Flight Testing And System Identification Of An Experimental Cessna 182,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Flight Testing And System Identification Of An Experimental Cessna 182, Mariano Chavez Rangel
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Flight testing and system identification are essential for accurately characterizing aircraft dynamics and supporting the development of reliable flight control systems. This work presents the use of an experimental Cessna 182 as a full-scale platform for flight testing and system identification, conducted by the Eagle Flight Research Center. The objective is to generate high-fidelity flight data to estimate aerodynamic and dynamic coefficients and establish a baseline model for comparison with a sub-scale aircraft incorporating Integrated High-Lift Propulsor (IHLP) technology. The experimental aircraft is equipped with a comprehensive onboard instrumentation suite designed to capture synchronized measurements of air data, aircraft motion, …
Advancing Vtol Tail-Sitter Stability Through Modern Flight Control And System Identification,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Advancing Vtol Tail-Sitter Stability Through Modern Flight Control And System Identification, Tobey Cram, Jacob House, Alexander Theophanis
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Title: Advancing VTOL Tail-Sitter Stability Through Modern Flight Control and System Identification The concept of tail-sitter aircraft can be traced back to Nikola Tesla nearly 100 years ago; however, no aircraft with this novel design materialized until nearly 20 years later during World War II, when efforts were made to reduce reliance on runways. One notable design that emerged during the Cold War was the Convair XFY-1 Pogo. This design failed for reasons common to many others of the time: pilots had extreme difficulty landing while looking over their shoulders, and the technology of the era could not reliably maintain …
Adaptive Health Monitoring For Runtime Safety Assurance Of Advanced Air Mobility Applications,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Adaptive Health Monitoring For Runtime Safety Assurance Of Advanced Air Mobility Applications, Michael Budihartono, Francisco Bustamante, Gabriela Gavilanez
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This work proposes a comprehensive, adaptive framework for abnormal condition detection and flight envelope prediction in complex systems. The approach integrates data reduction techniques, including principal component analysis and lower-dimensional projections, to efficiently distinguish between nominal and abnormal operational states while maintaining computational efficiency through metacognitive interventions. A hybrid detection architecture combines bio-inspired real-value negative selection algorithms with support vector machines, augmented by generative machine learning models to synthesize failure data and support training through digital twin environments. Online fault trend analysis enables continuous monitoring of system degradation, while the system dynamically adapts to operational variations by minimizing offline training …
Impact Of Acute Flight Training Stress On Cardiovascular Health: A Pilot Study,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Impact Of Acute Flight Training Stress On Cardiovascular Health: A Pilot Study, Toni Butler
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Impact of acute flight training stress on cardiovascular health: A pilot study Toni C. Butler, Carolina R. P. Ferreira, Bryan W. Hinton, Noah J. Robbins, Sophia R. Vaden, Andrew H. Schneider, Scott K. Ferguson, Ph.D. Cardiovascular conditions are among the most common medical issues in certificated pilots and a major source of certification scrutiny. Student pilots experience unique acute stressors during flight training that may influence both physiological and psychological health. Acute stress is known to affect cardiovascular function, including vascular endothelial health; however, the impact of flight training–related stress on cardiovascular function remains poorly characterized. This pilot study tested …
Crowd Monitoring And Firearm Detection Uas,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Crowd Monitoring And Firearm Detection Uas, Arjun Nambiar, Sang-A Lee, Diego Espino, Will Obot Jr, Ethan Encarnacion, Jarrett Usui, Jacob D. Kline
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The increasing complexity of public safety operations in urban and high-density environments necessitates intelligent, mobile surveillance systems capable of real-time threat identification and situational awareness. Traditional monitoring approaches, such as fixed CCTV systems and manual observation, are often limited by coverage, scalability, and response latency in complex environments or large-scale events. This project addresses these challenges through the development of a computer vision-enabled Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) designed for crowd monitoring and firearm detection. The primary objective is to design and validate a modular, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Machine Learning (ML)-driven model capable of identifying firearms within dynamic environments while supporting real-time …
Characterizing Air Traffic Density Using Nationwide Ads-B Data,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Characterizing Air Traffic Density Using Nationwide Ads-B Data, Taeyun Yoo, Arjun Nambiar, Sang-A Lee
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This study addresses the increasing need to understand aircraft activity in low-altitude airspace, where emerging operations such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) are expected to heighten traffic complexity and safety risks. This research develops a scalable framework for constructing a nationwide, high-resolution, altitude-stratified airspace density atlas using Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data. The methodology incorporates large-scale data acquisition, terrain-referenced altitude normalization, and spatial aggregation using a hexagonal grid system, followed by statistical modeling to estimate traffic density across spatial and temporal dimensions. Preliminary results indicate the capability to generate detailed geospatial representations of aircraft activity, …
Spatial Dynamics Of Lead Waste: An Esda Approach To U.S. Interstate Transfers,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Spatial Dynamics Of Lead Waste: An Esda Approach To U.S. Interstate Transfers, Santiago Acuna Gonzalez
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Spatial Dynamics of Lead Waste: An ESDA Approach to U.S. Interstate Transfers This research applied a novel Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) methodology to analyze interstate movements (n= 446) of lead (Pb; CAS 7339-92-1) among facilities that transported more than 1,000 lbs offsite across the United States, using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Using QGIS, the analysis produced three geospatial products by integrating TRI Form R Schedule 3A with coordinates from the EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS) to populate offsite locations. First, a state-level net-flow choropleth distinguished exporting from importing states. Second, an export-focused map …
Environmental Ethics And Impact Of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Environmental Ethics And Impact Of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, Jacky Yang
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Data centers, including artificial intelligence (AI) facilities, serve as the backbone for many modern digital services and products. With the rapid digitization of society, the expansion of these centers in the United States has accelerated significantly. From an anthropocentric and utilitarian perspective, they provide economic benefits, supporting employment and generating public revenue. However, they can also create a significant amount of environmental and societal challenges. From an ecocentric and environmental justice perspective, AI data centers has contributed to increased competition for the limited resources, such as water, electricity, and land and has been linked to rising utility costs, noise pollution, …
Quantitative Analysis Of A Single Operator’S Flight Behavior In Simulation,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Quantitative Analysis Of A Single Operator’S Flight Behavior In Simulation, Zackrey Schraeder
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), or more commonly known as drones, have become increasingly used for a variety of applications, and more research has emerged studying the human-machine interaction and pilot performance metrics. Current research focuses on desired behaviors or aggregated pilot data which does not provide a holistic picture of an individual pilot’s flight behaviors, which are shaped by their own experience, preferences, and risk tolerance. The study investigates whether an individual pilot’s flight behaviors can be considered a pattern or if there is enough flight-to-flight variability to consider the behaviors inconsistent. A series of 20 flights were conducted in …
Modernization Of Deicing Operations Utilizing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modernization Of Deicing Operations Utilizing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Christopher Sidor, Hunter Lisle, Zackrey Schraeder
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Modernization of Deicing Operations Utilizing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems The use of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, has become more apparent in everyday life within the United States (US). The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has provided an opportunity to utilize drones to improve quality of life and operational efficiency at airports across the US. Students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University under the callsign Team Frostbite, consists of Hunter Lisle, Zakrey Schraeder, and Christopher Sidor. The team provides a potential solution utilizing UAS to measure the efficiency of deicing applications at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Burlington, …
Learning Casual Structures From Aviation Accident Narratives Using Natural Language Processing And Graph-Based Knowledge Representation,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Learning Casual Structures From Aviation Accident Narratives Using Natural Language Processing And Graph-Based Knowledge Representation, Stephanie Ramsey, Katherine Hoffsetz, Madeline Gorman, Logan Lambeth
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Understanding the complex causal relationships underlying aviation accidents is critical for improving safety and preventing future incidents. However, much of this information exists in unstructured narrative reports, making large-scale analysis difficult. This project aims to automatically extract and model causal chains from National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident narratives using a combination of traditional natural language processing (NLP) techniques, transformer-based architectures, and graph-based knowledge representation. Traditional NLP methods, including named entity recognition, dependency parsing, and rule-based pattern matching, will be used to identify structured cause–effect relationships. These approaches will be compared with transformer-based models, including a lightweight encoder for classification …
Exploring Generation Z Pilots' Approach To Training Automation: An Interview Study,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Exploring Generation Z Pilots' Approach To Training Automation: An Interview Study, Mary Bender
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Introduction. Today's pilots learn to fly on aircraft with sophisticated automated systems, such as the G1000. Although automation can reduce workload, over-relying on this technology can lead to decreased situational awareness, complacency, and a loss in manual flying skills (Parasuraman, 2000; Parasuraman et al., 2000; Parasuraman & Wickens, 2017; Taylor et al., 2020). Instructor pilots, in turn, are faced with the challenge of teaching students how to leverage a system that can affect their performance, both positively and negatively. The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies and challenges that instructor pilots face when training students on automation. …
Quantitative Assessment Of Cybersecurity Risk Variability Across Transportation Modes,
2026
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Quantitative Assessment Of Cybersecurity Risk Variability Across Transportation Modes, Paulo Carreon
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Quantitative Assessment of Cybersecurity Risk Variability Across Transportation Modes examines how cybersecurity risks differ across major transportation sectors and addresses the lack of a structured, cross modal analysis in existing transportation cybersecurity research. As transportation systems increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, communication networks, operational technologies, and interconnected platforms, they become more exposed to cyber threats that can affect safety, mobility, operations, and public trust. Despite the growing importance of this issue, there is still limited research that quantitatively compares how cyber risks vary across transportation modes such as road and intelligent transportation systems, aviation, rail and transit, and maritime systems. …
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems-Assisted Airport Obstruction And Perimeter Inspections,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems-Assisted Airport Obstruction And Perimeter Inspections, Christopher Candler, Christopher M. Saylor, Marcus Thompson, Tejash Zala
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Airports are required to maintain obstruction-free airspace surfaces under 14 CFR Part 77; however, vegetation and perimeter obstruction management is often conducted through periodic ground inspections and contractor-led surveys that provide only snapshot conditions. These approaches may delay detection of encroachments into approach, transitional, horizontal, or primary surfaces, increasing the risk of operational impacts and reactive mitigation. This study proposes an FAA-aligned framework integrating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) into obstruction monitoring workflows through recurring, repeatable perimeter inspections. High-resolution optical and LiDAR sensors, combined with RTK/PPK-enabled GNSS correction, generate centimeter-level geospatial datasets that are processed into canopy height models. These …
Advancing Runway Incursion Severity Prediction Through Tabular-To-Image Deep Learning,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Advancing Runway Incursion Severity Prediction Through Tabular-To-Image Deep Learning, Bill Deng Pan, Yupeng Yang
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Runway incursions remain one of the most persistent safety challenges in modern aviation operations, often resulting from complex interactions among human, environmental, and operational factors. While existing Safety Management System (SMS) frameworks emphasize monitoring the frequency of incursions, they provide limited predictive capability regarding event severity. This ongoing study seeks to address that gap by applying a novel tabular-to-image deep-learning approach to improve the accuracy and interpretability of runway-incursion severity prediction models. Data for this study will be drawn from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Runway Safety Statistics and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident databases. The methodology will involve …
Assessing Safety Culture Among Airport Operators Through Stakeholder Perceptions,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Assessing Safety Culture Among Airport Operators Through Stakeholder Perceptions, Bill Deng Pan
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The effective implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) at airports depends not only on compliance with regulatory requirements but also on the presence of a strong and measurable safety culture. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s increasing emphasis on SMS has accelerated adoption across certificated airports, many airport operators, often coming from operational, engineering, or business backgrounds, lack practical methods to assess safety culture in a structured and actionable manner. Existing guidance highlights the importance of safety culture and safety climate. However, limited research exists on how airport stakeholders perceive and experience safety culture within the airport operating environment. This …
Sequential Causal Architecture For Multimodal Aviation Accident Prediction,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Sequential Causal Architecture For Multimodal Aviation Accident Prediction, Kaitlyn Cavanaugh, Isaac Morrison
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single failure but rather from a complex causal chain of latent failures. While traditional data mining models often predict incident occurrence, they frequently overlook the sequential mechanics defined by known accident causation theoretical frameworks like the Swiss Cheese Model and the FAA's HFACS. This project addresses the need for interpretable, reliable, multi-stage forecasting by proposing a Sequential Causal Architecture that transforms theoretical causation models into a structured Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) for multimodal accident causation chain prediction. Data from the NTSB and DOT is used and connected together in a meaningful way …
Modeling Aircraft Collision Risk Using Machine Learning And Traffic Density Data Ac,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modeling Aircraft Collision Risk Using Machine Learning And Traffic Density Data Ac, Jadia Renee Ewing, Alexander Van Baelan, Conrad Prisby, Rafal P. Smietana
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Air traffic congestion is an increasingly important factor in aviation safety as global flight activity continues to grow. This project investigates whether higher traffic density is associated with an increased risk of aviation incidents and identifies key contributing factors. Using publicly available flight (ADS-B) and incident (NTSB) data, we apply several machine learning models to analyze traffic patterns and predict risk. We begin with logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between density and incident probability, followed by decision trees to extract interpretable rules describing high-risk conditions. K-nearest neighbors (KNN) is used to examine similarity in traffic patterns among incident flights, …
Impact Of Stress & Fatigue On Cardiovascular Function In Young Pilots: A Thematic Review,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Impact Of Stress & Fatigue On Cardiovascular Function In Young Pilots: A Thematic Review, Swarna Manoj
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Impact of Stress & Fatigue on Cardiovascular Function in Young Pilots: A Thematic Review Authors: Swarna Manoj, Scott Ferguson Keywords: pilot, stress, fatigue, heart rate variability (HRV), cardiovascular disease (CVD) Aviation is expanding globally and young pilots are the major workforce, yet FAA protocols require mandatory ECG only from age 35, with annual cardiac screening after age 40. Over the past five years, a pattern of sudden cardiac arrests in pilots particularly aged 30-40 has urged safety concerns. Despite the existing literature examining fatigue, burnout, stress, sleep hygiene and circadian disruption, only few studies systematically examine how these factors impact …
A Sustainability Index For Airlines: A Kpi-Based Framework For Benchmarking Environmental Performance,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
A Sustainability Index For Airlines: A Kpi-Based Framework For Benchmarking Environmental Performance, Craig Dedrick
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, yet standardized methods for evaluating airline sustainability performance remain limited. This study proposes a structured sustainability index designed to benchmark airline environmental strategies using fourteen key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from publicly disclosed corporate sustainability and annual reports. To improve analytical clarity, the KPIs are organized into seven conceptual clusters capturing distinct dimensions of environmental performance: strategic governance and commitment, operational and fleet efficiency, the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ecosystem, emissions reduction and climate mitigation outcomes, carbon management and neutralization, energy transition and electrification, and environmental pollution and resource …
