Authors:Mondher Yahyaoui Abstract: A new empirical law for the prediction of the zero-lift pitching moment coefficient of trapezoidal wings with linear twist and constant taper and sweep in subsonic flow is introduced. This law is quite general in that it does not rely on the use of charts and spans the normal range of values of taper ratio, aspect ratio, and sweep for subsonic aircraft. It does not, however, accommodate different airfoils along the wingspan and only positive sweep has been considered. The empirical law was first derived for the incompressible regime and then an additional empirical law for the compressibility effect has been provided. The results compare favorably with experimental data for straight wings and with some pre-existing empirical methods for wings with low to moderate sweep. It is also shown that the most widely used method of estimating the zero-lift pitching moment coefficient is highly inaccurate. PubDate: Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:47:47 PDT
Authors:Jorge L. D. Albelo Ph.D. et al. Abstract: Through a combination of ethnographic principles and a qualitative case study structure, this study strives to understand how Hispanic/ Latinx aviation students perceive the current aviation safety culture in their flight training program. Grounded in the reciprocal safety culture model, the researchers attempt to answer how does Hispanic/Latinx culture influence perceptions towards commitment to aviation safety' and what are Hispanic/Latinx students’ perceptions of their ability to influence aviation safety culture' Three major themes emerged from the data: behavioral signs of safety culture at the collegiate level, obstacles to a sound safety culture, and methods to improve the safety culture. Moreover, factors such as individualism, masculinity, access to economic resources, and language were prevalent in the findings on how Hispanic aviation students perceive their collegiate flight training safety culture. Future studies should explore the perception of different ethnic groups of aviation students at various geographical locations to identify any added layers of threat, behavioral attitudes, and safety compromises related to flight training. PubDate: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:47:05 PDT
Authors:Paul Jemitola et al. Abstract: The potential of the joined/box-wing aircraft as an environmentally friendly airliner that is capable of meeting current and future emission thresholds led to the investigation of this concept. This study reviews the evolution and current trends in the aerodynamic design of the box-wing aircraft with specific emphasis on box-wing theory, airfoil characteristics, and aerodynamic issues of the box-wing aircraft. The study was undertaken to highlight the distinct features of the box-wing configuration which make it very attractive for future airliners. The study reveals that the box-wing aircraft possesses a significant aerodynamic advantage over conventional aircraft. The box-wing aircraft configuration is also a less radical departure from the conventional concept. It thus could be developed with existing tried-and-tested aircraft design technologies, methodologies, and processes. Hence this article is a commentary that highlights the enormous potential of the box-wing aircraft and the need for further studies in this research domain. PubDate: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:28:11 PDT
Authors:Ryan Guthridge et al. Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a quickly advancing field that has many documented benefits, including highly detailed environments, accuracy to the real world, and low cost of entry in the flight simulation market. At the time of this study, VR technology has not been well tested or widely accepted in the aviation industry. In this mixed methods study, quantitative and qualitative data was collected on beginning-level instrument pilots (n = 120) while performing a visual traffic pattern at an airport. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the equivalence of each group in the study based on previous flight and VR experience. Then, a one-way ANOVA was conducted on pre-test/post-test gain scores to compare each training group, as well as a post hoc Tukey HSD to conduct multiple comparisons and evaluate mean differences between the groups. The results show that participants who train in a VR simulator perform similarly to students who conduct training in a PC-based simulator. Both training groups performed significantly better than the control group, which conducted no training between the pre-test and post-test. Finally, survey data was evaluated to find that students who trained in VR simulators believed they performed better on the post-test than the pre-test and most felt that VR simulators could be an acceptable training technology for use in the flight training curriculum. These results will help inform flight training organizations who are considering new technology that provides a low-cost and high-value alternative to costlier, fixed-based simulators. PubDate: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:41:53 PDT
Authors:Seanan C. Lee Abstract: Lean production began as a new method for creating value through the elimination of waste, continuous process improvement by workers, and fostering respect for people. Despite its success in other industries, the significantly lower production volume, the substantially higher complexity, and the service-oriented nature of aviation maintenance demand significant adaptation of Lean principles to be effective. The lack of a holistic study on Lean adoption for aerospace production and aviation maintenance organizations hinders transformation as the two industries are intertwined in product and characteristics. Lean adoption in aerospace production is hindered by the lingering notion that it is an ‘‘automotive idea,’’ the context of the production plant, and management’s focus on short-term goals rather than the long-term transformation of the plant. Integrated product teams are indispensable as they can accelerate the transition between development and production, and most importantly, bridge the gap between production and maintenance operations. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations use Lean techniques to reduce overall maintenance costs, lower aircraft turnaround times, and improve productivity. The emphasis is placed on optimizing in-house areas with direct product interaction, such as the shop floor, as optimizing the value stream by incorporating the significant unscheduled maintenance demand into the work schedule greatly impacts resource utilization. Surveying the success stories of Boeing, Lufthansa Technik, and FedEx Express has revealed that Lean adoption requires collaboration between all stakeholders: production, service, customers, and education. PubDate: Tue, 16 May 2023 14:46:46 PDT
Authors:Cory Trunkhill et al. Abstract: Space flight participants are not professional astronauts and not subject to the rules and guidance covering space flight crewmembers. Ordinal logistic regression of survey data was utilized to explore public acceptance of current medical screening recommendations and regulations for safety risk and implied liability for civil space flight participation. Independent variables constituted participant demographic representations while dependent variables represented current Federal Aviation Administration guidance and regulations. Odds ratios were derived based on the demographic categories to interpret likelihood of acceptance for the criteria. Significant likely acceptance of guidance and regulations was found for five of twelve demographic variables influencing public acceptance of one or more areas of guidance and regulations: age, household size, marital status, employment status, and employment class. Increases in age and household size, never married, employed full-time, and self-employed exhibited significance in increased likelihood of acceptance of one or more areas of the guidance and regulations for space flight participation. Findings are intended to inform government regulators and commercial space industries on what guidance and regulations the different demographics of the public are willing to accept. PubDate: Tue, 16 May 2023 14:11:58 PDT
Authors:Chien-tsung Lu et al. Abstract: The purpose of this study is to review pandemic-related publications that help the aviation industry cope with pandemic outbreaks like that of COVID-19. Published documents were searched and downloaded from academic libraries including Web of Science for a qualitative analysis. After the triangulation of publications for decisionmakers, and researchers, all important research clusters were visually generated based on the VOSviewer process. Some research clusters were further discussed for a thorough understanding of existing research perspectives. The result discovered that wearing a face mask and vaccination have been the two most effective means to counteract pandemic outbreaks. Additional findings were extracted from practitioners regarding the effectiveness of pandemic protocols and strategies. PubDate: Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:02:24 PDT
Authors:Cheng Wang et al. Abstract: To provide a context for the potential threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings on airport operations, this paper compares the characteristics of UAS sightings with two common airport threats: wildlife strikes and runway incursions. This study analyzed over 60,000 events in a three-year period (September 2016 to August 2019), including 6,551 UAS sightings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS Sightings Report database, 47,574 wildlife strikes from the FAA Wildlife Strike database, and 6,041 runway incursions from the FAA Runway Safety database. The results suggest both similarities and differences among the airport threats. Both UAS sightings and wildlife strikes vary by time of year and time of day. UAS sightings and wildlife strikes farther from the airport occur at higher altitudes than sightings and strikes occurring close to the airport. However, UAS sightings are reported at higher altitudes than wildlife strikes, and the distance of UAS sightings from the airport is farther than that of wildlife strikes, in general. The severities of UAS sightings and runway incursions are similar. Pilots take evasive actions in three percent of UAS sightings, and runway incursions of severity A and B are also rare. Pilots of general aviation (GA) aircraft reported the most UAS sightings, and GA operations are also involved in more runway incursions. Considering the kind of airport affected, UAS sightings and wildlife strikes are more common at primary airports, notably large and medium hub airports, whereas runway incursions are more common at reliever airports. Generally, UAS have had a minimal impact on airport operations despite their growing prevalence, which reflects the overall success of integrating this new airspace user into the national airspace system. PubDate: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:37:07 PDT
Authors:Tiago Dikerts de Tella et al. Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to investigate wildlife strike reporting trends in Part 139 airports in the state of Florida (2011–2020); (2) to evaluate the existence of a difference in the rate of reported wildlife strikes between the seasons of the year (2011–2020); and (3) to develop information based upon the data analyzed that can be used for the safety management of wildlife hazards in Florida. Design/methodology: The researchers in this study answered the research questions through the analyses, revision, and evaluation of existing wildlife strike and aircraft operations data. The data analyzed in this study were collected between May 1 and May 20, 2021. The researchers used the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Activity System and the National Wildlife Strike Database to collect information on aircraft operations and reported wildlife strikes, respectively. Findings: There were 8,977 and 458 wildlife strikes and damaging strikes, respectively, at and around Part 139 airports in Florida from 2011 through 2020. The majority of strikes (62.6%) and damaging strikes (62%) occurred during the arrival phases of flight. The number of strikes increased almost 37% from 2011 (N 5 614) to 2020 (N 5 837). Additionally, the number of strikes per 100,000 aircraft operations (wildlife strike index) increased from 18.6 to 28.62 during the same period. Aggregate data indicated the risk of strikes is higher during the fall and summer seasons of the year. Originality/value: This study provides valuable information by addressing a gap in published wildlife strike government reports and studies using wildlife strike and aircraft operations data at a regional level. Information obtained from the scientific analyses of wildlife strike data is vital for effective wildlife hazard management programs of aviation stakeholders. Findings of this study can be used by airport operators to improve their wildlife strike mitigation efforts. Also, findings can provide the empirical foundation for integrated research and the development of national and regional standards to enhance aviation safety. PubDate: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:36:58 PDT
Authors:Thomas Dautermann et al. Abstract: Many airports with a high value to commercial air traffic have spatial or budgetary constraints which prevent the installation of a precision approach system. We previously designed a low-cost precision approach system which combines the advantages of both ground-based and satellite-based augmentation systems by using a converter between them in order to allow GAST-A approach types. We installed, operated, and flight-tested such a system at Kerkyra Airport using an A320 aircraft. During these, we recorded data from a commercial multimode receiver as well as GPS raw data in order to prove the feasibility of the system. Data were analyzed using the Pegasus toolset as well as a highly precise reference trajectory computed from postprocessed carrier phase data. The data recorded show excellent performance for approach guidance that is no different from that of the more expensive GPS landing system GLS and provides guidance in accordance with the localizer performance with vertical guidance standards. Our low-cost precision approach system can provide precision approach-like guidance to appropriately equipped transport aircraft. Kerkyra Airport is extremely limited in availability of usable surface area, such that conventional precision landing aids cannot be placed on airport property. The system provides the ground-based augmentation system approach service type A, a category defined in Annex 10 to the convention of Chicago. This category has not seen any operational use until now but offers an opportunity to provide precision approaches based on GLS where guidance down to a certain altitude will be sufficient. PubDate: Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:01:51 PST
Authors:Mika Suwe et al. Abstract: In this study, two multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) energy systems are comparatively evaluated via a modelling process, namely a battery electric system and a hybrid fuel cell and battery system. Technical, economic, and ecological evaluation parameters are considered. The evaluation is performed on three different mission types: a 10 km delivery mission, a 3000 m2 facade inspection, and a nine-minute drone show, to represent the transport, monitoring, and event sectors. Results are calculated via a modelling process first simulating the required power profiles for each mission and then simulating both energy systems’ operational behavior during each mission. The resulting technical parameters show that the battery electric UAV has 1.7 times higher efficiency than the fuel cell hybrid UAV. However, the fuel cell hybrid UAV allows potential flight durations 3.1 times longer than the battery electric UAV. Considering economic parameters, the battery electric UAV is the more economical choice due to the higher investment costs of the fuel cell hybrid UAV, even when considering future cost developments for investment and energy costs. For ecological parameters, the fuel cell hybrid UAV has the potential to produce significantly less emissions, but only when using hydrogen produced from renewable energy (green hydrogen). All in all, the battery electric UAV is sufficient for the three concrete missions considered and should be chosen over the fuel cell hybrid UAV. However, the fuel cell hybrid UAV should be considered for missions with longer required flight times than the battery electric UAV is capable of, especially in the transport and monitoring sectors. PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 08:26:49 PST
Authors:Seock-Jin Hong et al. Abstract: The sudden increased need for qualified pilots can cause potential risks for aviation training schools in South Korea because new pilot training programs need to be created, or existing organizations need to be expanded quickly. This study investigates safety culture at pilot training schools, builds a conceptual framework, and identifies the relationship between the sub-safety culture category and safety culture level in commercial pilot training schools. The authors survey the safety culture and management for the organizational aspect of these pilot training schools to clarify essential concepts and generate a conceptual safety management model. The authors examine the differences in safety culture between pilot training schools in the USA and South Korea and the effects these differences have on the organizations. Results show that the safety culture between pilot training schools in north Texas in the USA and South Korea is different. A pilot training school has to have a well-defined safety culture and management procedures in place and an awareness of the diverse cultural backgrounds of its student pilots to avoid potential cultural clashes and needless accidents/incidents. PubDate: Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:57:31 PST
Authors:Sarika Tyagi et al. Abstract: Due to the severe global competition in the aviation industry, airports give top priority to passenger services. Therefore, a study of characteristics associated with passenger services is one of the most important measurements in the aviation industry. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of passenger characteristics on the use of self-service technology (SST) for the check-in process at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. A survey was conducted online amid the COVID-19 pandemic for data collection. Based on the collected responses, this study analyzed the sociological and demographic characteristics of the passengers and situational factors related to characteristics of SST usage. T-test and Chi-square test were used to gain an understanding of the impact of these characteristics in the context of SST usage. With these analyses, this study was able to show the impact of passengers’ sociological and demographic characteristics such as level of education, flying experience, and age on the use of SST. In addition, this study showed the impact of situational factors related to characteristics such as better signage to locate the service, better corporation by staff members, less crowd or waiting time, and less processing time on the use of SST. Further, the results obtained in this study showed that traveling frequency impacts the passenger processing time at self-service kiosks, and that the use of a self-service kiosk impacts passenger arrival time at the airport. The findings in this study could potentially help airports in improving passenger experience and SST usage. PubDate: Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:06:59 PDT
Authors:Mika Suwe et al. Abstract: In this study, a model is developed for a comparative assessment of three flight missions of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on their power profiles in order to identify future technical research priorities and possible improvements in operational management. The model describes the missions (transport, facade inspection, drone show) based on the maneuver-specific parameters for hovering flight, vertical flight, and horizontal flight and calculates the respective power profiles of the missions based on the input parameters of a reference UAV with a battery-powered electric motor. The power profiles of the investigated missions show that the maximum powers occur during accelerated climb in each case. The greatest difference in maximum power occurs between the transport mission and the facade inspection. Considering the small difference in the respective payload, the significantly higher maximum power during the transport mission can mainly be attributed to the higher acceleration assumed for this mission. Consequently, the necessary power can be influenced by the choice of maximum acceleration. This also applies to the drone show, but the difference in power cannot only be linked to the acceleration since for the considered mission the mass differs significantly because no payload is needed. Concerning the different maneuvers, horizontal flight with constant flight speed has the largest time share and the largest energy requirement in all missions. Accordingly, this is where the greatest potential for energy savings is seen. It is shown that an ideal speed for minimizing the energy demand in horizontal flight results for each total mass. PubDate: Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:36:25 PDT
Authors:Douglas D. Boyd et al. Abstract: Introduction: General aviation largely comprises fixed-wing piston-engine light aircraft (,12,500 lbs). Unfortunately, this civil aviation sector suffers a vastly inferior safety record when compared with air carriers (60- to 80-fold higher accident rate). Additionally, such mishaps pose a considerable financial burden to both the affected family and the United States: US$1.64–4.64 billion annually. We hypothesize that this safety disparity partly reflects more stringent operational regulations for air carriers. Herein, we determined whether compliance with six selected air carrier regulations could potentially reduce general aviation accidents in degraded visibility (IMC) the majority of which are fatal. Methods: Accidents (2005–2019) were identified from the National Transportation Safety Board Access database. Fleet data for rate calculations were per the general aviation survey and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Statistics used Poisson distributions. Results: Of 219 general aviation accidents in IMC, 43 (20%) could potentially have been averted had one, or more, of the selected air carrier regulations been complied with. The largest percentage (62%) of the 43 mishaps were due to pilots operating contrary to the air carrier regulation specifying takeoff or landing weather minimums. The second largest group related to more conservative weather minimums required for an inexperienced airline pilot-in-command, eschewed in 19% of preventable general aviation IMC mishaps. Conclusions: Alignment with the aforementioned air carrier operational rules could potentially blunt the IMC accident rate (by 20%) for general aviation. Practical Applications: Adherence to the aforementioned air carrier regulations should be advocated to general aviation pilots operating in IMC. PubDate: Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:16:46 PDT
Authors:Jukka Holkeri Abstract: The outsourcing of maintenance and other technical services is a trend in both military and civil aviation. This article uses input from real outsourcing cases in Northern Europe to verify previous literature findings and to introduce new viewpoints to fill an identified research gap.Interviews of deeply involved individuals from six cases were selected and analyzed using the Delphi method. The findings were synthesized using a framework that articulates contexts, observed outcomes, and generative mechanisms.Many of the key literature findings were verified by this case analysis, but there were also some contradictions and new observations that had not been identified in the literature.The chosen cases represent three aviation industry segments and a selected geographic area. Results may differ in other segments and geographies even though aviation is regarded as an international industry. The methodology applied in this paper could be replicated in other segments and areas to broaden the scope of research.Improving understanding of the underlying processes in aviation outsourcing activities should improve efficiency and even flight safety.This research provides a comparison between empirical cases and more academic literature and shows the clear contribution of deeper analysis to research in this field. There also seems to be a need to continue case studies to achieve a more complete picture of the subject matter. PubDate: Mon, 24 Jan 2022 07:12:03 PST
Authors:Shlok Misra et al. Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration emphasized the need to focus on and develop human factors training as early as 1993 in official Human Factors Policy Order 9550.8. The purpose of this study was to conduct a detailed qualitative phenomenological analysis of the risk perceptions and decision-making model of collegiate aviation pilots for unstabilized approaches. The study focused on understanding how collegiate aviation pilots perceive unstable approaches, the risk associated with unstable approaches, and the factors that trigger pilots to execute a go-around. The International Air Transportation Association warns that continuing an unstabilized approach can lead to runway excursions, hard landings causing damage to aircraft, or even controlled flight into terrain. The theoretical framework guiding this study was the risk compensation theory. The researchers recruited 15 participants through purposeful sampling for a phenomenological analysis using semi-structured interviews and a short questionnaire. A phenomenological methodology enabled the researchers to bring forth into consciousness preconceived ideas about unstabilized approaches and then set them aside. To address the research questions, information collected from individual interviews was analyzed and triangulated using a qualitative questionnaire. Three major themes emerged from the data: (a) effect of internal perceptions, (b) external pressures, and (c) unique worldviews. The findings validated the risk compensation theory’s principles by exposing the influence of mental and environmental factors impairing participants’ judgment of an unstabilized approach. Further research is required for developing standardized and objective stabilization criteria that the general aviation community can accept. PubDate: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:24:00 PST
Open Access journal
