Aviation and Space Education Commons^™

Prototype Ai Assistant For Private And Student Pilots, Shawn De La Osa

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research explores AI-based decision support in light general aviation (e.g., Cessna 172, Diamond), where onboard hardware is typically too limited for modern AI. In aviation, AI has the potential to act as a “copilot” supporting planning, execution, and assessment, particularly since single pilots must simultaneously aviate, navigate, and communicate under high workload. However, although AI adoption is rapidly expanding, many implementations are introduced without fully incorporating human-centered design processes that account for pilot workflow and workload. We leverage a human factors process in this research. First, we design and evaluate a cloud-based AI copilot . The system leverages Starlink …

Spatial Dynamics Of Lead Waste: An Esda Approach To U.S. Interstate Transfers, Santiago Acuna Gonzalez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Spatial Dynamics of Lead Waste: An ESDA Approach to U.S. Interstate Transfers   This research applied a novel Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) methodology to analyze interstate movements (n= 446) of lead (Pb; CAS 7339-92-1) among facilities that transported more than 1,000 lbs offsite across the United States, using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Using QGIS, the analysis produced three geospatial products by integrating TRI Form R Schedule 3A with coordinates from the EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS) to populate offsite locations. First, a state-level net-flow choropleth distinguished exporting from importing states. Second, an export-focused map …

Exploring Generation Z Pilots' Approach To Training Automation: An Interview Study, Mary Bender

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Introduction. Today's pilots learn to fly on aircraft with sophisticated automated systems, such as the G1000. Although automation can reduce workload, over-relying on this technology can lead to decreased situational awareness, complacency, and a loss in manual flying skills (Parasuraman, 2000; Parasuraman et al., 2000; Parasuraman & Wickens, 2017; Taylor et al., 2020). Instructor pilots, in turn, are faced with the challenge of teaching students how to leverage a system that can affect their performance, both positively and negatively. The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies and challenges that instructor pilots face when training students on automation. …

Enhancing Virtual Reality Cockpit Procedure Training With Haptic Feedback, Christian K. Jaedicke

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Pilot training is time-consuming and costly, and not all phases require full-flight simulators or actual aircraft. Virtual reality (VR) offers a potential means to reduce cost and duration while supporting practical cockpit procedure training. While prior research in the VR domain suggests that providing haptic feedback can support training of muscular control and increase perceived immersion, it remains unclear whether haptic feedback improves spatial cognition in an unfamiliar VR environment. This study examined whether haptic feedback and cockpit complexity affected response time and position error under limited-visibility, time-constrained conditions in a VR cockpit environment (i.e., a quasi-blindfold cockpit check).

Grounded …

Meeting The Moment With Ai-Employer Informed Education, Brent Terwilliger, John Faraca

Publications

As artificial intelligence transforms aviation, aerospace, and autonomy-related sectors, higher education must adapt to meet evolving workforce demands. This session shares emerging findings from a nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, focused on employer perceptions of AI adoption, responsible use, and workforce preparedness in domains including uncrewed systems, space systems, robotics, and advanced air mobility. Based on a structured survey and follow-up interviews, the presentation explores how organizations are using AI tools, from generative platforms to enterprise systems, and defining effective and inappropriate use in operational contexts. Participants will gain insight into critical concerns (e.g., data privacy, compliance, security, …

The Role Of User Experience In Virtual Reality Flight Training: A Comparison With Pc-Based Simulation, Tianxin Zhang, Christina M. Frederick, Barbara Chaparro

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The current project explores how user experience (UX) in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation influences both cognitive learning outcomes and procedural skill acquisition when compared to traditional desktop-based simulation.. Using a quasi-transfer of training design, 48 student pilots were randomly assigned to VR, Desktop, or Control groups and trained on the Chandelle maneuver. UX was measured with the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), while training effectiveness was evaluated through a post-training knowledge test and recorded maneuver performance on a high-fidelity flight training device. Results indicated that the VR group reported significantly higher UX scores in Attractiveness, Stimulation, and Novelty, and showed …

Instructional Fidelity In Virtual Flight: Applying A Structured Learning Model For Vr-Based Pilot Training, Lindsay Gouedy, Bryce Jarrell, Mary Fendley, Brandon Wolf

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

As immersive training technologies reshape the future of aviation education, this study explores the impact of integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into a structured instructional model for B-52 pilot training. With the development and implementation of the I-BUFF (Integrated B-52 Unit Flight Familiarization) model, an innovative framework built upon the 4C/ID (Four Component Instructional Design) and SEEV (Salience, Effort, Expectancy, Value) models, this research evaluates whether structured VR environments improve training transfer and accelerate task proficiency for in-air refueling tasks. A sample of 233 pilot trainees was assessed across three groups: traditional training (non-VR unstructured), VR semi-structured, and VR fully structured …

Utilising Video Recordings To Assess Student Pilot Performance: An Exploratory Study During A Simulated Training Flight, Bradley Moncion, Shi Cao, Allison Lynch, Suzanne K. Kearns, Elizabeth Irving, Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

In ab initio flight training, the quality of the feedback a flight instructor provides their student is essential to their success. While other high-performance and safety-critical industries have incorporated the use of video recordings into training and assessments, the aviation industry generally has not. There are some studies addressing the potential benefits of video recordings in training professional pilots, but there is a lack of research at the ab initio level. In this study, five flight instructors assessed the performance of student pilots conducting a simulated training flight using a 4-point marking scale. The flights instructors were then tasked with …

Preparing Tomorrow’S Professionals: Industry-Informed Ai Integration, Brent A. Terwilliger Ph.D, John Faraca

Publications

As AI reshapes operations across aviation and aerospace, organizations are investing in ways to preserve data integrity, safeguard proprietary knowledge, and uphold critical professional competencies. This presentation shares emerging findings from a study that surveys and interviews industry professionals about their use of AI tools, their concerns about misuse, and the importance of secure, enterprise-controlled “walled garden” environments. The work explores how employers define appropriate, effective, and innovative AI adoption, particularly in roles requiring high-stakes decision-making, compliance, and technical acumen.

By analyzing organizational expectations around AI-related knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), this research offers practical guidance for academic programs seeking …

Student Perspectives On Ai-Enabled Tools For Adaptive Learning, John Faraca

Publications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing the delivery of higher education, especially in aviation technical disciplines. From AI-assisted gimbals and video production tools to generative AI platforms, these technologies are helping learners to engage with course material, accomplish objectives, and connect academic concepts with professional applications. By offering pathways for personalization, streamlining resource access, and supporting interactive instruction, AI tools expand opportunities for effective learning. This work builds on a current collaborative research project with a faculty researcher to explore the student perspective in the active review and application of these tools to highlight their potential to improve usability, address …

Student Insights Into Airline Pathway Program Participation, Lauren Burmester, Becky Lutte, Donald Seeterlin, Isabella Gianni

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Airlines and universities have increasingly established partnership agreements for the purpose of providing a clear path for employment for professional pilots. ERAU has multiple agreements with airlines and corporate flight departments. The purpose of this research project is to examine the motivation for students to join these pilot pathway programs. The authors will explore why students choose to join such programs and what barriers keep them from participating.

The research will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, supported by an internal grant, involves a comprehensive literature review, and the development of a survey instrument and interview protocol. The …

Examining The Impact Of Stress On Collegiate Flight Students, Shivanee D. Cannon-Patron

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

Stress may negatively affect the timely completion of a student pilot's flight training. A student pilot influenced by stress may be subject to what is known as "falling behind the aircraft," a condition that constantly requires minor interventions from their flight instructor. This lack of situational awareness and decreased performance may inadvertently cause the student pilot to repeat the flight lesson, increasing the time spent in the training course.

The Impact Of Socialization On Student Intention To Persist And Flight Training Outcomes, Bryan M. Haffey, Kathryn Gardner-Vandy

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The aim of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between the socialization of student pilots within aviation-training organizations, student intention to persist, and training outcomes as demonstrated by the number of flight hours needed to reach both solo flight and the attainment of the private pilot certificate. It also sought to compare the extent to which socialization is promoted within different types of flight training environments. It was hypothesized that Part 141 flight schools would be more likely to promote socialization than any type of Part 61 training environment. Eligible respondents were invited to take an online survey …

Quantifying The Transfer Effectiveness Of An Artificial Intelligence-Based Simulator Pre-Training Program For Student Pilots, Ryan Guthridge

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Since the airline pilot shortage was initially studied in 2016, the pilot hiring model has been significantly impacted, with airlines hiring qualified pilots at unprecedented rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed this hiring rate, however it is expected that airline hiring will soon increase to a rate higher than initially expected (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2022). With this dynamic, certified flight instructors are often the most qualified recruits for airlines, due to the number of hours and experience they have gained in the flight training organization. In turn, certified flight instructors are in short supply for flight training organizations worldwide. …

The Influence Of Social Achievement Goals On Grit In Aviation Education, Austin T. Walden

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Aviation students have multiple ways of persisting and persevering in their aviation education, and they do not learn in a vacuum. Their social goals may help explain why some aviation students show more grit than others in an aviation education environment. The study examined the relationship and predictive ability of social achievement goals (i.e., social development goal, social demonstration-approach goal, and social demonstration-avoid goal) to predict grit in an aviation education environment. The constructs of social achievement goals and grit have yet to be examined together in motivation research. This paper provides a new predictive model for using the two …

Suas Agricultural Aerial Application Operational Field Test, David Thirtyacre, Joseph Cerreta, Scott S. Burgess

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

One of the most promising uses of aerial applications by a sUAS is on small farms where traditional crewed aerial applicators were not practical due to the limited size of the operations. This controlled field test aimed to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using a sUAS spreading system compared to the traditional manual application of weed killer and fertilizer on cranberry bogs in Western Washington that were less than 10 acres. The aerial application took place over two separate days as scheduled by the farmer for maximum product efficiency. A total of sixty-three flights were necessary to apply the …

Generalizing Classification Of Pilot Workload: Transfer Learning Versus A Jepa-Inspired Transformer Architecture, Naim Barnett, Shivani Nagrecha, Morgan Glover, Clayton Harper, Justin Wilson, James Maher, Eric C. Larson

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Within the context of learning, there poses difficulty when objectively measuring human performance. In this work, we investigate the evaluation of human performance via its relation to the individual's mental capacity by classification of cognitive load within the domain of aviation. By utilizing a mixed virtual and physical flight simulation environment in conjunction with biometric sensing, we create and evaluate the predictive capabilities of a Joint-Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA) and compare the architecture and results to traditional methods for transfer learning and domain adaptation. We find that our JEPA inspired architecture can achieve more than 70% accuracy of cognitive workload, …

Surely You Can’T Be Serious: A Student’S Guide For Flight School Closure, Aidan Mcglasson, Sarah Nilsson

Publications

Flying aircraft, whether at a general aviation, commercial, or military level, is deeply engrained in American culture. Opinion polls place being a professional pilot as one of the most respected, and prestigious jobs in the country (Mushtaque, 2023). As evidenced by the popularity of movies such as Airplane!, Top Gun, or Sully, flying is something that fascinates many people. Perhaps contributing to its mystique is the difficulty and expense in obtaining the necessary training and certifications to be a pilot. Some people undergo flight training with the goal of flying commercially, as an airline or corporate pilot, while others do …

Investigating Retention Solutions For Women In Aviation Education And Flight Training, Jorge L.D. Albelo, Samantha Bowyer, Michael E. Wiggins

Publications

Despite advancements, women remain underrepresented in the aviation industry, particularly in pilot roles. Addressing this disparity, a university initiated the Women’s Ambassador Mentoring Program (WAMP) to enhance the recruitment and retention of female aviation students pursuing an aeronautical science degree. Concerns persist about insufficient support systems hindering progress. This study employs a transformative mixed methodology, utilizing both publicly available quantitative data and qualitative insights from program-involved students. The research assesses the growth in female aviation students compared to certified pilots, examining the university's enrollment and retention of female students over time. Emphasizing the necessity of a supportive culture, the study …

Fly Like A Naval Aviator: Effect Of Procedural Angle-Of-Attack Training On Pilot Comprehension And Decision-Making In General Aviation, Tara Samuels

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

To make life-saving equipment more accessible to general aviation (GA) aircraft owners and operators, the FAA streamlined installation of angle of attack (AOA) systems in GA fleets. Yet studies suggest GA pilots are ill-equipped to use these systems without training. Pilot performance suffers when an AOA is added to the flight deck because pilots’ knowledge with these systems is merely declarative (know-what) and not sufficiently procedural (know-how). Furthermore, GA pilots struggle to integrate the indicator into their existing (and well-rehearsed) mental models.

The study used a two-way mixed-design analysis of variance with a within-between- subjects approach to examine the effect …

The Use Of Virtual Reality Training Environments For Procedural Training In Fourth-Generation Airliners, Mark Edgar Mccullins

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of using virtual reality training environments for procedural training in fourth-generation airliners. Its goal was to assess whether the training outcomes from a recurrent training course for FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians, which used a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) to deliver and assess training, differed from the same training delivered using a Virtual Reality (VR) device.

The study used an experimental design with three groups and two within-group measures of training effectiveness. The control group followed the current training program and was assessed in the FFS, while the second group was trained using …

A Double Taboo? An Exploratory Study Of Mental Health Perceptions Amongst Black Aerospace Professionals, Theodore W. Johnson Ph.D., Arlean Timmons, Kenisha V. Ford, Harriet Sanya

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This exploratory study delves into the often-overlooked realm of mental health perceptions among Black aerospace professionals, shedding light on a double taboo within a historically stigmatized industry and community. In response to the escalating mental health crisis in the U.S. and scarcity of research focusing exclusively on the mental health experiences of Black aerospace professionals, this research endeavors to uncover their unique perspectives.

The findings from the study indicate that Black aerospace professionals navigate not only the universal challenges of mental health but also complex socio-cultural and workplace factors, such as discrimination, underrepresentation, and the historic reluctance to discuss mental …

Going Airborne: Kent State's Pioneering Leap Into Integrated Advanced Air Mobility, Jason T. Lorenzon

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This proposal centers on the development of a Concept of Operations in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Kent State University's College of Aeronautics and Engineering is poised to pioneer the integration of drones and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) systems, bridging the gap between its campus and airport by transporting students and faculty the 3NM distance from campus to the airport and back by a UAV. Beyond a standard research initiative, this proposal signifies a groundbreaking effort to reshape the landscape of educational aeronautics and Advanced Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility. Our overarching goal is to transcend conventional boundaries …

Shaping Aam Educational Methods: A Comparison Of Traditional And Compressed Class Schedules In Uas Classes., Collin D. Mcdonald, Daniel Siao, Kevin Corns

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a paradigm shift in the versatility of the aviation industry. The obvious benefits of this platform will revolutionize a variety of aspects of the industry. One of the aspects in which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended research is the effectiveness of the traditional educational methods. Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching methodologies have become widely accepted in aviation. In addition, the format of traditional, instructor-led courses have also changed. Compressed schedules (accelerated courses) have become an additional option in some programs.

To better understand if there are statistically significant differences in testing …

Real-Time Detection Of Sea Turtles Using Uav And Neural Networks On Edge Devices, Jose A. Gonzalez Nunez, Jose G. Gonzalez Nunez, Mustafa I. Akbas, Patrick Currier, Nickolas D. Macchiarella

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Sea turtle populations continue to diminish around the globe for various reasons. Therefore, the need for innovative solutions to monitor sea turtles has been increasing. This research paper focuses on an innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) together with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to improve sea turtle conservation efforts. We outline the design, implementation, and evaluation of a system that deploys UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras, coupled with a purpose-built neural network to recognize, classify, and monitor sea turtles. This project thus serves as a platform for understanding the wider applicability and limitations of this technology …

High-Flying Results: A Case Study In A Pilot Development Mentor Program, Catherine G. Cordova, Barron Parsons-Daisley, Emma Fox Captain

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Consistently considered one of the world’s most stressful occupations, the job of an airline pilot requires increasingly specific skills and responsibilities, especially amidst the global pandemic (Cullen, et al., 2020; Sew, et al., 2022). Given the severity and implications of their decisions and actions, airline pilots must continuously undergo training and practices to ensure proper procedure. In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) augmented qualifications by enacting Pilot Professional Development requirements (85 FR 10923), including mentoring for newly hired pilots in command (PIC’s). In complement with 85 FR 10923, CFR 121-N ensures “techniques for reinforcing the highest standards of technical …

User Experience, Motivation And Self-Efficacy Comparisons Between Virtual Reality And Conventional Pc-Based Flight Simulation Training, Tianxin Zhang, Christina Frederick, Andrew Dattel, Elizabeth Blickensderfer, Barbara Chaparro

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The current project investigated the effect of utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for flight training by comparing user experience, motivation, and self-efficacy when using conventional desktop flight simulation versus VR flight simulation. This research employed a quasi-transfer of training experiment with 48 participants. Findings showed that VR flight simulation could provide a better user experience and generate a higher level of training motivation than traditional training technologies, while maintaining trainees’ perceptions of self-efficacy. This work contributed positive evidence that VR flight simulation has great potential to be an effective means of flight training and provided a foundation for future research …

History’S Slowest Digital Transformation: The Long Road To Flight Data Monitoring, Michael Ott

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Flight data monitoring (FDM) began in the flight test community in 1939 and entered the airline industry in 1974. In the 48 years since, however, very few operators have chosen to adopt this practice, which has shown clear safety benefits where it has found acceptance. While technical issues have created some obstacles, cultural issues have proven the greatest hindrance to wider FDM adoption. These cultural issues originated in the traits associated with pilots’ personalities, especially distrust of the regulators and operators who would administer flight data analysis programs (FDAP) that used FDM information. U.S. regulators have relied on voluntary adoption, …

Review Of Vr Technical Specification Requirements For A Procedural Training Task, Stephanie G. Fussell

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Many aviation education and training programs are expanding their learning materials to include virtual learning environments (VLEs) that utilize virtual reality (VR) technology. While developing training materials and the VLE, an understanding of technical specification requirements is needed to inform stakeholders who need to choose a headset for a given training scenario. As part of a larger initiative to compare the usability of multiple VR headsets for implementation into procedural training, a review of the extant literature was conducted to identify technical specifications of VR head-mounted displays, followed by a pilot test of a head-mounted display (HMD) comparison methodology that …

Virtual Reality & Pilot Training: Existing Technologies, Challenges & Opportunities, Tim Marron, Niall Dungan, Brian Mac Namee, Anna Donnla O'Hagan

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The introduction of virtual reality (VR) to flying training has recently gained much attention, with numerous VR companies, such as Loft Dynamics and VRpilot, looking to enhance the training process. Such a considerable change to how pilots are trained is a subject that warrants careful consideration. Examining the effect that VR has on learning in other areas gives us an idea of how VR can be suitably applied to flying training. Some of the benefits offered by VR include increased safety, decreased costs, and increased environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, some challenges ahead for developers to consider are negative transfer of learning, …