretation And Understanding Of Aircraft Passenger Safety Briefing Cards, Florian G. Jentsch

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Aircraft passenger safety briefing cards are an important part of passenger safety education aboard commercial aircraft. The cards must be understood by all readers, regardless of age, gender, or culture. Related research indicates that passengers from different cultures might misunderstand the highly specialized instructions on safety cards.

A self-developed test was administered to 172 students from four cultures (British, French, German, U.S.) at seven universities in five countries. Significant differences (p

An Analytical Study Of The Effects Of Age And Experience On Flight Safety, Patrick C. Guide

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are any significant decreases in the safety and effectiveness of pilots by age 60. The data for this study came from records of general aviation accidents (i.e., for private pilots, commercial pilots, and air transport pilots), and airline accidents (Part 121). These accident data were acquired from many specialized aviation data banks; these include: NTSB, AOPA, FAA, and the COMSIS Research Corporation. The data were organized into groups according to the ages of the pilots-in-command responsible for the accidents. Groupings progress in five-year increments starting at 20-24, and ending with …

Usair: Balancing Terminal Facilities And Runway Capacity At Pittsburgh, Edward J. Mattern

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

As a result of expansion and acquisition, USAir has experienced major growth in flight operations. In an effort to accommodate this expansion, a major construction project, called the Midfield Terminal project, is underway at USAir's major hub, Greater Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). The Midfield Terminal will result in a 60 percent increase in gate capacity for USAir and lower operating costs due to its location. However, increased gates infer increased flight frequencies. PIT already operates near capacity during peak periods and runway expansion has only been discussed. This paper evaluates the conditions of USAir at PIT with regard to the …

Trends In Air Transportation Between The Usa And The Asia/Pacific Region With Particular Consideration Of United Airlines' Acquisition Of The Pan Am Pacific Division, Michael Hanke

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study deals with the development of scheduled passenger traffic between the USA and selected countries in the ICAO Asia/Pacific region from 1977 to 1987. Among the significant trends are the growth in scheduled passenger traffic volume and the increase in both the percentage share of US citizens and foreign flag carriers. This study focuses on United Airlines' acquisition of Pan Am's Pacific Division in 1985. An analysis of selected Pan Am transpacific services in terms of market share and quality of service before 1985 shows a general declining trend. The main reasons for this development include Pan Am's poor …