Abstract
This study focuses on the long-debated question of “fly or drive” by comparing the economic costs associated with the value of employee time. Driving, flying on small aircraft, and airline travel methods are compared. The top 31 Purdue Turbine Flight Operations (TFO) routes from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010 were used for analysis. Cirrus SR-20 and Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft were analyzed versus driving and airline travel when booked 3 days or two weeks in advance. The study concludes with a hypothetical university case study. With consideration taken to ensure use of accurate university figures, an economic decision-making tool is created, and a framework for future studies is formed. Results lend an insight to the importance of time and accurate measure of actual employee worth instead of productivity en route when deciding among certain modes of transportation. They also demonstrate the concept of practical use of university aircraft as a transportation tool for university employees.
Keywords
SATS, Small Aircraft Transportation, Economic Value of Employee Time, Aviation, Transportation, Economic Comparison, Ground Transportation, Airline Transportation, Cirrus, Phenom
Date of this Version
4-12-2010
Department
Aviation Technology
Department Head
Dr. Brent Bowen
Month of Graduation
May
Year of Graduation
2010
Degree
Master of Science in Technology
Head of Graduate Program
Dr. Richard Fanjoy
Advisor 1 or Chair of Committee
Denver Lopp
Committee Member 1
Dr. Thomas Carney
Committee Member 2
Michael Suckow