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 …
Advancing Aircraft Maintenance - Smart Mechanic Glasses Proposal,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Advancing Aircraft Maintenance - Smart Mechanic Glasses Proposal, Diego Cordero-Rios, Ilan Soler, Ryan Mercer, Addison Groce, Ruipeng Zhao, Zimo Yang
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Commercial aircraft maintenance is increasingly challenged by aging fleets, expanding use of composite materials, labor shortages, and rising expectations for reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Modern aircraft systems demand that maintenance technicians interpret large amounts of technical data to detect complex and hidden defects while navigating limited visibility, distractions, outdated manuals, and inconsistent flows between teams. Traditionally, technicians rely on printed manuals, tablets, or laptops, which increase cognitive load and interrupt task execution, ultimately decreasing productivity, especially in confined physical spaces. Meanwhile, the use of advanced materials, such as composites, creates inspection and repair demands that are more labor-intensive and time-consuming; …
Human Factors Challenges In Automated Flight Operations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Human Factors Challenges In Automated Flight Operations, Jorge Ivan Gonzalez Rivera, Zoe Guyette, Emma Hatten, Katie Huynh, Benjamin Marsh
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Automation complacency, a critical aviation hazard, is commonly seen amongst flight crews in high-automation commercial flight decks. This issue occurs when over-reliance on automated systems leads to a decline in manual flying expertise and situational awareness, posing a severe risk of loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) and catastrophic accidents. To bridge the safety gap between current operational demands for efficiency and the regulatory requirement for pilot proficiency, this study proposes the Manual Flight Compliance and Monitoring System (MFCMS). This solution integrates engineering and administrative controls to reduce automation-related risks by mandating 15 minutes of manual flight per hour during cruise …
Multimodal Interpretation Of Pilot–Controller Communications For Runway Safety Assurance And Enhanced Atc Situational Awareness.,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Multimodal Interpretation Of Pilot–Controller Communications For Runway Safety Assurance And Enhanced Atc Situational Awareness., Chaebin Song, Juin Park
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Recent runway safety events have highlighted the importance of accurate and timely interpretation of pilot–controller communications, especially in complex airport environments where aircraft and ground vehicles interact on or near active movement areas. In light of the recent LaGuardia Airport collision, which has drawn attention to communication, coordination, and surface safety challenges, this project investigates how multimodal data can support air traffic controllers’ situational awareness and safety assurance. This study develops an in-progress framework that combines Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) of pilot–controller radio communications with ADS-B trajectory data to improve interpretation of operational intent and cross-check communications against observed aircraft …
Applying The Hfacs Framework: A Case Study Of Air Florida Flight 90,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Applying The Hfacs Framework: A Case Study Of Air Florida Flight 90, Ashley Perez-Galvan, Cenk Altinkum, Ryan Hunt
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Applying the HFACS Framework: A Case Study of Air Florida Flight 90 Abstract This study applies the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), a widely used safety framework for identifying human and organizational contributors to accidents to examine the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 crash on January 13, 1982. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport during severe winter weather, when the aircraft failed to gain sufficient lift and impacted a bridge before entering the Potomac River. The goal this analysis is to understand how multiple layers of human and organizational factors contributed to this …
The Impact Of Environmental Contributing Factors In Spatial Disorientation And Non-Spatial Disorientation Related General Aviation Accidents,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The Impact Of Environmental Contributing Factors In Spatial Disorientation And Non-Spatial Disorientation Related General Aviation Accidents, Victoria Cornaro, Molly Mersinger
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Impact of Environmental Contributing Factors in Spatial Disorientation and Non-Spatial Disorientation Related General Aviation Accidents Spatial disorientation (SD) is an inherent risk of flying and with a high risk of resulting in a fatal accident (Gibbs et al, 2011). SD related accidents occur when a pilot’s perception of the aircraft altitude, position, or relative motion conflict with reality (Benson, 1999). SD accidents are significantly more likely to result in a fatality than non-SD cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of different contributing factors on SD and non-SD general aviation accidents. We used the NTSB …
Remora Ads-B In Receiver,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Remora Ads-B In Receiver, Noah Evans, Sara Patel, Nicholas Gatto, Daniel Ingleton
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Remora is a compact Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver, designed to enhance situational awareness for pilots operating experimental and homebuilt aircraft. Unlike conventional panel or windscreen-mounted systems, the Remora is installed externally, making it a low-profile solution to the ADS-B In challenge. The device integrates easily with the aircraft’s existing power supply. It transmits data wirelessly to electronic flight bags (EFBs) within the cockpit, using existing iOS and Android software for display and user interaction. The primary function of the Remora is to provide public-access, real-time traffic awareness and weather forecasting, enabling pilots to make informed mission decisions. …
Starlink-Based Navigation System For Fixed-Wing Uav,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Starlink-Based Navigation System For Fixed-Wing Uav, Aidan Panter, Ayse Okatan, Spencer Richter, Carson Frankovic, Faheem Khan, Eldon Crossett, Oleg Sugatov, Dylan Hardt
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Conventional UAV navigation and control systems rely on short-range RF communication, imposing significant limitations on operational range, real-time control capabilities, and autonomous mission execution beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). While existing research addresses regulatory frameworks, communication relay strategies, and positioning optimization for extended-range operations, a comprehensive and cost-effective solution integrating satellite-based Internet connectivity with web-accessible control remains absent from the literature. This project develops a Starlink-based navigation and control system for fixed-wing UAVs that overcomes traditional range constraints through low-earth orbit satellite and cell network connectivity. The system integrates a Starlink terminal with an onboard flight computer running custom …
Human Factors And Passenger Survival In Aircraft Emergency Evacuations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Human Factors And Passenger Survival In Aircraft Emergency Evacuations, Anjelysa Oleszewski, Adam Dvorak, Anthony Bulko, Christopher Lee, Nicholas Murphy
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
In the event of an emergency where evacuation of the aircraft is necessary, passengers have 90 seconds to locate their nearest exit and egress as safely and quickly as possible. However, news outlets have reported multiple occurrences of passengers evacuating and taking their belongings with them during this decade. The root of this hazard occurs in multiple areas of flight, particularly during safety briefings and during emergency evacuations. The purpose of this project is to focus on improving passenger knowledge of safety features such as exit door locations through digital mediums and strengthen deliverance of life-saving information. The project shares …
Zfq-50 "Radiance",
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Zfq-50 "Radiance", Craig Slovensky, Michael Rath Iii, Kyan Spaete, Long P. Nguyen, Woo Hyun Lee, Roman Czerniejewski
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project presents the preliminary design of the ZFQ-50 "Radiance", a Collaborative Unmanned Vehicle (CUV) built around the VerdeGo VH-5 blended turbofan intended for military defense applications. This design presents a novel aircraft coupled with a powerplant that blends traditional combustion thrust with electrical power output, an new and evolving capability within the aerospace industry. This aircraft was sized considering multiple constraint parameters, configuration trade studies, CFD analysis, and mission requirements including carrier assisted take-off and landing, an effective operational range, and a loiter period with 40 kW of continuous power output from the powerplant. The selected configuration allows for …
Classification Of Sequential Factors In Aviation Accident Cause Prediction,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Classification Of Sequential Factors In Aviation Accident Cause Prediction, Sophia Nasca, Addyson Wolfe
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Uncovering the root causes of aviation accidents is a critical component of improving aviation safety. Traditional approaches are largely reactive, relying on post-incident analysis rather than proactively identifying risk factors. This project addresses the need for proactive safety by using a multi-source dataset that integrates aviation accident records, weather conditions, and maintenance data extracted from investigative reports. The objective of this work is to move beyond predicting broad probable causes and instead model the sequence of contributing factors that lead to aviation incidents. Using the Swiss Cheese Model, the study will capture layered failures across operational, environmental, and maintenance domains. …
Small Uas Detection: Threat Intelligence & Risk Management Project,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Small Uas Detection: Threat Intelligence & Risk Management Project, Tyler Johnson
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION / FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL SUAS DETECTION: THREAT INTELLIGENCE & RISK MANAGEMENT PROJECT addresses the emerging safety and security challenges posed by the rapid growth of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in complex airspace environments. This study analyzed 92 days of sensor-captured Remote Identification (RID) data collected near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to assess operational behaviors, aviation risk, and ground risk associated with drone activity. The primary objective of this research is to identify patterns of unauthorized or hazardous sUAS operations to enhance situational awareness and inform actionable risk-mitigation strategies. The analysis identified 335 flights from …
Case Study - China Airlines Flight 006,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Case Study - China Airlines Flight 006, Jaxon Daniels, Ryan Lutwin, Jacob Patterson, Elizabeth Bosan, Ronyn Orrell
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
On February 19, 1985, China Airlines Flight 006, a regularly scheduled flight from Taipei, Taiwan, to Los Angeles, California, experienced a serious in-flight upset while cruising at high altitude. The aircraft subsequently entered a steep, uncontrolled spiral dive, during which it experienced extreme G-forces and sustained structural damage. After regaining control, the crew diverted the aircraft to San Francisco International Airport, where it landed safely (National Transportation Safety Board, 1986). The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) framework helps to identify and analyse the organizational elements and conditions that lead to aviation accidents (Small, 2020). Aviation accidents are not …
An Innovative Approach To Real-Time Noise Monitoring And Detection In Airport Ramp Operations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
An Innovative Approach To Real-Time Noise Monitoring And Detection In Airport Ramp Operations, Grace Hamilton, Nicole E. Egan, Anderson Peralta, Deyaneira Rodriguez, Maria G. Valentinez
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Airport ramp personnel are routinely exposed to hazardous noise levels exceeding occupational safety thresholds, increasing the risk of permanent hearing loss, degraded communication, and operational incidents. Traditional ramp noise management relies primarily on periodic monitoring and personnel protective equipment (PPE), which limits real-time hazard recognition and a proactive risk mitigation strategy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and financial effectiveness of implementing a real-time noise monitoring and detection system within airport ramp operations in alignment with Safety Management System (SMS) principles. A literature review, Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), and financial cost-benefit analysis were conducted to compare …
