Aviation Technology Graduate Student Publications Copyright (c) 2013 Purdue University All rights reserved. http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads Recent documents in Aviation Technology Graduate Student Publications en-us Sat, 06 Apr 2013 01:37:07 PDT 3600 The Changing Low-Cost Airline Model: An Analysis of Spirit Airlines http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/19 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/19 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:06:35 PDT In recent years legacy airlines have struggled, while low-cost carriers have achieved success. The original low-cost operating model, created by Southwest Airlines, has been adapted by airlines worldwide. Previous studies argue that the more a company adheres to the original model, the more successful the airline will be. Little academic study of the current state of the low-cost model exists. The researcher seeks to address this gap through qualitative methods and a case study involving Spirit Airlines. Spirit is currently one of the most successful low-cost carriers operating in the United States. The operating strategies of Spirit Airlines are analyzed to determine the extent to which the company follows the original low-cost operating model.

]]> David E. Rosenstein Modeling Organizational Performance: Differentiating Factors in Economic Periods Prior, During, and Post Recession http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/18 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/18 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:42:21 PDT Since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, US airlines have been facing increasing pressure to reduce fares while competing in areas such as passenger comfort and amenities. In a highly volatile industry ruled by economic factors, this research intends to examine the health and status of the American economy, and its implications on the airline industry as a whole. More specifically, airline performance during economic recessions will be compared to performance during times of expansion or growth. Taking airline passenger perception into account, this model will investigate how airline operations during a recession combine with passenger perceptions to determine if the airlines are meeting or exceeding the traveling public’s expectations. Directly, this investigation looks to examine the impact of the United State’s economy (prior, during and post recession) on US air carriers. Methodology will include intensive case study to determine recessionary periods in comparison to trending Airline Quality Rating (AQR) data for a select group of airlines representative of the industry. Particularly, this research will focus on three US carriers: Continental (legacy), AirTran (low-budget) and SkyWest (regional). Benchmarked expansion periods between 2003 and 2010 will be pitted against airline performance during and after economic downturns.

]]> Anthony Erstad et al. Contributing Factors Among Fatal Loss of Control Accidents in Multiengine Turbine Aircraft http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/17 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/17 Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:24:38 PDT Aircraft accidents resulting from an in-flight loss of control have been the leading killer in aviation for more than a decade, but have only recently become a topic of serious concern in the aviation industry. There is a current trend of highly-trained and experienced pilots losing control of large, advanced multiengine turbine aircraft, resulting in catastrophic accidents, with many casualties. Utilizing an analysis of all National Transportation Safety Board accident reports involving multiengine turbine aircraft in the United States over the past ten years, this study examined the contributing factors among the fatal in-flight loss of control accidents involving such aircraft. The data were analyzed and the five most frequent causes of loss of control accidents were identified, along with a number of factors that shared strong interactions. The results provide important insight into the nature of these factors for future research and training techniques.

]]> Aaron S. Michales Pilot Performance: Round Dial and Vertical Tape Altimeters http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/16 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/16 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:08:38 PST This paper addresses pilot performance with regards to a glass cockpit and an analog cockpit. Specifically, it looks at pilots’ abilities to hold altitude with a vertical tape and round dial altimeters. Past research has concluded that a vertical tape altimeter has a more accurate altitude read out, but trends are easier to detect with the analog altimeter. This study looked at 24 participants who were split into three groups of eight. One group had no flight experience, one group had flight experience with only an analog cockpit, and one group had flight experience with only a glass cockpit. Participants filled out surveys that asked about their preference of altimeters, and with which altimeter they believed they achieved their best performance. Overall, the results showed that altitude was held better with a round dial altimeter even though the vertical tape altimeter was preferred.

]]> Erin P. Wesslen et al. Pilot Performance: Round Dial and Vertical Tape Altimeters http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/15 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/15 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:08:37 PST Erin P. Wesslen Industry Perception of Small Aircraft Transportation Systems http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/14 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/14 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:13:45 PST Patrick W. Colligan et al. Are We Secure? Surveying FAA FAR 139 Class IV General Aviation Airports http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/13 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/13 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:35:31 PST After the infamous attacks of September 11 in 2001, air transportation security has been made the top priority of policymaking agenda by government agencies, particularly the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While security measures of commercial airports have been improved dramatically, FAA FAR 139 Class IV non-commercial airports remain somewhat ignored, as there is a minimal security requirement. In fact, the security of non-commercial or general aviation airports is equally critical because large transport category aircraft (TCA), such as Boeing 737- 800, intermittently operate out of some of these airports. For instance, many NCAA member universities charter large TCA at GA airports carrying athletics, staff, luggage and equipment to and from various destinations. While terrorist attacks on a large TCA at a Class IV non-commercial airport has never happened, the lack of adequate security measures could invite potential terrorists to take advantage of an airport’s insufficient security measure. This project uses Delphi methodology in conjunction with a series of surveys and observations on GA airports that do not serve commercial air carriers but, from time to time, accommodate large TCA for NCAA member universities. This research yields a list of possible airport vulnerabilities when large aircraft are present, followed by security recommendations to mitigate the potential risk.

]]> Brian M. Cason et al. Industry Perception of Small Aircraft Transportation Systems http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/12 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/12 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:35:30 PST This project focuses on the use of Small Aircraft Transportation Systems (SATS) in the modern aviation industry. Specifically, business and marketing strategies are examined and analyzed by utilizing a short electronic survey submitted to targeted industry professionals. Selection of individuals was based on groups generated from a stratified sample outside of Purdue University. When properly managed, the Small Aircraft Transportation System has the potential to revolutionize modern air travel. Economic benefits can be achieved not only by effectively transporting passengers, but also by creating a new labor force, manufacturing contracts, and global transactions. Areas that will be emphasized include aircraft design, pilot qualifications, cost analysis, route structure, departmental organization, and selection of senior leadership. Conclusions were drawn, based on this analysis, to determine the risk perception and viability of the SATS program in the United States. Results from this study can provide insight as to how SATS can be introduced into various markets. Several variables needed to construct a complex system such as SATS are presented and analyzed to reveal trends that different industries view as necessary for its successful implementation.

]]> Patrick W. Colligan et al. Can Video Games be Valid Predictors of Success for the Private Pilot Phase Check? http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/11 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/11 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:10:48 PST Laura E. Bourguignon et al. Can Video Games be Valid Predictors of Success for the Private Pilot Phase Check? http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/10 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/10 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:10:47 PST A study was conducted at a Midwestern university to determine whether or not video game performance can be an accurate predictor of success on the private pilot phase check. In this study, there were thirty-three potential participants enrolled in AT 145, the private pilot flight training course. Twenty-three (70%) students agreed to participate. These volunteer participants were asked to complete a video game (Super Mario Galaxy). The items collected and time to finish a pre-selected level were recorded. These scores were correlated with the aggregated scores that the participants earned during their private pilot phase checks. Although a survey of literature suggested there might be a correlation between video game performance and pilot performance, the results of this study showed no significant correlation.

]]> Laura E. Bourguignon The Stress Coping Skills of Undergraduate Collegiate Aviators http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/9 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/9 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:10:43 PST An important human factors research interest area is error reduction. Although pilots placed in highly stressful situations have an increased chance of making errors, they use coping skills to lower their stress level and reduce the likelihood of errors. Typically, coping skills are conceptually separated into three types: active coping skills change the situation to make it inherently less stressful, emotion-focused coping skills use discussion or thinking about the situation in a different way to diminish the negative emotional reaction associated with the stressful situation, and avoidant coping skills allow one to mentally and/or physically disengage through the use of daydreams, sleep, drugs, and/or alcohol. In this research project, a sample of 49 inexperienced private pilots and 30 experienced multi-engine commercial pilots were surveyed to determine if significant differences existed between their levels of perceived stress and the frequency with which they used different types of coping skills using a one-time, written survey. Variables measured included demographic information, perceived level of stress, and coping skills usage. The results showed that there was an association between experience level and stress (F = 5.46, p = .022), emotional coping, (r = .200, p = .078) and instrumental coping (r = .201, p = .075).

]]> Jennifer Kirschner et al. Smart Phone App for Waiting Time in Airport Security Lines http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/8 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/8 Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:08:57 PST This paper will highlight the importance of minimizing the amount of time passengers spend waiting, effective ways in which to track the waiting time, case studies of organizations that have implemented these methods, methods of relaying the information to passengers, and demonstrating that people are in fact willing to support this type of program. It will answer the question “What is the level of interest of airline passengers for an App that provides them with real-time information on the expected wait time at airport security checkpoints?”

]]> Vincent C. Marino Flight Training Success in Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/7 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/7 Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:08:56 PST The introduction of glass cockpit aircraft to general aviation has received great interest from researchers over the past few years. However, little information is available on the actual effects of this transition on training syllabus completion. This study focuses on whether or not the transition from analog to glass cockpit aircraft in a university training fleet has affected instructor ability to properly train students as well as student success in flight training evaluations. Data analyzed included flight-training evaluations as well as a survey of current flight students. Findings suggest a relationship between successful flight training evaluations and the type of aircraft used.

]]> Christopher J. McCracken Electric Motor & Power Source Selection for Small Aircraft Propulsion http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/6 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/6 Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:08:55 PST Jeremy Fehrenbacher Contributing Factors in Piper PA28 and Cirrus SR20 Aircraft Accidents http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/5 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/5 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:33:41 PST A large midwestern university has recently acquired Cirrus SR20 aircraft to replace an aging Piper PA28-161 fleet. This change to new and more advanced Cirrus aircraft has led to major changes in the flight program curriculum. New training techniques, guidelines, and operating procedures have been introduced to facilitate a successful transition. This study compared contributing factors to fatal accidents in SR20 and PA28-161 aircraft to determine if there are new risks associated with the subject fleet change. Using National Transportation Safety Board data, this study examined probable cause and other pertinent data from fatal accidents over the past ten years. The data was statistically analyzed to determine if there is any correlation between contributing factors for the two aircraft types. This analysis will help university leaders to identify new risks facing participants in the flight program. Recommendations based on the findings are offered with the intent of reducing the level of new risk associated with the fleet replacement.

]]> Andrew J. Franza Exploratory Study in Pilot Communications: Verbal versus Texting Communication http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/4 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/4 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:33:40 PST Text messaging has been the cause of numerous vehicle accidents, and studies have been done in simulated driving tests to support this. The use of iPads in the cockpit has increased since the technology has been introduced and the proposed research seeks to investigate whether an iPad causes distraction for pilots. This study explored the differences in two different forms of communication – verbal and texting. Primary errors were in altitude deviations during text communication. Text messaging in the cockpit is not necessarily a distraction for pilots, but takes away from the scan of instruments resulting in errors.

]]> Lauren J. Steele Public Perception of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/3 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/3 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:22:46 PST This study explored public risk perception of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for civilian commercial operations, including cargo and passenger transportation. Civilian operators are considering the use of UAVs to increase safety while reducing labor costs, but negative perceptions may delay the advancement of these aircraft. To document perception of UAV or UAS aircraft for commercial operations, a questionnaire was distributed to adults (ages 18+) who use commercial air travel. The survey classified age group, gender, and UAV familiarity as demographic variables. This study assessed risk perception of UAVs and its correlation to the variables through statistical analysis to identify whether there was an association between the demographic variables and risk perception. Upon analysis, it was determined that the data from the sample showed no strong evidence that demographic variables influenced risk perception. Many respondents’ risks perceptions involved technology reliability and higher perceived safety with a human pilot onboard.

]]> Alice Tam Safety Management Systems for Business Aviation http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/2 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/2 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:12:25 PST Safety Management Systems are becoming increasingly common among business aircraft operators. As the business aviation industry continues to improve its level of safety and efficiencies, it will be important for operators of business aircraft to adapt their Safety Management System to their unique operational needs. Properly implementing and maintaining a Safety Management System will be an integral part of a business aviation department’s operations. An exploratory single case study, focusing on how an increase in safety is perceived by implementing a safety management system in a business aviation operation, was conducted and will be explained in this paper. The proposed research will target business aviation operators to measure the level of perceived safety enhancements obtained by the implementation of a Safety Management System. The key outcome of this meta-analysis study can be adopted by any business aircraft operator to help effectively utilize a safety management system and gain the maximum possible safety enhancements.

Keywords: business aviation, safety management systems

]]> Shaun M. Gerber Advancing a qualitative-based research construct http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/1 http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atgrads/1 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:09:52 PDT Jennifer Kirschner