Aviation Commons^™

The Effect Of Crosswind And Turbulence In Mental Workload And Pilot Tracking Performance, Bruno E. Vivaldi

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of crosswind and turbulence on mental workload and pilot tracking performance. Based on previous research, it was believed that as the amount of crosswind and turbulence is increased, mental workload would increase and tracking performance would decrease. The objective was to estimate the impact that crosswind and turbulence, of varying degrees, had on performance and workload. Fifteen full time college student volunteers served as experimental participants in a simulated horizontal and vertical tracking task. Each participant flew twelve instrument approaches, experiencing a different crosswind and turbulence combination during each approach. …

The Effects Of Gender And Regional Dialect On Performance In Aviation Communication, Erin E. Mccollum

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance effects of gender and regional dialect on air traffic control statement recall. Sixty-one student volunteers participated in the experiment. Thirty-one participants held a pilot’s license and 30 participants had no flight experience. Each participant listened to one CD with 60 ATC statements each representing a male and female voice and New England, Southern, and General American dialect. Participants were asked to recall exactly what they heard. If the participant could not understand what they heard, they requested a repeat. The participant’s performance was recorded to CD and analyzed. Demographic questionnaires …

Instrument Pilot Skill Acquisition In The Early Phases Of Flight Training Using An Advanced Cockpit Display System, Erin E. Accettullo

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve associated with complex flight behavior for both conventional and synthetic vision systems (SVS). The objective was to assess potential differences in learning curves and subjective workload. Workload data across trials indicated a negative linear trend, with a significantly lower level of workload on the synthetic vision display compared to conventional instruments. Levels of performance were significantly higher in the SVS condition, and revealed a quadratic trend, supporting the hypothesis that skill acquisition occurs faster while training with the SVS. These differences in learning and workload curves have implications for …

Improving The Capability Of Preliminary Aircraft Design Methodology By Incorporating Numerical Methods Into Segments Of A Proven Statistical Method, Igor Lebovic

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to identify any potential limitations of Roskam’s statistical aircraft flight performance estimation method, and to provide processes capable of improving those limitations. This project was conducted in collaboration with Diamond Aircraft Industries, and as any other general aviation manufacturer with limited time, manpower, and financial resources, Diamond wants the new process to be time and cost-effective. Presented in this study is a computational alternative that combines the speed and accuracy of low-order panel methods with the fully-coupled viscous/inviscid interaction method from the ISES code that was developed by Drela and Giles. Its benefit is …

The Search For The Opto-Kinetic Cervical Reflex And Reduced Roll Reversals In Pilots Viewing A 3-D Perspective Display, John Carl Faust

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Pilots using conventional instrumentation can suffer spatial disorientation (SD) when unexpectedly forced to transition from visual flight to instrument flight during roll maneuvers. This simulator study was conducted to see if a 3-D perspective display could prevent this form of spatial disorientation by eliciting the opto-kinetic cervical reflex (OKCR), an instinctive postural response that humans use to maintain awareness of their spatial orientation. The current research found evidence of the OKCR in pilots viewing both a 3-D perspective display and an electronic attitude indicator. Pilots viewing a standard moving-horizon attitude indicator produced little or no OKCR response. However, pilots still …

Microburst Recovery For Jet Transport Aircraft: A Comparison Between Constant And Variable Pitch Guidance Trajectories, Mark Cadmus

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this research was to compare, in a simulator, the safety of a variable pitch strategy with the established constant pitch strategy in transitioning through a microburst during an abort maneuver in the approach to landing phase of flight. In numerous mathematical and computer studies of microburst penetrations, the variable pitch strategy provided a greater recovery altitude than the constant pitch strategy. A Boeing 737 level C aircraft simulator was employed to evaluate these findings in a dynamic environment. Three appropriately qualified subjects piloted 35 flights through a microburst, while computer generated data were collected. "Safety", defined as …

Investigating The Effects Of The Mission Status Graphics Polar Star Display On Failure Detection Time And Situation Awareness For Mission And System Monitoring In General Aviation Aircraft, Anthony P. Bartolone

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

For years, the aviation industry has been under severe scrutiny over the safety of flight when cockpit automation is over relied on and when it is under utilized. This double-edged sword raises the question of situation awareness in aviation. With the recent boom in cockpit automation and advanced avionics some fear that the pilots are being put outside "the loop". Unfortunately, humans are notoriously poor monitors of reliable systems over time. However, research is currently being conducted into a new form of display that has the ability to group a myriad of aircraft mission and system status information onto one …

The Effect Of An Unconscious Auditory Stimulus On Pilot Performance Under Varying Instrument Flying Conditions, Christina Eleni Christakou

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Human error remains a significant contributing factor with respect to accidents in civil air transportation. It is therefore crucial to establish avenues by which performance on the flightdeck can be enhanced under conditions of distress. The purpose of this study was to examine whether an unconscious auditory stimulus (UAS) could enhance pilot performance under varying instrument flight (IFR) conditions on the aircraft flightdeck. Forty IFR student pilots underwent two eight-minute simulated flights, whereupon they were presented with different IFR weather conditions. During the trial, the experimental group listened to a UAS, whereas the control group listened to white noise (WN). …

An Experimental Investigation Of The Differences In Subjective Pilot Workload Across Simulated And Real Flight Conditions, Todd V. Denning

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

An investigation was undertaken to determine the difference in workload between simulated and real flight conditions. The results from the Modified Cooper-Harper and NASA-TLX did not show significance, however, the theoretical implications from the NASA-TLX subscales were of interest. As this is the first study comparing these two environments utilizing subjective workload measures, more research needs to take place in order to provide reliable and valid findings.

Gender Differences In Preference For Learning Environment Among Aviation Education Students, Eric M. Moyer

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study investigated whether differences existed between sex, male and female, for the preference of three different syllabi describing three different learning environments. Learning environments consisted of collaborative, and individual, with the individual sub-divided into competitive, and individual while co-varying participants for credit hours. 264 surveys were administered to students in freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes in order to collect preference, and demographic data. The surveys were presented as three fictional syllabi differing only in class grading format, and a paragraph on the instructional philosophy of the professor. Instructional philosophies described the proposed environment of the class by enforcing …

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 …

The Effect Of Simulator Platform Motion On Pilot Training Transfer: A Meta-Analysis, Eric A. Vaden

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

A meta-analytic (MA) approach was used to generate an estimate of true mean effect size (δ) for simulator motion with regard to pilot training transfer. The analysis was based on the techniques developed by Hunter and Schmidt (1990). A d statistic was used for effect size calculations based on information available in the included sources. Eleven studies were reviewed and considered for analysis, but only seven of these included the information necessary for calculating effect size and were included in the study. The result of the MA suggest a small, positive effect for motion, d = .16. No credibility interval …

The Effects Of An Induced Negative Mood State On Ground- Based Learning In Student Pilots, Angela Sophia Wendell

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Instructors Handbook (D.O.T.) (1999) emphasizes that aviation students must maintain a healthy and positive state of mind in order to succeed at learning. Factors such as worry, lack of interest, physical discomfort, and anxiety are all listed as obstacles to a student's ability to learn successfully during flight instruction. In addition, numerous studies support the idea that a negative mood state will have a detrimental effect on learning. This study attempts to investigate the effects of an induced negative mood state on ground- based learning in student pilots.

A Simulation Study To Investigate Runway Capacity Using Taam, Prakash Subramanian

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study outlines a method to evaluate runway layouts using simulation, to aid in the airport planning and decision making process. As a sample study, the maximum throughput capacities of proposed expansion alternatives at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), constrained at varying levels, are identified. The objective is to compare the ultimate airport capacities achievable for each of the different layouts to estimate their respective efficiencies in terms of runway system utilization. Given its capabilities for modeling at a very high level of detail and closely representing reality in terms of applicable separation standards and air traffic control procedures, TAAM (Total …

Perception Of Competence In Male And Female Pilots: Between Group Differences, Marianne Paulsen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study investigated the relationship between gender and competence as perceived by pilots. Scenarios were utilized that depicted an airline captain successfully landing an airplane amidst adverse conditions. Scenarios varied only by the gender of the Captain: male, female, or unspecified by variance of pilot name. Perceived effectiveness, competence, avoidance, blame, and attribution as depicted by the Captain's performance in the scenario were assessed by 30 male and 30 female certified flight instructors. Results showed that female flight instructors' ratings of avoidance ability and attribution for success differed from male flight instructors. Attribution for blame differences between scenario conditions was …

Mobile Business As Strategic Tools In The Us Airline Industry, Marzel Stratmann

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis analyzes opportunities and threats of mobile business in the context of the US airline industry as a strategic tool to create a sustainable competitive advantage through the implementation of an effective mobile business model. The analysis is based on the assumption that mobile airline strategies have to create a strategic fit with the business environment seen from an airline perspective. Forces inherent in the global environment as well as in the micro-environment are analyzed using environmental scanning as systematic technique. Exploratory data obtained from a focus group interview is added to the analysis in order to assess opportunities …

Design And Construction Of A 1/3-Scale, 1986 Cessna 172p Flight-Test Aircraft, Michael J. Hinton

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The incredible cost of prototype flight testing can be a very limiting factor in the optimization of new designs as they proceed from the drawing board to the flight line. The use of low-cost scaled models to predict full-scale prototype performance is the focus of this project. It will be shown that by strictly following geometric and dynamic scaling criteria, the scaled aircraft's flight performance can be predictably related to the full-scale aircraft's performance. Many companies have performed scaled flight-testing of Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV's) and there is much speculation as to the results of these tests, but non-proprietary information …

The Effect Of Cockpit Noise On Aircraft Pilot Psychomotor Performance, Kelechi (Kc) Nwabeke

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cockpit noise on aircraft pilot psychomotor performance on a simulated tracking task. The performance of thirty-two participants was measured on a vertical and horizontal tracking task. In the control group, eight participants were used in a quiet condition. In the experimental group, eight participants were exposed to low intensity cockpit noise (50 dBA), eight participants were exposed to medium intensity cockpit noise (60 dBA) and eight participants were expose to high intensity cockpit noise (70 dBA). The performance of the control and experimental groups was measured in an advanced …

Transitory Forecasting Methodology: Passenger/Revenue Share And Capacity Share (The S-Curve), Marlene Marie Dugan

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the relationship between a carrier's service/capacity share and passenger share to determine the presence of the s-curve. The author is unaware of a current, accepted analysis for understanding the s-curve with any degree of reliability. Regression analysis was used to correlate service/capacity share against passenger share for domestic, United States air carriers. Carrier ranking was then added as a predicting variable to gain further insight into the correlation between service share and passenger share. It is anticipated that this study will be beneficial to airline network planners in their analysis of …

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 …

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 …

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 …

An Investigation Of Skill Acquisition Under Conditions Of Augmented Reality, Russell P. Milham

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Augmented reality is a virtual environment that integrates rendered content with the experience of the real world. There is evidence suggesting that augmented reality provides for important spatial constancy of objects relative to the real world coordinate system and that this quality contributes to rapid skill acquisition. The qualities of simulation, through the use of augmented reality, may be incorporated into actual job activities to produce a condition of "just-in-time learning." This may make possible the rapid acquisition of information and reliable completion of novel or infrequently performed tasks by individuals possessing a basic skill-set. The purpose of this research …

A Comparative Study Of Novice Vs. Experienced Pilots Utilizing Cockpit Models Applied To The Multi Function Display System, Susan J. Karkman

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Based on previous research findings in the expert/novice area, this thesis suggests that how people approach and solve problems largely depend on their experience level. The literature supports that experts tend to prioritize their actions differently than their novice counterparts as they negotiate their way through various critical flight scenarios. In this study we assume this difference is, in part, related to the fact that experts have a more complete understanding/perception of the overall situation than do novices. Psychologists often refer to this understanding as a more complete mental model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the …

Feasibility Study Of An Integrated Safety Seat For Infants And Children Under The Age Of Two Traveling In Commercial Aircraft, Muneer A. Bakhsh

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of integrated safety seat for children and infants onboard commercial aircraft. The researcher collected and analyzed data on the subject of safety seats for children and infants onboard commercial aircraft. The 115 participants for this study were randomly selected from the population of parents boarding commercial aircraft with infants and/or children. The research method used was descriptive and also compared the integrated safety seats for infants and children in automobiles to commercial aircraft. The survey examined whether or not parents were interested and willing to pay for an integrated safety …

General Aviation Aircraft: A Comparative Analysis Of Analog Instrument Display And Conceptual Primary Flight Display, Ungul Laptaned

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects that analog instrument display versus primary flight display (PFD) had on pilot performance. Pilot performance was evaluated by: (a) time, and (b) number of errors. There were twenty subjects with a minimum of a private pilot license selected from the Aeronautical Science department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Three flight conditions (spoiler problem, engine problem, and flap failure) acting as a control group was given to the flight students while flying a traffic pattern. A Silicon Graphics® flight simulation software program and a video camera were used as the data …

The Impact Of The Simulated Digital Data Radio Communication Induced Interference On Voice Radio Communication, Daniela T. Kratchounova

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The transition of air/ground communications, from its present analog structure to a new digital communications architecture, will span a 10-year time frame. Testing to date indicates that the potential for interference from the digital system to the analog system would be critical, especially for General Aviation (GA) aircraft. This type of interference can be described as short, random bursts of noise capable of completely obliterating parts of the voice communication. The subsequent degrading effects on voice radio communications could jeopardize flight safety. The masking of parts of important information would result in distracted attention, debilitated cognitive performance, high level of …

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 …

Designed Reduction Of Radiated Noise Characteristics From Two-Bladed General Aviation Propellers, Chandra K. Stich

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

In recent years increased public awareness has made the reduction of environmental noise pollution a top priority for the aviation industry. Utilizing current technology, this study examines the reduction of noise generated by two bladed general aviation propellers, through design. The Aircraft Noise Prediction Program - Propeller Analysis System (ANOPP-PAS) is used to predict the noise and performance characteristics for an industry typical reference propeller as well as for the final quiet and efficient design.

This investigation is based on the use of a 200 hp engine rotating a 76 inch propeller. Typically, such a propeller would be rotated at …