Abstract This paper addresses the subject of business ethics in the field of aviation, as well as emphasizes the effects of September 11 on the aviation industry. Through discussing the responsibilities each part of the aviation industry has toward air travel, this paper provides a clear analysis of why enhanced business ethics concerning safety and security are of utmost importance. The paper compares security features before September 11 with those after the tragedy, in an effort to determine how they have improved and what they are still lacking. In addition, it discusses the rights of aviation employees, shareholders and passengers to determine which security and business procedures are safe and which are invasive.
From the Paper "Prior to Sept. 11, the Air Transport Association, a representative for major airlines, and the Regional Airline Association, a trade group for smaller carriers, published the main security guide for airlines. This Checkpoint Operations Guide was designed to implement Federal Aviation Administration security regulations.
However, prohibiting box cutters on airplanes was an industry requirement, not a government one. The FAA actually allowed airline passengers to carry blades less than four inches long before Sept. 11.
However, airlines often did not invest the time or money before Sept. 11 to check passengers completely. In addition, according to Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House Transportation subcommittee on aviation, the FAA did have strict guidelines for screening standards in place (Salant). This combination was a recipe for disaster."
Abstract This paper considers the way the implementation of GPS technology (Global Positioning Satellite) in aviation has affected safety and what this will likely mean for the future. It discusses how GPS technology has become a major technological advance for use by the airline industry and for aviation at all levels and how the tracking capabilities and accuracy of this technology has had a major impact on aviation safety as a result.
From the Paper " The creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) offered a boon to many people and many professions. The use of GPS for ships at sea was noted early. The system was also deemed of particular value to the military and so to the government, which protected aspects off the technology for some time and kept these from wider public use. More recently, GPS technology has become viable for virtually everyone and has been included in automobiles, laptops, individual electronic tracking devices, and much more. GPS technology has also become a major technological advance for use by the airline industry and for aviation at all levels, and the tracking capabilities and accuracy of this technology has had a major impact on aviation safety as a result. "
Abstract The following paper outlines US aviation gun laws as they existed prior to 9/11 and how they stand today in the age of Homeland Security and global terrorism. The paper then examines the legal issues involved in changing America's gun aviation laws in the aftermath of the brutal attacks of 9/11. From there, the paper looks carefully at how the transformation of America's aviation gun laws profoundly changed the traveling experience of ordinary Americans. Finally, this paper summarizes the pertinent legal issues and it will conclude with an explication of why the recently-enacted gun laws are not only permissible, but entirely desirable.
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts the actual historical record of Howard Hughes and his life with its depiction in the film, "The Aviator", directed by Martin Scorsese. The paper relates that Howard Hughes became a recluse, and died alone. The paper also describes a part of the film which brings Hughes' early career into focus, while foreshadowing the torment that tortured him in his later life. The paper then points out that, as with most Hollywood dramas, the actual history of Howard Hughes and the story told by the film, become tangled in places, creating judgments on Hughes and aspects of his life that simply may not be true.
From the Paper "Little of this early history is covered in the film, and the most glaring omission is that Hughes was married when he first when to Hollywood. Ella plays no part in the early part of the film, and the pair were divorced in 1929, but still this too was something that must have had an affect on Hughes' later years, and just as his initial impetus in making films is ignored in the film, so is some significant personal history. There is also much speculation during this early portion of the film that Hughes' lifelong obsession with germs and cleanliness began due to his mother's influence and own paranoia, but there is little real evidence to back this up, most historians believe it is speculation at best. During his time in Hollywood, he made several motion pictures, "Hell's Angels" was not the first, as the film implies."
Abstract This paper attempts to educate the reader about the four major classes of drugs. Physical and emotional reactions to the various drugs will be discussed. A discussion on government regulations regarding drug use and mandatory screening are also described. The reader is challenged to take a position regarding mandatory drug testing of individuals employed in the aviation field.
From the Paper "When one thinks about substance abuse, one normally thinks about drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. We can go on forever. Drugs are classified into four categories: stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and inhalants. Each of these different types of drugs causes different effects on the human body. The average person can think of a neighbor, friend, or family member who is a substance abuser. It seems that he or she rarely stops and thinks about what drugs and other chemicals can do to our body. Think about how they can impair the proper judgement of an airline pilot, flight crew, aircraft mechanics. Drug abuse onboard an aircraft can result in serious injury or death in both the user and innocent passengers."
Tags: drugs, workplace, abuse, aviation, substanceflight, crew, testing, government
Abstract This research project examines strategies used by shift workers in aviation maintenance to cope with the fatigue and sleep disturbances suffered as a result of interrupted sleeping patterns. A connection is drawn between accidents, injuries and even airplane malfunctions and sleep disturbances in shift workers.
From the Paper "Approximately 20 percent of the American workforce - some 20 illion workers - work nonstandard hours (Liskowsky, 1992). Shift work may take the form of evening or night work, rotating shifts, irregular shifts, split shifts, or extended-duty hours. The U.S. Office of Technology has asserted that shift work has the potential to disrupt the body's biological rhythms or changes in various physiological and behavioral functions that repeat at regular intervals ranging from minutes to months."
Abstract A paper on the future of the aviation administration from the perspective of safety. The issues discussed include pilot performance and safety management.
Abstract This paper reviews the impact of Computer Aided Design (CAD) on aviation safety. In particular the paper looks at how CAD has incorporated Human Factors Principles, that is to say an appreciation of the kind of people who will be using the technology, into the design making process.
From the Paper "There can be little question that few occupations demand more of their practitioners than do the various branches of aviation. To begin with, any aircraft - be it a jetliner, a fighter jet, or even a small private airplane - is an extremely sophisticated piece of machinery. More specifically, they travel at high rates of speed, they can be (at least in the case of commercial aircraft) very unwieldy and cumbersome and their malfunction and/or mistreatment can result in almost certain death; quite simply, they are not items with which to be trifled. Adding to the dangers posed by these aircraft is the fact that their pilots - at least in military and/or commercial contexts - are expected to do more, and to do it more quickly, than ever before."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that with rising fuel prices and terrorism as a backdrop, many of the world's major commercial airlines have filed bankruptcy, blaming the additional costs of fuel and security measures for their demise. The writer notes however, that this is not the case with every airline, which leads to interesting subject matter to validate an issue position. In this paper, the researcher validates the issue position that the economic collapse of many major airlines has not been caused by fuel and security, but rather by flaws in the typical commercial aviation business model. This position is justified by the citation of relevant literature and logical conclusions drawn from the research of same. The writer concludes that the aviation industry needs to continually strive for excellence if it is to avoid its own self-fulfilling prophecy.
Outline:
Presentation of Position
Commercial Aviation Still Holds Potential for Success
Modern Success Stories Exist
Current Events in Commercial Aviation Bankruptcies are commonplace
Bankruptcies are Caused by Several Common Factors
Success Stories in Commercial Aviation India's Aviation Renaissance
Low Cost Aviation Model
Proof of Position
Closing Thoughts
From the Paper "The commercial aviation industry is chock full of an inordinate number of bankruptcies, with hundreds occurring over the past several decades. These events had been blamed on a wide variety of factors over the years. Over the last 6 months, there has been another rash of bankruptcies, which are currently being blamed on the excess costs of the security measures needed to protect commercial flights from terrorist infiltration and the rising cost of fuel, with sources reporting that the industry can only realistically pass 10% of the additional expenses on to the consumer for a variety of reasons."
Abstract This paper explains that, using content analysis to test the hypothesis surrounding aviation security, two press releases from the Government Accountability Office website were examined for common terms and references to aviation security measures. The author points out that this methodology focused on how the communications referred to aviation security and how frequently mention was made of changes in specific responses to the September 11 attacks. The author relates that this analysis identified that aviation security was breached due to inherent flaws in the system. The paper states that content analysis revealed that the current decentralized system with different parties responsible for various elements of aviation security is not optimal. The author stresses that terrorism is seen as unethical and politically illegitimate because its political aim is to kill the innocent. The paper includes a table and a graph.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Scope of the Study and the Uses of Content Analysis
Weaknesses of the Aviation Security: Using Content Analysis to Identify Trends
Aviation Security Current Position and Challenges Ahead: Content Analysis as a Prediction Mechanism
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lax security measures, that had individuals who did not undergo background checks accessing and breaching the security of the air traffic control computer systems. Dillingham also identified that the FAA did not assess and accredit the air traffic control computer systems, perform the appropriate risk assessments to ensure that the computer system that was central to the aviation system was protected, nor did the FAA establish and implement any comprehensive security program."
Abstract This paper explains that the implemention of the aviation safety action programs (ASAP) recommended by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for flight attendants and other aviation employees is vital in optimizing aviation safety. The plan is an encouraging rather than a threatening program, which focuses on improvement rather than liability. The author points out that the flight attendants themselves have reacted positively to these programs. The paper highlights that, in addition to safety benefits, the ASAP for flight attendants has revealed shortcomings in vital areas of training, has built employee-management trust, and has provided a connection between policy and procedure for flight attendants.
From the Paper "Indeed, according to reports, the implementation of ASAPs have resulted in greater employee compliance with written rules and regulations, as employees are more aware of how these connect with the mechanism of aviation safety. As such, employees experience a greater understanding of the complicated business of aviation, as well as how each individual's duties contribute to its smooth operation. This is particularly so in the case of flight attendants. Submitted reports are circulated to flight attendants, some of whom specifically benefit from them."
Tags: improvement feedback, mutually beneficial, compliance training
Abstract This paper provides a research analysis into aviation security pre and post 9/11. It examines the threat of terrorist activity from an aviation standpoint and looks at the ease with which terrorism can occur in the aviation industry. The paper suggests that aviation security is something that has not yet been accepted enough to ensure that a high percentage of individuals actually take their security jobs seriously. The paper also looks at possible solutions to the problem.
Table of Contents:
Chapter One - Introduction
Background
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale for the Study
Chapter Two - Review of Related Literature
Chapter Three - Methodology
Research Design
Population and Sample
Collection and Tabulation of Data
Data Analysis Procedure
Limitations of the Study
Chapter Four - Data Analysis
Chapter Five - Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusion
From the Paper "It is impossible for many to understand how critics can say that freedom had nothing to do with the terrorist attacks when the evidence so clearly shows that it did. It has been over six years since the terrorist attacks, and many Americans no longer live in fear. This is important, because life is not much if one is constantly afraid. However, many Americans have gone back to feeling that they are safe again. They do not take much interest in the government's suggested safety kit for terrorism. Some do not do it because they do not think it will do any good anyway, but others do not do it because they do not feel it will ever be necessary. One can only hope that they are correct, but it seems as though once again they believe that living in America protects them from harm. It is sad to see how quickly they have forgotten the lessons that they learned on September 11th."
Abstract The paper explains that the purpose of the research is to ascertain the effects of aviation resource management survey (ARMS) inspections on aviation accident rates in the U.S. army. The paper presents the hypothesis that ARMS inspections decrease Army aviation accidents and proposes to look into the United States Army Europe and Seventh Army (USAREUR) aviation accident statistics over a four-year period. The paper provides an extensive literature review and outlines the exact research methodology to be utilized.
Outline:
Abstract
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - Review of Literature
Chapter Three - Methodology
From the Paper "United States Army aviation resources are an expensive, finite product in the budget of the United States government. The numbers of helicopters required in war fighting deployments have a direct impact in peacekeeping missions and waging war in global conflicts. The loss of United States Army helicopters directly impact the mission, capability, and accomplishment of Army aviation in deployments and support missions to ground forces. The expenditure of these valuable assets, to include loss of life, directly impact the strategy of the United States Army. If present aviation accident trends continue, coupled with combat losses, the expectation of over one billion dollars in United States Army aviation accidents, Class A through C, will become a reality. This downward spiral in aviation accidents must be stopped."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of aviation security following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Two communications in the form of press releases from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) are examined and analyzed to show that aviation security after September 11, 2001 has significantly improved and changed, following the necessary policies that have been put in place. The paper identifies and outlines the changes that have been put in place and provides an objective analysis of the new policy changes after September 11, 2001, so as to use the content analysis to test the hypothesis surrounding aviation security. The paper includes a table showing examples of direct and indirect economic losses from September 11, and a pie chart using content analysis to identify trends regarding the weaknesses of aviation security.
From the Paper "Aviation security relies heavily on the skill and expertise of personnel. The FAA and aviation industry have realized that there needs to be a reevaluation of airport personnel with specific focus on improving workers aptitudes, increased training, minimize turnover, and better wages GAO, 2006, 1). Dillingham stated that the FAA was implementing a number of actions and plans that addressed these issues directly; they included the development of an integrated action plan, certification programs which enhance training, and the use of machinery to help increase productivity. Most of these activities have post September 11 implementation dates. TSA training has also increased and changed form after September 11. Major elements of the change include forty (40) hours of classroom instruction and sixty (60) hours of on-the-job training, annual proficiency review of screeners, and establishing a basic screener training program, (Berrick, 2006, p 5). Again, these policy changes support the hypothesis being examined."
Abstract The paper describes the technological progress in aviation that was encouraged by both world wars. The paper then looks at the jet aircraft developed by the United States and the Soviet Union as a result of the Cold War. The paper points out that despite the underlying hostile motivations for its accelerated development, modern aviation has many positive humanitarian benefits.
Outline:
Background and History
The First Generation of Powered Aircraft
The Birth of Modern Aviation Aviation in the Jet Age
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903, with a 59-second flight that covered a modest 852 feet at an altitude of 10 feet (SASM, 2007). Within little more than a decade from this most humble of beginnings, powered aircraft flight evolved sufficiently for pilots to face each other in aerial combat to the death in the first generation of military combat aircraft featuring full-sized machine guns in World War I. By the end of the war in 1918, bombers capable of dropping nearly 2000 pounds of explosive ordinance were in use by the British and German force(Jackson, 2003)."
