 Subjects -> AERONAUTICS AND SPACE FLIGHT (Total: 124 journals)
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | | The end of the list has been reached or no journals were found for your choice. |
|
|
- Testing Backward Chaining Ab-initio Flight Instruction
Authors: Samuel M. Vance et al.
Abstract: This conceptual/exploratory research updates that previously published in the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research (JAAER) Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Spring 2021) which asked if backward chaining, ab-initio pilot training decrease time to first solo' The specific focus of the research was the viability of landings instruction as the first ab-initio lesson. The research compared a total of eight respondents in a backward-chained flight instruction methodology against four respondents in a forward-chained flight instruction methodology. All 12 respondents were recruited without previous flight instruction or Pilot-in-Command logged flight time. Ground instruction preceded simulator instruction which was followed by instruction in actual aircraft. A hybrid approach of Grounded Theory/Phenomenology was used to evaluate the respondent’s performance, acceptance of, and attitudes towards the delivered flight instruction. All respondents completed multiple circuits in the traffic pattern on their first flight. Updated research results include: a) exploration and incorporation of refined methodological enhancements, b) qualitative and quantitative evaluation of respondents, c) recognition of previously un-experienced student pilot behavioral outcomes highlighting and reiterating potential risks embedded in conceptual/exploratory research, and d) observational evidence that if the goal is to teach ab-initio pilots to land an aircraft first, backwards chaining methodology may be preferred over the traditional, long-standing forward chained flight instruction methods.
PubDate: Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:58:11 PDT
- The Impacts of Advanced Avionics on Degraded Visual Environments
Authors: Sultan Naseeb Harib Fairouz Mubarak et al.
Abstract: Degraded visual environments (DVE) such as brownout, sand storms, and night conditions are responsible for accidents and hence losses in the aviation industry. There is a need to develop avionic systems to support pilots when they encounter environmental conditions that compromise their visual capacity. This report discusses the effects of DVEs on aviation, expounds on the advanced avionic systems available and further elaborates how these systems are implemented in countering DVE conditions. The report recommends on how advanced avionics systems have been and are being implemented in aircrafts to support decisions made by pilots flying under degraded visual environments.
PubDate: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:43:19 PST
- FAA Designated Pilot Examiner System Insights
Authors: Wendy Beckman et al.
Abstract: As part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 the FAA was required by Congress to review Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) policies and procedures. This task was delegated to the Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Working Group (DPERWG). This Group delivered its recommendations to the FAA in June 2021, and this research study was conducted in late January of 2022 to attempt to provide additional insights to the agency prior to its required response to the DPERWG in June of 2022.This research project aimed to provide perceptions of the current DPE system from both DPEs and flight schools nationwide, as well as feedback on selected DPERWG recommendations. Surveys of these two populations were conducted seeking stakeholder perceptions on the current DPE system including: 1) wait times for scheduling check rides, 2) the level of activity of DPE’s, and 3) the prevalence of applicants and/or examiners traveling to check ride sites other than their home airport. Feedback on specific recommendations made by the DPERWG were also solicited including: 1) the implementation of a confidential survey applicant feedback system, 2) the possibility of moving to a national oversight model for the DPE system, 3) the perceptions of and improvements seen as necessary for the current FAA DPE locator website, 4) the possibility of treating oral and flight exams as separate events, and 5) changing medical certificate requirements for DPEs.There were significant differences in perceptions of DPEs and flight training providers regarding the wait times incurred when scheduling check rides, but there was general consensus regarding the travel of both applicants and DPEs for the conduct of those rides. There was also consensus between the two surveyed groups regarding most of the DPERWG recommendations which were examined by the surveys.
PubDate: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:43:10 PST
- Ground Risk Model for UAVs
Authors: Andrew V. Shelley
Abstract: This paper develops an alternative to the ground risk model provided by JARUS SORA. Key inconsistencies in the SORA ground risk model are identified, specifically ground risk continuing to increase when there is no further increase in fatality probability.Population density is a critical component of UAS ground risk. Definitions of population density adopted by various regulatory jurisdictions are reviewed. A categorisation of population density is developed based on official statistics categories for New Zealand. This categorisation is more granular than that provided by SORA, enabling a more nuanced assessment of risk.A ground risk model is then developed using a modified version of the model presented in Shelley (2016). Key changes to that model include use of realistic population density categories, modifications to the fatality model, and presentation of the results as an ordinal Risk Score. The Risk Score varies by population density, impact energy, and the size of the UAV.An implication of the model is that operations over controlled ground areas do not require any additional hazard controls, including airworthiness controls, as the risk to people is already zero. The model does not suggest particular hazard controls, but does provide admit an obvious interpretation of how hazard controls can reduce the quantitative risk level.Finally, potential reasons for regulators adopting the SORA are identified, including the need for legitimation by appeal to the authority of an international group. The model presented here provides a more coherent and logical framework than SORA, which can be used to provide alternative risk assessments while satisfying regulators’ needs for legitimation.
PubDate: Sun, 05 Feb 2023 08:58:19 PST
- Optimization of Lean and Agile Supply Chain Management Practices in the
Aviation Industry
Authors: Constantine M. Koursaris et al.
Abstract: Organizations that provide products and/or services must be able to execute fast, adaptive supply and (fluctuating) demand practices. From producers to consumers, and every stakeholder involved throughout the supply chain network processes, a collaborative relationship promotes sharing information that is beneficial to all. This long-term relationship then flourishes and in return stimulates the growth, health, and stability of the supply chain. Understanding the organizational processes and requirements is a complex endeavor. However, with technological advances and with the right type of data collected, it is possible to optimize entire supply chain networks.This research study, seeks to provide an insight into theoretical supply and demand optimization methods and help identify optimal selection of variables and types of data needed to analyze lean and agile methodology approaches in order to show how to blend a lean, continuous, flow approach, with agile, flexible, fluctuations in customer demands, for consistent tactical and operational outcomes across supply chain networks in the aviation industry.
PubDate: Sun, 05 Feb 2023 08:48:32 PST
- GA Pilot Perceptions of Speech Systems to Transcribe and Submit PIREPs
Authors: Deborah S. Carstens Ph.D; PMP et al.
Abstract: Flying into hazardous weather can be a cause of aviation incidents and accidents. Accidents involving general aviation (GA) pilots who are not instrument rated who fly into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) are often fatal. Pilot weather reports (PIREPs) can increase the accuracy and timeliness of current and forecasted weather conditions. They are an essential tool used by pilots to avoid flying into hazardous weather as well as meteorologists to develop and update aviation forecasts. Thus, a large number of accurate PIREPs with the best source of current weather coming from pilots and air traffic controllers are needed. Pilots are often unable to make PIREPs because of workload in the cockpit or because it is cumbersome to leave the air traffic control (ATC) frequency to contact flight the flight service station (FSS). Currently, air traffic controllers must solicit and disseminate PIREPs. However, air traffic controllers’ primary obligation is to provide traffic separation and traffic alerts. During poor weather, when PIREPs are needed the most, controllers are often too busy to solicit and disseminate PIREPs (NTSB, 2017a). This study administered a descriptive survey to inquire about how likely pilots would be to use a speech recognition system (SRS) to transcribe and submit PIREPs automatically while flying in three distinct flight regimes: instrument flight rules (IFR), visual flight rules (VFR) with flight following, and VFR without flight following. The survey employed cross-section design and included Likert scale questions. For each flight regime, additional information was obtained through an open-ended follow-up question. The Likert scale responses indicated that pilots were neutral about using a SRS to transcribe and submit PIREPs in each flight regime.Spradley’s (1979) domain analysis was used to identify common themes and patterns from the open-ended responses. Major findings from flying IFR were that pilots found it easier to speak directly to air traffic control, or pilots were too busy to submit PIREPs while flying IFR. Major findings from flying VFR with flight following were that pilots thought it was easier to report PIREPs directly to air traffic control or to a flight service station, and it was more accurate to report PIREPs directly to an aviation professional. However, they were willing to try a SRS. Major findings from flying VFR without flight following were that pilots wanted the opportunity to review a PIREP submission for accuracy and were willing to try the system. Significant differences were determined by making a comparison between the three groups.
PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:43:18 PST
- Fatigue in Aircraft Maintenance Technician Schools
Authors: Natalie Zimmermann et al.
Abstract: Fatigue has long been identified as a human factor in aviation. Subsequently, a series of studies have highlighted fatigue-related elements within the context of the aviation industry, focusing on the flight deck – with some extension to flight students – and aviation maintenance activities. However, the latter has not been as deeply examined as its flight crew-centered counterpart. Similarly – if not more significantly – fatigue experienced by aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) students is scarcely explored, especially in comparison to the research conducted to understand fatigue in flight schools. AMT students are subject to comparable, but not the same, experiences as flight students. Academic-related stress, coupled with the need to accumulate a certain number of hours of instruction, certification and qualification exams, and the careful balance of jobs, academic requirements and expectations, and personal lives are all examples of fatigue-inducing situations faced by AMT students. In the conducted study, exactly these factors were explored, with the goal of better understanding the fatigue levels experienced by aircraft maintenance students, but also the contributing factors thereto and the consequences thereof. With this purpose, AMT students at a specialized school in the United States were surveyed with respect to their opinions on, and experiences with, fatigue. A total of 72 responses were analyzed, which indicated that fatigue and tiredness are factors of interest within the context of AMT educational programs. While the participants indicated overall healthy lifestyle patterns and adequate stress and work-life balancing mechanisms, commitments outside of the classroom, the schedule of classes, and course attendance requirements were identified to contribute to students’ fatigue levels. Consequently, reports of students falling asleep in class together with fatigue-induced errors/mistakes were identified among the responses. Nevertheless, the participants indicated to be aware of the safety issues created by fatigue and noted that their learning was not detrimentally impacted by their levels of fatigue. The results obtained form a basis for future research efforts, highlighting areas that are of specific interest for future studies with the goal of improving the educational experience for future aircraft maintenance technicians.
PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:43:09 PST
- Stroboscopic Augmented Reality as an Approach to Mitigate Gravitational
Transition Effects During Interplanetary Spaceflight
Authors: Ethan Waisberg et al.
Abstract: During interplanetary spaceflight, periods of extreme gravitational transitions will occur such as transitions between hypergravity, hypogravity, and microgravity. Following gravitational transitions, rapid sensorimotor adaptation or maladaptation may occur which can affect gaze control and weaken dynamic visual acuity in astronauts. A reduction in dynamic visual acuity during spaceflight could possibly impact or impair mission critical activities (e.g., control of extraterrestrial machinery/vehicles and other important tasks). Stroboscopic visual training is an emerging visual tool that has been terrestrially observed to enhance visual performance and perception by performing tasks under conditions of intermittent vision. This technique has also been seen to increase the dynamic visual acuity for individuals terrestrially. To mitigate the decreased dynamic visual acuity that is observed in astronauts following gravitational transitions, stroboscopic vision training may serve as a potential countermeasure. We describe the effects of gravitational transitions on the vestibulo-ocular system and dynamic visual acuity, review terrestrial stroboscopic visual training, and report the novel development of stroboscopic augmented reality as a possible countermeasure for G-transitions in future spaceflight.
PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:42:57 PST
- Effectiveness of a Flight Simulation Training Visual Aid for Normal and
Crosswind Approach and Landing
Authors: Shlok Misra et al.
Abstract: Flight simulators have a significant contribution to effective and efficient flight training across the globe. Significant literature has suggested the effectiveness of simulation tools in training pilots in different scenarios and is an area for continued development and research. To continue those efforts, this study assessed the effectiveness of visual aid to be used as an instructional aid for flight instruction for crosswind landings. The need for further training in crosswind landing is substantiated due to the significantly high number of accidents for General Aviation aircraft in the approach and landing phase of flights. The study utilized an experimental research design and consisted of pre-survey, post-survey, and performance assessments. Along with the descriptive data collected from the surveys, the 5-point competency-based performance assessment was used to grade the landing performance in seven aspects of crosswind landings which was used for the hypothesis testing. The post-results survey highlighted that most participants found that the visual aid assisted with identifying visual cues and perceptions that aided the participants during the crosswind landings in the FTD. Additionally, almost all participants found the visual aid relatively simple to understand and utilize, with all the corresponding lines and marks being easily understood. The statistical analysis of the null hypotheses identified that the visual aid allowed the participants to successfully maintain the required airspeed, vertical speed, and height above the runway threshold on the traffic pattern's final leg. The conclusion of the study highlights the need for such visual aids, further potential improvements in such a visual aid, and scope of utilizing visual aids for improving flight education. While the post-survey and performance assessment highlighted the deficiency in the visual aid in fulfilling some of the objectives of the development of the aid, the results should be used as a foundation for further development of visual aids for flight education.
PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:42:47 PST
- INTEGRATED RISK ASSESSMENT IN RAMP HANDLING OPERATIONS: RISK MAPPING FOR
TURKISH AIRPORTS
Authors: Ebru Yazgan et al.
Abstract: Ramp handling acts a vital role in sustainable airport operations. The ramp related services provided to aircraft and their passengers at the airports are related to the landing, take-off, unloading and loading of the aircraft. Human resource is a key component in ramp handling operation and errors by employees cause significant accidents or incidents. The main purpose of the current study is to prioritize critical risk factors in ramp handling operations by using an integrated risk management approach and optimizing human performance while minimizing both failures and errors by employees. In this study, an integrated qualitative and quantitative risk assessment method is carried out by considering the factors that affect the possibility of ramp handling personnel errors. Initially, 113 risk factors are identified by using the academic literature, documents prepared by international organizations, and then by consulting expert opinions. Subsequently, a prioritization by professionals working on the ramp handling operations, based on the principles of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method resulted in the final selection of the 41 most important risks. Then, a risk assessment approach is applied by designing a matrix, based on three dimensions; probability, severity (impact) and relation ratio which ultimately resulted in risk index generation and a risk map model is developed. Finally eleven (11) risk factors are identified as they have higher probabilities to occur and possible higher negative consequences. Thanks to the integrated risk assessment applied in this study, it is aimed to ensure that all systems of the organization operate in a safe way and that an efficient safety culture is formed. Allocating a single resource to many risks, instead of facing the risks of the ramp personnel one by one, leads to more efficient use of resources and higher performance of ground handling companies.
PubDate: Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:12:48 PST
- Native Language Effects on Flight Training Performance
Authors: Robert Fowler Jr et al.
Abstract: Several high-profile commercial aviation accidents in the past that were caused in part by inadequate English language proficiency confirmed the importance of clear and concise communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. Although the connection between English language proficiency and aviation safety has been well established, there has been very little research concerning the relationship between English language proficiency and flight training performance. Thousands of international students who are not native speakers of the English language come to the United States and Canada for ab initio flight training every year. While the ability to communicate with air traffic controllers is critical for the safety of flight, communication skills can also have a profound effect on flight training performance. International flight students not only must communicate with air traffic controllers, but they must also communicate with their flight instructors on the ground and in flight. In addition, they must also be able to read and understand textbooks, manuals, and check lists that are all written in the English language. This research is focused on the relationship between English language proficiency and performance in ab initio flight training programs.
PubDate: Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:29:53 PST
- Air passenger demand forecast through the use of Artificial Neural Network
algorithms
Authors: Juan Gerardo Muros Anguita et al.
Abstract: Airport planning depends to a large extent on the levels of activity that are anticipated. To plan the facilities and infrastructures of an airport system and to be able to satisfy future needs, it is essential to predict the level and distribution of demand. This document presents a short- and medium-term forecast of the demand for air passengers carried out through a specific case study (Colombia), in which the impact of the pandemic period due to COVID-19 on air traffic was taken into account. To make the forecast, an algorithm that implements techniques based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) (Machine Learning (ML)) was developed. In particular, for the analysis of the available time series, techniques of encoder-decoder networks of the type ConvLSTM2D have been applied. These architectures are a hybrid between Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), very useful for the extraction of invariant patterns in their spatial position, and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), appropriate for the extraction of patterns within their temporal context (time series). The most relevant result of the present research is that the recovery in demand (volume and trend) to the levels reported before the pandemic is forecast for the period between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2024 (depending on the type of traffic and scenario considered). Finally, the application of the forecasting model based on Machine Learning/Deep Learning (DL) presents, as a metric performance, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value from 3% to 9% (depending on the scenario), which enables predictions of relative precision and introduces a new alternative technical approach to develop reliable air traffic forecasts, at least in the short and medium term.
PubDate: Fri, 04 Nov 2022 19:07:53 PDT
- Aviation Risk Management
Authors: Tracey M. Richardson et al.
Abstract: Risk management plans form a central part of all projects. However, projects in industries such as aviation and aerospace face serious risks due to the inherent hazards that may endanger the lives of those who utilize the products and services resulting from such projects. This study examined the practices of 56 project managers in the field of aviation to understand the unique approach to risk management undertaken by project managers. The results of the study offers approaches to managing risk in project characterized by extreme hazard.
PubDate: Fri, 04 Nov 2022 19:07:44 PDT
- Accuracy of Commercially-Available Speech Recognition Systems in
Identifying PIREP Terminology
Authors: Deborah Carstens; Ph.D. et al.
Abstract: Pilot Reports (PIREPs) are an important source of information that aids, other pilots, air traffic control, and operational aviation meteorologists in terms of forecasting and updating weather advisories such as SIGMETs. Pilots rely upon PIREPs so they can avoid hazardous weather and fly their aircraft in the safest manner possible. However, many PIREPs are not successfully submitted or transmitted to the many end users which impedes their ability to be used to keep the NAS safe. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made several recommendations for increasing the effectiveness and distribution of PIREPs, including receiving PIREPs from pilots directly and automatically (NTSB, 2017). We recruited eighty-four native-speaking participants to read a short, average, and long PIREP scripts in order to test the performance of various speech recognition systems (SRSs). The spoken PIREPs were transcribed by SRSs and compared to the original PIREP scripts. The words that were deleted, substituted, and inserted were identified and used to calculate the word error rate (WER) and word information loss (WIL). The WERs and WILs were separately analyzed with a repeated-measures marginal model to compare the accuracy between each of the SRSs. Also, the interaction between each SRS and gender was analyzed. The results demonstrated that Google, LilySpeech, and Transcribe had the same and superior performance when transcribing the average-length PIREPs than Braina and Dragon. All SRSs had equal performance at transcribing the short-length PIREPs. Dragon, Google, LilySpeech, and Transcribe had the same performance and superior when transcribing the long-length PIREPs than Braina. Additionally, we found that the short, average, and long-length transcriptions for all 5 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SRSs provided readable information for flight service stations (FSS) to enter valuable weather information into the PIREP system.
PubDate: Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:58:14 PDT
- Air passenger demand forecast through the use of Artificial Neural Network
algorithms
Authors: Juan Gerardo Muros Anguita et al.
Abstract: Airport planning depends to a large extent on the levels of activity that are anticipated. In order to plan facilities and infrastructures of an airport system and to be able to satisfy future needs, it is essential to predict the level and distribution of demand. This document presents a short- and medium-term forecast of the demand for air passengers carried out through a specific case study (Colombia), in which the impact of the pandemic period due to COVID-19 on air traffic was taken into account. To make the forecast, an algorithm that implements techniques based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Machine Learning (ML) was developed. In particular, for the analysis of the available time series, techniques of encoder-decoder networks of the type ConvLSTM2D have been applied. These architectures are a hybrid between Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), very useful for the extraction of invariant patterns in their spatial position, and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), appropriate for the extraction of patterns within their temporal context (time series). The most relevant result of the present research is that the recovery in demand (volume and trend) to the levels reported before the pandemic is forecast for the period between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2024 (depending on the type of traffic and scenario considered). Finally, the application of the forecasting model based on ML/Deep Learning (DL) presents, as a metric performance, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values from 3% to 9% (depending on the scenario), which enables predictions of relative precision and introduces a new alternative technical approach to develop reliable air traffic forecasts, at least in the short and medium term.
PubDate: Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:19:18 PDT
- The Persistence of Safety Silence: How Flight Deck Microcultures Influence
the Efficacy of Crew Resource Management
Authors: Kimberly Perkins et al.
Abstract: The majority of First Officers and Captains feel that Captains establish the tone of the flight deck microculture. However, the majority of these pilots also report that as First Officers, they have hesitated to share safety-pertinent data and/or experience being silenced after sharing safety data due to a psychologically unsafe flight deck. Utilizing direct feedback from industry pilots, we explore ways that Captains can create a more inclusive microculture that elicits safety voice. The safety system designed to enhance crew collaboration, Crew Resource Management, fails to adequately establish tools for designing a psychologically safe flight deck. We conclude that Crew Resource Management training must be re-designed with a human-centered data approach to increase the efficacy of the systems.
PubDate: Sat, 08 Oct 2022 12:32:36 PDT
- Space Harpoon Projectile Analysis for Space Debris Capture
Authors: Miraj D. Lathia et al.
Abstract: Space debris will become a more prevalent issue in this decade as technological advancements and greater dependencies on communications require more satellites in orbit, with some companies already hosting mega-constellations. Mitigating the debris using a space-tether is the most viable method to construct a space debris capture regime with current technology levels. Harpoon heads for the tethers are key design interests as these will penetrate through the satellites and/or debris. The focus of this paper is the analysis of an aluminium 6082, flat and conical head design, used to perforate aluminium 1050A plates using a gas gun laboratory. The aim is to conduct experiments to achieve a low Minimum Ballistic Velocity (MBV) where this velocity is the minimum velocity needed to perforate a material. Maximum perforation intertwined with minimal fragmentation is the desired balance sought from the designs. A high-speed camera records times taken for the events before and after perforation which deduces the MBV. 10 bar, 12.5 bar, and 15 bar of pressure were used, as well as 3mm, 1.5mm and 1mm Aluminium plate thickness, to provide diverse results for analysis. The MBV was calculated at 49.54m/s for 3mm thickness, with the conical head. The plates were cooled using dry ice to mimic space-like environments where tensile and yield strength increased with the cooler climates, resulting in higher MBVs. After impact, perforation profiles are analysed using a DSLR camera, resulting in ‘punches’ of material with the flat head and ‘petaling’ for the conical head. Conical perforation allows for material to be retained within the plate whilst flat head designs possess the potential for further space debris creation. The results retain reliability through validation checks with an oscilloscope and taking tolerances throughout the experiment. The results feed as a foundation to venture into future work with further ergonomic and bespoke designs.
PubDate: Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:38:50 PDT
- Organizational Networks, and Management of Disruptions in the Airline
Ground Operation Process During Seasonal Crises
Authors: Gökhan Tanrıverdi et al.
Abstract: This study focuses on informal relationships between airlines and suppliers in managing disruptions in the airline ground operation process during peak times in the summer seasons. In this context, the study investigates the change between actors’ formal and informal networks after they face disruptions in the airline ground operation process and their informal exchanges in this process. Antalya Airport was chosen as the research area since it is a leader airport for especially non-scheduled flights during the summer seasons in Turkey. The study was carried out as network research and the network data were collected through face-to-face meetings with actors (17 airlines and 13 suppliers) directly involved in the airline ground operation process. The study reveals that although there are formal contracts between the actors, managers are able to prefer their informal relationships based on close friendships rather than formal networks for the immediate solution of problems in crisis times. In addition, the severity of the disruptions affects the level of the contacted position and there is a direct proportion between them. Moreover, although some actors do not have formal contracts with each other, they can informally and mutually exchange, and they do not bill these exchanges' costs in these crisis periods.
PubDate: Sat, 17 Sep 2022 14:12:43 PDT
- A Content Analysis of Three Works of Aviation Literature
Authors: Paul A. Craig
Abstract: Using the qualitative research method of Content Analysis, a comprehensive exploration was conducted into three acclaimed works of aviation literature: Wind, Sand and Stars, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery; West with the Night, by Beryl Markham; and Fate is the Hunter, by Ernest K. Gann. Using the precise elements of the methodology, codes were identified, categories were combined and emerging themes were discovered. These discoveries led to a greater understanding of the works and their contribution to the knowledge base of aviation.
PubDate: Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:33:11 PDT
- Comparison of Schedules, Stress, Sleep Problems, Fatigue, Mental Health
and Well-being of Low Cost and Network Carrier Pilots
Authors: Marion Venus
Abstract: ObjectiveThis research investigates and compares working-conditions, duty rosters, stress, sleep problems, fatigue levels, mental health, and well-being of pilots working for network (NWCs), and low-cost carriers (LCCs). This study extends previous research by investigating working conditions, pilots’ actual rosters, fatigue and mental health of two groups of pilots flying for LCC or NWC.MethodA comprehensive cross-sectional online survey was completed by N=338 pilots (185 NWC, 153 LCC pilots). All pilots reported their roster data of the last 2 months during peak flight season, psychosocial and work-related stress (e.g., high job insecurity, less total flight-experience, lower income, more time pressure, more early starts), sleep difficulties, levels of fatigue, well-being, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and common mental disorders (CMD).ResultsLCC pilots reported significantly more work-related stressors like lower income, younger age, less total flight experience, more demanding rosters (more sectors, more early starts, more duty and flight hours), significantly more sleep difficulties, and very high levels of fatigue. Moreover, LCC pilots’ well-being was significantly more impaired: 24.2% of the LCC vs. 14.8% of NWC pilots reported positive depression screening results, and 7.1% of LCC and NWC pilots reported significant symptoms of anxiety.ConclusionsThis study confirms that different airline business models and management strategies result in more stressful working conditions for LCC pilots, whose health is more impaired by high fatigue and mental health issues. Although LCC pilots did not report significantly higher duty and flight hours, the work-related stressors like more bogus self-employment, high job, and income insecurity, more time pressure, were associated with even higher levels of fatigue, significantly more sleep problems, and more impaired mental health and well-being. In line with previous research, LCC pilots reported more safety issues and more fatigue-related incidents compared with NWC pilots.
PubDate: Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:43:00 PDT
|
Open Access journal
