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. …

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 …