Aviation Commons^™

Standardized Checklists Versus Variable Checklist: An Evaluation In A Light Twin Simulator, Veronica Terese Cote

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to determine if a checklist that varied by sequence would enable the pilot to detect potential errors more easily than those who used an unchanging checklist. A flight hour based stratified sample of pilots were randomly divided into two groups and flew a series of eight flights in a light twin aircraft simulator. The control group used the same checklist for each trial; the experimental group used a checklist that covered the same items but varied in sequence for each trial. Faults were introduced in the last two trials. The number of faults discovered …

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.

Flight-Deck Automation: The Attitudes And Perceptions Of Selected Boeing 757/767 Air Carrier Pilots, William Woodrow Clark

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Development in electronic displays and computers have enabled avionics designers to present the pilot with ever increasing amounts of information in greater detail and with more accuracy- However, technological developments have not always brought about enhancement of the pilot's role. Investigating the interaction of cockpit crew members and the vast array of automated systems they control and monitor will contribute to the determination the effect this interface has on the performance of the cockpit team. This study utilized a questionnaire to determine if the opinions of the flight crew suggested performance is impacted negatively by automation. There was no significant …

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 c 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 of …

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 …

Airbus A320/321 Quick Change Market Analysis - A Case Study, Till Christian Mommsen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate and compare the Boeing B737 QC to the Airbus A320/321 QC aircraft, and to determine their relative market within a sample airline. The technical design of the two Airbus aircraft in a mixed QC operation were considered with respect to the requirements of a particular airline. Direct operating costs and payload range data for all three aircraft were calculated.

To evaluate the competitiveness of the A320/321 QC under actual conditions, a linear programming fleet planning model was developed that considers more than the direct operating costs of a particular aircraft. The cost …

The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Strike: A Retrospective Analysis, Steven E. Durnin

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions, beliefs, and perspectives of former air traffic controllers who were terminated from employment with the Federal Aviation Administration for participating in the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike of 1981. The study examines the perceptions of the former controllers to determine their feelings toward the justification for going on strike over 13 years ago. This is relevant in light of recent events including the lifting of the ban against rehiring PATCO controllers by the Clinton Administration.

The data collected for this study were obtained with an opinionnaire mailed via …

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 …

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 …

Satellite Data Communications Link Requirements For A Proposed Flight Simulation System, Gerald M. Kowalski

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the requirements necessary for data and voice communication via satellite, linking Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and other flight training facilities. The proposed research was conducted following a descriptive method of collecting information, generating and analyzing data, and listing the results for the proposed link requirements. The current fiber-optic communications link at ERAU in Daytona Beach was presented to establish a general foundation of communications. Research was done into methods used by satellite common carriers for realistic data and calculations. A proposed data link to connect flight simulators at the ERAU Prescott campus …

The Effects Of Male-Based Anthropometric Cockpit Designs On Self-Reported Female Aircrew Accommodation, Edith Marie-Anntoinette Dylewska

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of male-based anthropometric cockpit designs on self-reported female aircrew accommodation. A descriptive survey research method was used to collect the required data. The instrument utilized was a self-developed questionnaire/opinionnaire. It contained both Likert-type and open-ended questions. The 153 subjects were selected from the population of active, civil, female pilots in the United States of America, who hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. The responses provided to the Likert questions were analyzed using a goodness-of-fit statistical method. The data collected did not support the research hypothesis …

Effect Of Joystick Versus Control Yoke Use On Personal Computer (Pc) Flight Training: A Comparative Analysis, Gregory Alan Fontaine

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to provide a comparative performance analysis of a generic control yoke device and a generic joystick device. The comparison provided data needed for further evaluation of personal computer (PC) aircrew training device (ATD) potential. Both devices were used in support of the same PC flight simulation software program, and were evaluated using the experimental research method. Objective and subjective data were obtained during controlled testing, and subsequently analyzed using basic summation and t-test methods. The results tested the research hypothesis that there is no significant difference in personal computer ATD operator performance using a …

Effect Of A Range Ring And Of Intruder Vertical Rate On Pilot Perception Of Separation On A Cockpit Display Of Traffic Information, Paul V. Wassell

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study was conducted to determine the effect of a range ring and intruder vertical rate on pilots’ perception of aircraft separation as viewed on a cockpit display of traffic information. A group of 30 pilots from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University participated as subjects. SuperCard® Version 1.6 software and a Macintosh IIsi® personal computer were employed to generate the simulation of a cockpit display of traffic information. Each pilot monitored 80 unique scenarios in which they determined, as early as possible, what the vertical miss distance would be when a single intruder passed ownship. The pilots’ decision time and perceived vertical …

A Feasibility Study Of A Private Entity Competing With Fbos For Airline Ground Handling Contracts, Carlos A. Vergas

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This thesis investigates whether a private entity can compete with fixed base operators (FBOs) for airline ground handling contracts. Separating the research method into five phases, the author first conducts a need analysis. Then, the author dissects the structure of existing ground handling contracts. Thirdly, the average service charges presently in place are tabulated. Fourthly, a financial analysis is performed including the calculation of the break-even point at a profit. Finally, a model of ground handling operation is simulated using an existing air carrier’s ground handling contract.

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 …

The Use Of Videotape During Post-Flight Debriefing Of Simulator Flights To Improve Student Learning And Reduce Instructional Time, Stanley Paul Rowe

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to determine if videotaping students during simulator flights and using the results as a teaching tool would improve student learning and require less instructional time. Thirty subjects were randomly selected from students enrolled in an instrument rating flight course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A Frasca 141 simulator and a Panasonic video camera were used as the data gathering instruments. The treatment group reviewed the instructional lessons on videotape during their post-flight debriefing. At the end of the experiment, both groups received a posttest. The results of the posttest and the amount of instructional hours …

Incorporation Of Traffic Collision Alert System (Tcas) Advisories On Heads-Up Displays: Enhanced Pilot Response, Hamadeh A. Nureddine

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study evaluated the effects that heads-up mounted TCAS displays had on pilot response and workload. Pilot response was evaluated by: (a) response time to a traffic advisory, and (b) number of missed traffic alerts. Workload assessment was accomplished in accordance with NASA's Task Load Index (TLX). Subjects were all licensed pilots with a minimum of a private pilot license and an instrument rating. A total of 32 subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups utilizing HUD-mounted, and conventional, TCAS displays respectively. Performance data was collected during computer-simulated flights, while subjective workload levels were reported at the end. …

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

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 Effects Of Automation On Crew Coordination In The Corporate Cockpit, Yves P. Koning

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The implementation of automated systems in the cockpit has somewhat changed pilots' working environment. The present study, which focus is on corporate aviation, looks at the influence automation has on crew coordination.

A questionnaire including both Likert scale and open-ended questions was sent to 880 qualified pilots. A descriptive as well as an inferential analysis of the data provided by the Likert scale questions was conducted. Out of the five variables tested, the only one to generate any significant differences (p

Overall, pilots pointed out the importance of verbal communication and cockpit resource management training, emphasizing the strong need for …

Effect Of Intruder Vertical Rate On Pilot Perception Of Separation On A Cockpit Traffic Display, Bryan H. Rooney

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intruder vertical rate on pilots’ perception of aircraft separation as viewed on a cockpit traffic display. A group of 20 student pilots from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University participated as subjects. SuperCard® software and a Macintosh II® personal computer were employed to generate the simulation of a cockpit display of traffic information. Each pilot monitored 84 scenarios in which they had to perceive how far away a single intruder would pass over or under their own aircraft. The pilots’ decision time, vertical and horizontal distance at decision time and percentage of …

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.

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 …

An Investigation Of The Floor Attachment Assembly Of A Large Transport Aircraft Seat Subjected To Crash Dynamic Loadings, Mark William Creager

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Accident investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the passenger seat and restraint systems found in today's aircraft used by the airlines are inadequate to protect the occupant in airplane crashes. Computer models were developed of the seat-track assembly and finite element analyses were performed subjected to crash dynamic loadings. The seat-track interface was modeled with gap elements to accurately model the geometric interaction between the track and seat-track fittings. Results showed large deformations and stresses above yielding in both the seat and track when subjected to accelerations prescribed for certification under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

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 …

The Impact Of Birthdate Biorhythms On Aviation Accidents Involving Hellenic Air Force Fighter Pilots, Ioannis Fokas

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study investigated the impact of birthdate biorhythm on aviation accidents involving Hellenic Air Force fighter pilots. A list of names, birthdates, and the dates of accidents was compiled from accidents involving pilots who had flown fighter aircraft and have reacted improperly even though they had sufficient time to implement the proper procedures. The list was acquired from the History Office of the Hellenic Air Force. A computer program was acquired for the specific purpose of tracking the pilot's birthdate biorhythm cycles. The Standardized Statistic Test for Proportion was used for statistical inferences. The results suggest that the date of …

Investigation And Evaluation Of A Computer Program To Minimize Vfr Flight Planning Errors, Peter Joseph Mcalindon

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of computer aided flight planning on flight planning errors. Subjects were selected from the introductory flight courses at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After the subjects completed a conventional VFR navigation log, they were asked to plan the return trip of the flight using a computer aided flight plan. It was initially expected that the computer aided flight plans would have fewer flight planning errors than those calculated using conventional methods. The results supported the hypothesis that flight planning errors are greatly reduced when computer aided flight planning techniques are used.