Aviation Commons^™

Aviation Maintenance Safety Management Challenges : Thematic Analysis, Tori Kobayashi, Brent D. Bowen

Student Works

Aircraft maintenance is a fundamental and necessary element in any aviation operation. In order to be considered safe and airworthy, operators must be diligent in the way aircraft are maintained and how employees are performing. A safety management system (SMS) is an organized approach by management to include every employee of a company that standardizes the procedures a company will follow to improve safety. The structure of SMS was designed by the International Civil Aviation Organization in order to be standardized across different countries and types of operations. Currently, only part 121 U.S. commercial airlines are mandated by the Federal …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Airline Passenger Satisfaction, Kaetlyn Blocker, Brent D. Bowen, Erin Bowen, Andrea Irish

Student Works

Each year, airline passengers respond to the Airline Passenger Survey providing feedback of their experiences with major domestic (U.S.) airlines. The Airline Passenger Survey analyzes responses to a varied set of questions. This specific study is limited to the single open-ended question within the survey. This question is optional, but allows an opportunity to share any issues, concerns, and/or complaints regarding their own air travel experiences. There is no limitation on the number of words submitted. Through the application of a thematic coding scheme, results show what the highest concerns of airline passengers have been the last two years.

Predicting Pilot Misperception Of Runway Excursion Risk Through Machine Learning Algorithms Of Recorded Flight Data, Edwin Vincent Odisho Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The research used predictive models to determine pilot misperception of runway excursion risk associated with unstable approaches. The Federal Aviation Administration defined runway excursion as a veer-off or overrun of the runway surface. The Federal Aviation Administration also defined a stable approach as an aircraft meeting the following criteria: (a) on target approach airspeed, (b) correct attitude, (c) landing configuration, (d) nominal descent angle/rate, and (e) on a straight flight path to the runway touchdown zone. Continuing an unstable approach to landing was defined as Unstable Approach Risk Misperception in this research. A review of the literature revealed that an …

Empirical Analysis Of Trends In Runway Incursions In The United States From 2001 To 2017, David C. Ison

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Runway incursions, events in which an aircraft, vehicle, or person is located on a runway surface without authorization, continue to be a constant threat to aviation safety. Previously identified on the ‘‘Most Wanted’’ list of aviation safety issues by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has spent significant amounts of money and effort to address runway incursions. Little empirical evidence has been collected on the effectiveness of such efforts. Moreover, the data that are available provide a confusing landscape of contradicting findings. Some FAA publications claim that runway incursions are decreasing while the evidence provided in …

Developing A Taxonomy For Success In Commercial Pilot Behaviors, Kristine Kiernan, David S. Cross, Mark Scharf Ph.D.

Publications

Human error has been well studied in aviation. However, less is known about the ways in which human performance maintains and contributes to aviation safety. The lack of data on positive human performance prevents consideration of the full range of human behaviors when making safety and risk management decisions. The concept of resilient performance provides a framework to understand and classify positive human behaviors. Through interviews with commercial airline pilots, this study examined routine airline operations to evaluate the concept of resilient performance and to develop a taxonomy for success. The four enablers of resilient performance, anticipation, learning, responding, and …

Thei Student Applied Research Presentations Sarp 2020, Research Office, Technological And Higher Education Institute Of Hong Kong

THEi Student Applied Research Presentations (SARP)

No abstract provided.

Public Acceptance Of Ai Technology In Self-Flying Aircraft, Sarah M. Talley

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The research article includes a literature dissection on the topics of public acceptance of automated vehicles, including self-driving cars and unmanned aerial vehicles. Information reviewed will be applied to the potential future application of self-flying aircraft. The use of the Technology Acceptance Model is reviewed for application of public acceptance studies. Contributing factors commonly observed include perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived risk and environmental benefits. Additionally, trust in automated technology for decision-making is reviewed. Research is based on existing studies of public acceptance in similar technologies and is applied to the likely public acceptance of self-flying aircraft.

Occupational Radiation Exposures In Aviation: Air Traffic Safety Systems Considerations, Adeyinka Olumuyiwa Osunwusi

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Radiation from both natural and artificial sources is an inescapable and undeniable reality of human existence. Aside from exposure to radiation from a wide variety of natural sources including background ionizing radiation and electromagnetic fields from the earth, the increasing multiplicity of scientific and technological advancements and the growing complexities of the urbanization process are combining to elevate the susceptibility of mankind to non-ionizing radiation from electromagnetic fields. Debates regarding the health outcomes of occupational radiation exposures in aviation have been intense in recent times with a focus that appears predominantly riveted on in-flight radiation exposures. Whereas the vast majority …

Fatigue Identification And Management In Flight Training Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots, Flavio Mendonca Ph.D., Julius Keller Ph.D., Michael Robertson Ph.D., Matt Romero

Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was fivefold: to investigate the symptoms that would prompt collegiate aviation pilots perceive they are fatigued; to investigate the time of the day they are most fatigued; to investigate their academic and personal schedules; to investigate the methods collegiate aviation pilots utilize to ensure they are fit to fly; and to investigate whether they have received any academic and/or flight fatigue identification and management training.

Background: Fatigue is a pervasive safety hazard in aviation affecting several aspects of flight crew members’ ability to perform their job. Fatigue in aviation and its consequences has been …

Standardization Roadmap For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Version 2.0, Kristine Kiernan, Robert Joslin, John Robbins

Publications

This Standardization Roadmap for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Version 2.0 (“roadmap”) is an update to version 1.0 of this document published in December 2018. It identifies existing standards and standards in development, assesses gaps, and makes recommendations for priority areas where there is a perceived need for additional standardization and/or pre-standardization R&D.

The roadmap has examined 78 issue areas, identified a total of 71 open gaps and corresponding recommendations across the topical areas of airworthiness; flight operations (both general concerns and application-specific ones including critical infrastructure inspections, commercial services, and public safety operations); and personnel training, qualifications, and certification. Of that …

Recommended Training Practices To Prepare Pilots To Cope With Information Conflicts, Meredith Carroll, Paige Sanchez, Donna Wilt

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

As the next generation of flight deck information systems are being utilized on the flight deck, pilots now have greater amounts of information at their fingertips. Information that was typically available only from certified information sources in aircraft panels, is now being provided by a range of sources, both within the panel and on Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs). Although redundant sources of information provide pilots a means by which to crosscheck and hone in on ground truth, they also introduce the potential for pilots encountering conflicting information. As conflicting information can have negative effects on decision making, there is a …

Pilot Selection Research Gaps: What We Do And Don't Know About "The Right Stuff", Thomas C. Scott, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Ever since the commencement of high-powered flight, pilot selection has been a crucial process within military, general, and commercial aviation. Through effective pilot selection, individuals with the necessary aptitudes, or "the right stuff" to get through a training program and successfully perform the job, can be chosen. There is a range of different aptitudes that have been shown through research to correlate with effective pilot performance. However, there is currently not a comprehensive understanding of the aptitudes, including both cognitive abilities and psychological attributes, necessary not only for effective pilot performance but also for a successful career as an aviator. …

Examination Of The Impact Of Various Training Approaches On Different Uas Operator Populations, Summer Rebensky, Meredith Carroll, Maria Chaparro

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

In recent years, the UAS industry has extended beyond military and recreational use and is now positioned to become a major portion of the aviation industry. As we move toward UAS integration into the national airspace system, UAS operators need effective training to ensure safe operation. Training UAS operators in an engaging way is important to ensure the best performance and transfer of training. Training methods that elicit high levels of learner engagement have been shown to improve knowledge gains, performance, and therefore such training techniques provide an opportunity for improving UAS training effectiveness and transfer. The growth of the …

Examining Pilot Response To Cybersecurity Events On The Flight Deck, Meredith Carroll, Summer Rebensky, Paige Sanchez

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the aviation industry. In general, cybersecurity research has typically focused on providing technical solutions such as hardening networks and improving computer systems, with little focus on the human operator. Human operators, such as pilots, are often the last line of defense; however, it is currently unclear whether pilots can recognize cybersecurity vulnerabilities, detect when a system is being compromised, and respond appropriately to a cybersecurity event. A review of literature revealed three key stages in cybersecurity response decision process (susceptibility, detection, and response) that are influenced by eight separate factors (perceived susceptibility, perceived safeguard …

Automatic Detection Of Learner Engagement Using Machine Learning And Wearable Sensors, Meredith Carroll, Mitchell Ruble, Mark Dranias, Summer Rebensky, Maria Chaparro, Joanna Chiang, Brent Winslow

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Training can now be delivered on a large scale through mobile and web-based platforms in which the learner is often distanced from the instructor and their peers. In order to optimize learner engagement and maximize learning in these contexts, instructional content and strategies must be engaging. Key to the de-velopment and study of such content and strategies, and adaptation of instruc-tional techniques when learners become disengaged, is the ability to objec-tively assess engagement in real-time. Previous self-reported metrics, or expen-sive EEG-based engagement measures are not appropriate for large-scale plat-forms due to their complexity and cost. Here we describe the development …

Language Education For Ab Initio Flight Training: A Plan Going Forward, Jennifer Roberts, Alan Orr

Publications

English language proficiency for the aviation industry is a critical issue given the industry’s growth in regions of the world where English is not a first or a national language. This chapter discusses language training for ab initio flight students who will comprise much of the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP). It describes aviation English as a form of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and the language skills required for flight school contexts where English is the Medium of Instruction (EMI). The chapter advocates for the assessment of incoming ab initio flight school students using a tool adapted from …

Implementing The Repairer Human Factors Safety Reporting System Through Mrm (Mxhf) To Meet Sms Compliance In Aviation Maintenance, Mark D. Miller, Bettina Mrusek

Publications

Reiterating the importance of having a human factor related safety reporting system for aviation maintenance to reduce human error and utilizing it to gain SMS compliance, the REPAIRER method of identifying and reporting human factors hazards in aviation maintenance is reintroduced. How and why the REPAIRER method system is of such importance in the implementation of aviation maintenance safety programs can be linked to the success and evolution of maintenance resource management and human factors programs which have been effective in reducing human error in aviation maintenance. These programs are rooted in effective communication methods, as well as the identification …

Repairer Reporting System User Analysis For Sms Compliance In Aviation Maintenance, Mark D. Miller, Bettina Mrusek

Publications

To resolve the issue of human error in maintenance the REPAIRER reporting system is revisited as it has great potential by combining a human factors analysis with a risk management safety reporting mechanism. It is also timely as a human factors centered safety reporting method like the REPAIRER could now be feasibly implemented through the new mandatory FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) FAR 121 requirement to use SMS (Safety Management System) pillars and through the new FAA MxHF human factors training. With the current FAA support in place and the ever growing need to add human factors to combat human error …

Airport Operations Delays And Possible Mitigation Through Electric Taxi Systems: A Qualitative Case Study, David Cross, Kristine Kiernan, Mark Scharf Ph.D.

Publications

Airline daily departures, not including private aircraft, increased from 25,143 in 2000 to 36,722 in 2017. More passengers necessitate more aircraft and more flights. With more aircraft at terminals, ground delays, based on current airport design, will continue to increase. Systems that allow for reduced aircraft time on the ground will improve airline economics and airport operations, in addition, will reduce airline delays both for departure and arrival at the gate. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the efficacy, from ramp controllers’ perspectives, of equipping airliners with an electric taxi system. Prototype electric taxi systems have …

Assessing If Motivation Impacts General Aviation Pilots’ Persistence In Varying Weather Conditions, Sabrina Woods

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Continued flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions is the predominant cause for fatal accidents by percentage, for general aviation aircraft operations. It is possible that a pilot’s motivation or reason for flying will override other safer, more logical courses of action when a hazard presents itself. The decision appears to stem from a willingness to persist in a course of action despite factors that indicate an alternate and safer course is warranted. This research addresses what is currently presumed about the decision to continue flying under visual flight rules into instrument conditions and marries those ideas with …

Redefining Creep: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Aviation Accident Survivability, Michael Knott

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Given the sheer amount of flights that occur on a daily basis around the world, aviation accidents are going to occur. The principles ensuring that an accident is as safe as possible are considered aircraft survivability or crashworthiness which is analyzed using the acronym CREEP; Container, Restraint, Environment, Energy Absorption, and Post-Crash Factors. CREEP is used by investigators to analyze survivability after a crash, but has significant short falls. By only focusing on a crash, CREEP misses several survivability concepts applicable to aviation such as aircraft equipped with ejection seats, inflight environmental factors, and high …

Needs Based Assessment Of Agricultural Pilots In The Upper Midwest, Andrew Leonard, Cody Christensen, Jessie Hendricks

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The agricultural aviation industry plays an increasingly important role in being able to meet the demands of food production on global level. With a limited ability to increase the amount of land used for food production, farmers will have to find a way to increase yields on current land. Unfortunately, the agricultural aviation industry is at risk of having a shortage of pilots able to operate its aircraft. With the current generation of agricultural pilots reaching retirement, operators are scrambling to find qualified pilots to fill their seats. The majority of operators indicated that when looking for a new pilot …

Managing Safety Risks In Airline Maintenance Outsourcing, Rajee Olaganathan Dr., Mark Miller Dr., Bettina M. Mrusek Dr.

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The U.S aviation industry faced severe financial losses after the 9/11 incident. The financial loss that occurred between 2000 and 2009 in the U.S. alone was $54 billion dollars. One of the operational strategies adopted by air carriers to overcome this hurdle was to outsource aircraft maintenance. Initially, this was accomplished in both home and off-shore locations. Unionized labor relations in the US ultimately forced these organizations to outsource to non-unionized labor sources in foreign countries. However, due to the upsurge in accidents and incidents that resulting from maintenance failures, the concept of outsourcing maintenance became a subject of debate …

A Conceptual Framework For Valuating Airline Frequent Flyer Program Miles, Yi Gao

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Frequent flyer programs of airlines have gradually evolved into a multi-billion dollar business over the years. Valuing frequent flyer program miles accurately and fairly has its practical implications both for airlines and members of frequent flyer programs. As a ground-breaking academic study dedicated to airline loyalty programs, this study aims to build a conceptual framework to guide the valuation of miles. Through comparing required miles for different award types with their equivalent cash prices, this study has successfully addressed the purchasing power of AAdvantage miles of American Airlines when they are used for award redemption. Not only can this study …

Converting The Aircraft Passenger’S Cabin To An Airship When There Is A Danger Of Crash, Abouzar Bahari

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

From the beginning of the airplane invention until now, many kinds of airliners have been introduced by different companies to transport the people throughout the world. However, although the manufacturing companies have highly promoted the technical and safety systems of the airliners and made them the safest traveling equipment, there is still a possibility of their failure in the technical and/ or safety systems. The serious faults that may occur in an aircraft during the flight can cause the loss of its control. Improving the aircraft safety to guarantee the security, both bodily and spiritually, is of a high demand. …

Risk - A Multi-Layered Approach, Peter S. Neff

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This article discusses the relationship between the mandates to achieve increased operational safety and the application of risk management strategies. That commercial airlines must operate at the highest level of safety is mandated by statute. FAA regulation, 14 CFR part 5, outlines the FAA response to the requirements of ICAO Annex 19, Safety Management, by establishing requirements for certificate holders to develop a Safety Management System with 4 components: (a) Safety Policy; (b) Safety Risk Management; (c) Safety Assurance; and (d) Safety Promotion. Safety is a tangible and intangible element foundational to the successful commercial airline sector. A structured multi-layered …

A Review Of Dji’S Mavic Pro Precision Landing Accuracy, Cody Yoakum, Joseph Cerreta

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Precision landing has the potential to increase the accuracy of autonomous landings. Unique applications require specific landing performance; for example, wireless charging loses efficiency with a misalignment of 100mm. Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information for the DJI Mavic Pro’s landing specifications. This research investigated the ability of a Mavic Pro to land at a specified point accurately. The purpose of this research is to determine if precision landings are more accurate than non-precision autonomous landings and if the Mavic Pro is capable of applications such as wireless charging when using precision landings. A total of 128 (64 precision …

Simulation Analysis Of The Effects Of Performance-Based Navigation On Fuel And Block Time Efficiency, Shlok Misra

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The commercial aviation industry has been grown steadily in the past decade in terms of the number of flights operated and passengers traveled. The Federal Aviation Administration has introduced several technologies and initiatives under the NextGen Program. Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is one such technology that is aimed at improving the efficiency of the National Airspace System which will improve system capacity and reduce delays. The airlines operate with restrained resources and investments into reducing fuel costs and flight times will directly or indirectly impact profit margins. PBN procedures and routes can help airlines reduce block times as flights will be …

Efficiency Analysis Of A Congested Brazilian Airport Applying Slots Optimization Control: Congonhas Airport Case, Mariana Franco B. Mendes, Rafael Roco De Araujo, Ana Paula Beck Da Silva Etges, Massoud Bazargan

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The current slot allocation mechanism in Brazil, based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules, and its supplementary local regulation The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), displays a few issues and limitations (e.g. slot misuse, allocation inefficiencies). Such issues are particularly present in the case of busy airports that works near their maximum capacity for major parts of the day. This inefficiency problem is generated because of the complexity of slot allocation added to the limited decision support available for the Brazilian system. This study focuses on the implementation of an optimal slot model, based on IATA regulations with …

Significance Of Incorporating Weather Technology Training For Ga Pilots To Curb Fatalities, Rajee Olaganathan Dr, Richard G. Ham Dr.

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Weather is considered to be the main threat to aviation safety from the early 1900s. Despite advanced technologies available at present, the weather still poses a risk to the ever-growing aviation industry. This research gives an overview of weather-related accidents with special reference to Part 91 operation in the United States from 1982 and 2017 based on the NTSB database. The analysis shows that 14 CFR Part 91 operations experienced more accidents than Part 121 operations, and weather was a cause or a contributing factor in 35 % of fatal general aviation accidents. The study also identified the main weather …