This paper investigates the use of radio altimeters as part of ground proximity warning systems (GPWS) and the way these devices can help avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) incidents, approach, and landing accidents (ALA).
Abstract This paper explains that the air travel industry is built on principles which maintain its safety records, including multiple redundant systems, and the ability of the pilot and crew to override the systems if they malfunction. The author points out that ?Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)? is responsible for more than half of all commercial aviation fatalities, making it one of the international aviation community's most pressing safety problems. The paper concludes by proposing a study comparing the accident rate of aircraft with EGPWS systems installed, aircraft with GPWS installed, and aircraft with neither installed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Controlled Flight into Terrain
Approach and Landing Accidents
Advancements in the GPWS Systems
Minimum Safe Altitude Warning System (MSWA)
Methods and Procedure for the Study
From the Paper "Non-precision approaches increase levels of risk ?significantly,? said Khatwa. The danger is even higher when pilots have a low exposure to such events. Assuming that accident characteristics can be observed in everyday conditions, the research went on to study correlations between ALAs and data from regular aircraft operations. In addition to the 4,000 normal flights, they considered almost 300 worldwide ALAs, as well as other incidents, using International Civil Aviation Organization statistics. Some 287 fatal ALAs from 1980 to 1996 represented an annual incidence of about 17 events. The researched projected that with increasing levels of air travel, ALA incidents were likely to rise to 23 a year. About 50 percent of all accidents are ALAs, and the most dominant circumstance was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Almost 75 percent of ALAs involved approaches to airports with no glide slope."
Abstract The United States has a fleet of fighter planes, which makes its air force one of the best in the world. This paper is a summary of facts surrounding the history and capabilities of three of the finest fighters in the U.S. Air Force, namely, the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-4 Phantom, and the F-15 Eagle. The paper includes pictures and diagrams of all three aircraft.
From the Paper "The F-15 Eagle has a variety of weaponry; these include everything from 6 barrel cannon with 140 rounds of ammunition to air-to-air missiles. A multimission avionic system sets the F-15 apart from other aircrafts. It includes a head up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, instrument landing system, ultra-high frequency communication, flight instruments, and a tactical navigation system."
Abstract There is no question that safety measures substantially contribute to the cost of purchasing an aircraft, but the cost of safety only begins with the purchase price. Further costs are incurred in performing, logging, and storing records of maintenance procedures and routine safety inspections. This paper explains, however, that it is not possible to gauge the worth of a human life in terms of dollars, and those trusting their lives to experienced pilots and proven aircraft need to be assured that their choice to fly was a prudent one. This research shows that the effects of deregulation have created an enormous increase in air travel, as well as private ownership of aircraft. The aviation industry continues to demonstrate significant progress in achieving better safety records and enjoys an enviable safety reputation. This paper provides a review of the literature to examine the human factors as well as the hardware involved in ensuring safe air travel, followed by a description of the research methodology used. The results of the research are followed by a discussion of the issues identified and the conclusions reached as a result. The research project recommendations conclude the paper.
Acknowledgements
Abstract
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter
I Introduction
II Review of Relevant Literature and Research.
III. Research Methodology.
Research Technique
Research Design
Survey Population
Sources of Data
The Data Gathering Instrument
Pilot Study
Pretest
Distribution Method
Reliability
Validity
Treatment of Data and Procedures
IV. Results
V. Discussion
VI. Conclusions
VII. Recommendations
References
Appendixes
From the Paper "The first successful airplane flights did not take place until 1903. Yet today, airplanes affect the lives of people almost everywhere. Giant airliners carry passengers and cargo between the world's major cities in a matter of hours. Planes and helicopters rush medicine and other supplies to the farthest islands and deepest jungles. Farmers use airplanes to seed fields, count livestock, and spray crops. Aviation has also changed the way nations make war. Modern warfare depends on the instant striking power of jet fighters and bombers and the rapid supply capabilities of jet transports. Helicopters and other special aircraft have also been important in military aviation over the last 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of airplanes are used throughout the world. They range from small planes with room for only a pilot to enormous jumbo jets, which can carry hundreds of passengers. To produce and operate all these airplanes requires the skills of millions of workers in many countries--from the engineers who design the planes to the mechanics and pilots who service and fly them. Many government agencies also work to make flying safer and more dependable. All these activities together make up the aviation industry. The industry's two major branches are the manufacture of aircraft and aircraft components, such as engines, and the operation of airlines. The manufacture of aircraft, together with the manufacture of spacecraft, missiles, and related electronic equipment, is often called the aerospace industry."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company. It discusses the company's history and looks at the present market trends of the industry in line with Pratt and Whitney's performance. The economic situation of the company is analyzed, and forecasts for the future are made.
Background
Current Statistics
Economic Outlook
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Frederick Brant Rentschler had a dream to build a lighter, stronger and more reliable aircraft engine. Rentschler found everything he needed to make his vision reality at the Pratt and Whitney Tool Company in Connecticut. Pratt and Whitney (P&W) had the machines, financing, facilities, and almost everything needed to produce aircraft engines. Rentschler believed that the future of aviation relied upon the manufacture of light weight but powerful engines. Engine technology was at a turning point in aviation history in 1925, when the entire industry was leaning towards the production of water-cooled engines. At that time only Rentschler seemed to realize that the future of aviation lied with light, air-cooled engines, instead of the much heavier water-cooled versions. The Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company was contracted to build engines for the Navy shortly after the first engines were produced. The engine impressed naval officials with its unprecedented performance, speed and reliability. Since then P&W has been the major supplier of aircraft engines for the United States Military. In 1929 Rentschler left the Pratt and Whitney Company and founded the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation. Rentschler was allowed to continue using the Pratt and Whitney name. The United Aircraft and Transport Corporation is now known as United Technologies, and is the parent company of P&W."
Abstract This paper begins by suggesting that the formation of the European Union opened new opportunities for companies in the region to form bonds and expand their businesses. The paper looks at the effect the merger will have on airline ticket prices overall and the viability of the smaller, no-frills airlines. The writer also explores the effect on the market of the apparently contradictory actions of the EU commissioners at the time of the merger to assess the timing of the approval of the AirFrance/KLM merger and determine what the role of the regulatory bodies might have been in the final result for the air travel industry and its stakeholders.
From the Paper "With the merger of Air France and KLM, Europe's second and fourth largest carriers. Europe will be home to the world's largest airline in terms of revenue. Historically, mergers of this kind have benefited shareholders; they have not benefited many other stakeholders including employees and smaller competitors. (Kim and Singal, 1993) With an avowed intention to become the largest airline in the world, low-coast carrier Ryanair stands to be one of the smaller companies hurt by this merger, as does another no-frills airline, easyJet. The merger was approved by the commissioners of the European Union prior to the very recent and substantial changes made in the way such mergers are viewed and approved, or not. In addition, the merger was approved on the heels of an Air France complaint about tax usage in indirect support of Ryanair's hub at Charleroi Airport, serving Brussels."
Abstract This report details the crash of an American International Airways Flight 808, headed towards Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on August 18, 1993, which crashed approximately ? mile away from the approach of the runway at the Leeward Point Airfield in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at a U.S. Naval Air Station.
From the Paper "During this flight on August 18 of 1993 a Douglas DC-8-61 freighter, N612CK was on business operating as AIA flight 808 registered to American International Airways, Inc. (NTSB, 1994). The entire aircraft was demolished on impact, and as a result of fire incurred by the crash. Three flight crewmembers aboard the plane experienced severe injuries."
Abstract This report examines the roots of terrorism and the changes that came in the wake of the September 11th attacks. It provides an interesting perspective upon how aviation security was structured before and after the attacks. With the threat of terrorist activity increasing, the interest of many citizens is geared towards the actions taken to enhance security, both foreign and domestic. Great measures in airport security can be found in Section 4 of the report. In it, many of the post-September 11th, hi-tech gadgets are outlined. With terrorism constantly changing to counteract security measures, the need for follow-up investigations is vital. With the cumulative knowledge of past strategies of terrorism and precedent security changes, analysis of that research allows for the formation of conclusions. These conclusions can, in turn, be related to policy.
From the Paper "One huge international aviation organization is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "This is the aviation wing of the United Nations. With their head quarters in Montreal, Canada, the ICAO is the forefront of international aviation rule-making" (Wilkinson 83). "When airborne terrorism started becoming an issue, ICAO was the first to create standards and recommend practices to deter a terrorist threat. The ICAO is comprised of a tiered committee structure" (Jenkins 84). It is made up of 185 member states and was born in Chicago after the appropriate number of states ratified the treaty. The aviation security panel actually is the body which publishes international standards (mandatory) and recommended practices that all member states to put into effect within their respective airlines."
Abstract This paper provides a mission overview of the Mars Pathfinder mission ,launched in December 1996 as part of an ongoing series of Mars missions to prepare for the landing of a man on the 'red planet' in the next century. It gives a brief mission summary, followed by a scientific description focusing on how Pathfinder made it to Mars and how it surveyed Mars's atmosphere and Mars's surface. It looks at how Mars Pathfinder was not only a huge scientific success, but also gave the public, via Internet, the opportunity to participate at a space mission at a level never experienced before.
Outline
Title
Abstract
Chapter
Introduction
Mission Summary
Science Description
Spacecraft Description
Development and Manufacturing Structure
Launch Vehicle
Mission Costs
Summary
From the Paper "On December 4, 1996 the pathfinder mission was launched on a Delta II-7925 launch vehicle out of Cape Canaveral Air Station. After 211 days in space and a distance traveled of almost 300 million miles the spacecraft landed on July 4, 1997 at its destination (DLR, 2003). In order to fine-tune the flight path a series of four-trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) were performed throughout the journey. NASA used the Deep Space Network (DSN) for tracking, telemetry, and command operations. DSN is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions by using giant dish antennas (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses safety in the 21st century and enhancing it by focusing on cabin and cockpit safety. Presently, the only automated systems required on board modern aircraft are the automatic fire detection systems for the engines and cargo compartments receptacle fire bottles. Manually operated extinguishers are provided for the engine and cargo areas. Pilot-controlled fire extinguishing systems exist for both these areas. Some aircraft have overheat detection in the avionics compartments, but no automated fire extinguishing system. Integrated systems are needed to detect and extinguish fires in aircraft, wherever they occur, before they can damage the aircraft or its systems. Since 1996, there have been three major aircraft accidents involving fire in the cockpit and cabin. Two had no fire detection systems; those accidents were fatal. The aircraft involved in the third accident had smoke detection that enabled the crew to land before the aircraft was severely damaged. This should make it clear that fire detection saves lives.
From the Paper "e industry has not kept pace with the demand put on it by significant changes to the design of electrical systems on airplanes. There needs to be a great deal of work done to prevent electrical fires from the beginning. We also need systems designed to provide fire detection and suppression in all the possible fire regions in the airplane fuselage, both accessible and inaccessible. Failure to execute these changes will put crews and passengers at an unnecessarily risk to experience a catastrophic in-flight fire, a terrible fate experienced by too many already. We can prevent in-flight fire catastrophes if we want to."
Abstract This paper discusses the application of Total Quality Management (TQM), the quality programs developed based on the thinking of Deming, Crosby, J.M. Juran, and others, in the avionic industry. The author points out that Rockwell Collins called its TQM program "lean electronics", but it was simply an ongoing process to improve productivity, reduce waste, streamline purchasing, and help the company achieve excellence in its operations. The paper relates that tough union bosses can hamper the introduction of TQM and diminish its benefits; in such settings, the way TQM is introduced and adopted is as important as the reasons it is undertaken in the first place.
From the Paper "Until adopting its new outlook, AlliedSignal Aerospace had been characterized by arrogance and indifference to customers, an attitude that had blossomed during the strong growth of the 1970s and 1980s. When customers began to seek alternatives and better treatment, AlliedSignal's competitors, particularly in its once-dominant market segment of auxiliary power unites, gained market share. Despite that, in 1994, the Aerospace unit was ? selected as the sole supplier of auxiliary power units (APUs) for the new-generation 737X family of transports [for the military], and the company was selected by Southwest Airlines to supply wheels and brakes, including repair and overhaul services, for its new fleet of Boeing 737-700s.? "
Tags: tqm, demming, productivity, excellence, union
Abstract This paper examines how the future for regional jet service in the United States and abroad appears to be very bright and how regional passenger jets, defined as jet planes seating between 25 and 110 passengers, are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to the turbo-prop "puddle-jumper" aircraft businesspeople have come to associate with commuter flights in smaller markets. It provides an overview and background of regional jets, the associated cost factors and controversies, an assessment of the potential impact of the identified alternatives, and the sell-offs of regional carriers by the major carrier owners.
From the Paper "As a result of their increasing popularity, regional jets have also created their share of controversies, including claims these types of aircraft are clogging the nation's already stressed airports and issues concerning equitable pay rates for regional jet pilots compared to their mainstream aviation counterparts. ?Some say regional jets are jamming the system, but that's not true,? says Faye Malarkey, a legislative director for the Regional Airline Association (RAA). Rather, Malarkey says that regional jets are "part of the solution" (Arnoult, 2000, p. 67). Likewise, the President of the RAA, Deborah McElroy says, "We think that they are making regional jets a scapegoat. That's not appropriate. regional jets are added because that's what the passengers want" (Arnoult, 2000, p. 67). "
Abstract This paper explains that deregulation of the airline industry is one major step in attempting to have a free and competitive market, one which benefits customers, airlines, governments, and the community at large. The author points out that the liberalization of the airline industry has resulted in the birth of low-cost scheduled airlines, primarily aimed at providing cheap alternate modes of transport for the average citizen, thus increasing passenger traffic. The paper relates that one of the results of deregulation has been the privatization of airports, which were traditionally operated by the government; Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports in the United Kingdom are some examples of airports totally under private management.
Table of Contents
The European Airline Market
Deregulation of the European Airline Industry
Low-Cost Airlines
Hub and Spoke System
Airlines Consolidation
Privatization of Airports
Sustainable Aviation
From the Paper "European airlines are limited to a single market and thus often have to depend on a single hub for intercontinental services. This means that the companies cannot offer routes as they wish and may lose out on profitable opportunities. On the other hand, an US airline can have several hubs from where they can offer intercontinental services to several locations based on alliances with other airlines. Post de-regulation, airlines have the liberty to fix and revise fares as they wish. It could be seen that close to 85 percent of the commuters travel on reduced fares within the Union. On some routes, the fares are still higher and this deprives passengers of low cost options. Another drawback is the duplication of flight services on busy routes and lower size of aircrafts to increase frequency. These initiatives have increased the fuel consumption per passenger, raising energy conservation and environmental issues. Critics point out that the short-term and profits oriented approach of the private airlines is the main reason for this situation and governmental intervention is therefore required to stem further deterioration."
Abstract This paper explains that Boeing, McDonald Douglas, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, the present aircraft manufacturing industry major players, ensure that quality assurance is performed at each and every stage of the manufacturing process because the implication and cost of not doing so are enormous. The author points out that quality assurance is an important part of manufacturing spare parts for older planes and components for new airplanes. The paper relates that understanding variance and methods to control variance has helped the aerospace industry maintain high quality standards.
From the Paper "Quality-assurance issues made companies realize that they constantly had to improve the system in order to remain competitive and focus on their customer's needs. This requires long-term commitment from the organization's leaders. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on software solutions to manage and track their quality performance. Hamilton Sundstrand a supplier to Boeing was able to streamline and understand its processes using state of the art software and knowledgeable and trained workers. Understanding the importance of continuous improvement in the quality of the product can help organizations ensure that they will retain their market position and customer loyalty. Creating constancy of purpose towards improvement, strategy planning based on long-term goals of the organization can help focus the management's attention on quality issues. IAQG is also hoping that by identifying and conveying the best practices followed by industry leaders the industry as a whole can benefit."
Abstract Flight crew resource management is the science of training flight crews to interact and communicate in a highly authoritarian environment while, at the same time, making use of the intelligence and professional resources of all the members of a flight crew. In the cockpit, the captain is in unquestionable control of the airplane because he is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the flight, including hardware, equipment, and personnel on board. However, each member of the crew can make important contributions, especially during in-flight crises, but their input can be thwarted because of the highly authoritarian command culture. This paper examines the issues of flight crew resource management and seeks to expand the definition of crew resource management to include personal communication style in order to further facilitate professional, accurate, and open communication between the flight staff and commander.
From the Paper "According to Wilson (2001) aviation accidents and mishaps are attributed to human error in 60% to 80% of cases. A large number of these mishaps can be directly traced to the failures in coordination among cockpit crews during the time of the crises. The situations are not caused by poor pilot or crew skills. Just the opposite is true. When highly professional staff and crew encounter a crisis situation, often their training can hinder the communication and double checking of decision making that could often avoid the indecent, or accident. In the majority of controlled flight accidents and incidents poor pilot performance through improper and faulty crew resource management (CRM) have been cited as contributing factors in numerous accidents and incidents reported by major airlines during the period covering 1983 to 1985 (U.S. General Accounting Office, 1997). The U.S. General Accounting Office (1997) found that CRM deficiencies, such as the lack of coordination among cockpit crews, captain's decisions to keep tasks to himself rather than assign tasks or check decisions with other members, and / or a lack of effective crew supervision were a contributing cause in approximately half of accidents that occurred between 1983 and 1985 that involved one or more fatalities. Other reviews have found similar factors at work within cited accident reports (Chidester, Helmreich, Gregorich, & Geis, 1991; Gregorich, Helmreich, & Wilhelm, 1990)."
A detailed marketing communications plan for British Airways European Passenger Business. It includes up-to-date situational analysis (PEST and SWOT), aims and objectives and a strategy for achieving results.
Abstract This paper outlines a marketing plan for the European Passenger Business of British Airways (BA). BA's communications strategy to date is reviewed and new objectives and targets to be achieved over the next year are set, in order to increase brand awareness and a loyal customer base. BA's current situation and strategy is analysed and the key problems and areas of weakness that need to be addressed are identified.
From the Paper "However, events over the past three years (both internal and external) have hit profit margins and damaged the brand's reputation and image, which have impacted sales. The Future Size and Shape plan was developed and implemented in 2002 to restructure the business and reduce costs, in order to achieve profits. Associated reductions in employee numbers amount to around 15,000. However, employee dissatisfaction has grown, with unions threatening strike action on an annual basis (August bank holiday weekend 2003 and 2004). Most recently this culminated in 100 flights being cancelled at Heathrow, partly due to staff shortages, which was estimated to have cost BA ?10m. Press coverage has been highly negative ? partly fuelled by BA's poorly planned compensation offer (free flights to some employees, whilst customers have to apply for their money back). BA's share price (see figure 1) has been affected by these developments, in addition to external factors such as fuel price rises."
