Abstract This paper describes the historical and technical development of the strategic and tactical air power methods used by the U.S. to defeat the Nazis. The paper also describes the extreme conditions that pilots operated under during WWII and the courage and heroism required of the pilots of that era.
Air Power Flexibility and Versatility during WWII
A B-17 Crew Member ? a Gunner ? Writes to his Mother
The Dangers of Fighter Pilots being Shot down
Body Armor ("Flak Suits") Protected Some Air Corps Fliers
From the Paper "There was a predictable yet seemingly restrained power struggle ongoing during the buildup to the U.S. engagement in Europe, between the ground forces and air command units; Spires writes (4) that a Field Manual on April 9, 1942 (Aviation in Support of Ground Forces) offered ?much to satisfy the most ardent air power proponents in the newly designated Army Air Forces (AAF).? There would be some layers of authority to go through however, since the ground commanders would initiate requests for air power ? through air support parties ? and the requests would then be sent to air support command for approval. If indeed approved, the command at air support would issue orders to aircraft."
Abstract This paper explains that, if the corrosion on aircraft is undetected or untreated, corrosion problems can lead to structural failures and, hence, pose a great safety risk. The author points out that the most popular method of corrosion prevention is the use of chromate surface treatments of the aluminum structures; however, using hexavalent-chromium compounds for surface coating is an environmentally unsound practice because chromium is well-known as a highly toxic and carcinogenic agent. The paper relates that tackling corrosion at the designing and manufacturing phase is key to successful control of the corrosion menace; proper maintenance also occupies a significant role in remedying the damage and in prolonging the life of the aircraft.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Corrosion Problem
Corrosion Control (A Design and Manufacturing Issue)
Corrosion Control by Coating
Maintenance Programs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Cervical corrosion occurs when a corrosive fluid gets inside the joints or penetrates the coated surface. Both the forms of corrosion are dangerous and can result in cracking of the metal surface. The problem is more pronounced in aging aircrafts which are exposed to corrosive materials over a long period of time. The 1988 Aloha Airline B-737-200 incident was an eye opener to the dangers of corrosion. Due to undetected corrosion the whole fuselage of the plane got separated in mid air. This incident led to the formation of the "Aging Aircraft Task Force Steering Committee" which is currently known as the "Airworthiness Assurance Working Group"."
Abstract This paper examines how the aviation industry forces its pilots to retire at a certain age because of the belief that older pilots will be less able to do the job well. This paper investigates the validity of these claims. The writer asks the following questions: Are commercial airline pilots really a special case? Are these highly trained professionals really so afflicted with issues of ill health and poor performance as they enter their "golden years?" If this is so, then there must be facts and figures to support the case. If not, then we are dealing simply with a matter of a prejudice that must be combated.
Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "The commercial aviation industry's current mandatory retirement age of sixty is based directly on FAA regulations. The FAA, like so many other government agencies, has as its primary purpose ensuring the safety and well-being of the general public. Its regulations are supposed to be based on clear, scientific evidence. If the FAA says it is not allowed, then one can assume that there is sufficient data to support the position that such and such an action would be dangerous. Yet in the case of the mandatory retirement requirement, the situation is not so simple. In fact it may even be said, that the current regulation, which was promulgated in 1959, was the result not of careful scientific inquiry, but of corporate pressure."
Abstract This paper discusses the improved security measures that have been implemented in aviation security since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as the unresolved security issues that remain regarding passenger safety and privacy. In particular, the paper looks at employee training, scanner accuracy, intrusiveness of scanners and human screeners, and the use of air marshals. The paper also includes suggestions for measures that would improve aviation security.
From the Paper "A recent report by the United States Department for Homeland Security (Stone) argues that staff who operate airport security screening devices are not receiving sufficient training. The report also states that operators are not being trained to handle deadly weapons and are not trained on passenger rights. Screeners are not trained on how to read airline tickets, when to pat down passengers and how to search animals and their cages. Furthermore, a study by McCarley and colleagues showed that screeners identify more contraband items with greater experience (McCarley et al.), which further demonstrates the magnitude of this problem. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for training airport security screeners. The TSA is currently examining employee training and states that modifications will soon follow."
Abstract Today, Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an air carrier that provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States and around the world. To identify Delta's overall domestic and global strategies to maintain and increase its market share, this paper provides a brief company profile for Delta and a current problem that has adversely affected the company's performance, followed by an assessment of a potential solution for the company's predicament today and in the future. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "As early as mid-1999, though, Delta was already targeting foreign airlines for strategic alliances. For instance, in an article entitled, "Air France to Set up Alliance with U.S. Delta Airlines," it was reported that France's national carrier Air France announced intentions to establish a strategic partnership with the U.S. Delta Airlines pursuant to both airlines' intentions to expand into a global marketplace by establishing alliances with other air companies. This move also involved Delta disengaging itself from its relationship with Swissair, Sabena and Austrian Airlines -- a move that was not without controversy."
Tags: airtran, aviation, jetblue, lufthansa, southwest, united
Abstract This paper examines what the most important fire issue is in aviation and explores how it is handled. In addition, the paper compares the ways that a specific fire issue is handled. The paper presents a focus on insulation and other fire-retardant measures in cabin safety and what kind of changes these have undergone throughout aviation history.
From the Paper "Fire issues in aviation have long been a problem as those that work with them look for new and better ways to make aviation safer for all. This is not always easy, however, as there are only certain types of chemicals and other items that can be used in aviation due to the nature of the field. Because of this, discussing what should be used and why when it comes to fire safety and fire issues is often of the utmost importance for the aviation industry and those that create products for it. The main problem with this issue is that fire issues are something that must be dealt with in a specific way when it comes to aviation due to the complex nature of the field. For fire issues, much study must be done into what is acceptable because weight, size, and other factors play a part in airliners."
Abstract This paper discusses how Virgin Atlantic Airways markets its business class service. The paper explains how Virgin Atlantic ensures that its premium paying passengers get full value for their money, beginning with the pre-flight experience, which includes courtesy limo transfers, a hassle-free and short check-in process, and use of luxury lounges, branded the "Clubhouse".
From the Paper "A testimony to Virgin Atlantic having succeeded in developing a superlative business class product lies in the fact that its "Upper Class Suite" is often seen as equivalent to the first class service on other long haul airlines. For instance, Valhouli (2004, para 13) is almost apologetic over the fact that Virgin Atlantic could not be included in Forbes' list of Best First Class section on airlines since technically, its "Upper Class Suite" is business class. Valhouli's comment is perhaps best explained through a description of the innovative "Upper Class Suite" product and service."
Abstract This paper details the aborted takeoff of USAir Flight 5050 and the subsequent crash. The paper describes what happened during the attempted takeoff and explains that, due to the wet condition of the runway, the aircraft could not stop in time. The paper presents the investigative findings of the crash, which included examination of flight data and communications, such as the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
From the Paper "USAir Flight 5050 was scheduled to depart from New York's LaGuardia Airport and scheduled to arrive at Charlotte, North Carolina on September 20, 1989. Fifty-seven passengers and four flight attendants were aboard. On board the flight deck of the Boeing 737 were Captain Micheal Martin and First Officer Constantine Kleissas. The crew had a long layover in New York and was forced to wait for approximately one and a half hours due to the cold and wet weather. Finally at about 11:30 pm, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff with Kleissas at the controls."
Abstract This report looks at how economic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product, inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index, unemployment, capacity utilization, personal income and the actions of the Federal Reserve can be used to observe the true nature of the airline industry's economic woes.
From the Paper "There is a definite economic crisis coming out of the airline industry. Carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United and Continental continue to operate in the red as issues such as the price of fuel, terrorism and weak world economies continue to hamper the industry's attempts to move into the black. Each of these large United States based carriers have either filed or has considered filing for bankruptcy protection at one time or another in an attempt to rediscover solvency. Of course, many believe that the events surrounding September 11, 2001, where terrorists hijacked several American planes and used them as missiles, is the only reason for the airline industry's current financial predicament. However, throughout the past thirty years, the true dilemma the airline industry has faced can found in economic indicators that show the downturns should be attributed to other economic predictors such as inflation, the United States and world economies, globalization and the very obvious factor of stiff competition. Reduced fairs will never work if the industry faces escalating operating costs."
Tags: gdp, gross, domestic, product, consumer, price, index
Abstract This paper first offers an explanation of high altitude and then goes on to describe the important changes that occur in the internal environment of the human body.
From the Paper "The effects of high altitude on the human body is hypoxia, hyperventilation, changes in lung volume, changes in pulmonary diffusing capacity, changes in number of red blood cells, changes in hemoglobin concentration, and changes in cardiac output. The human body is also prone to high altitude stress which includes effects like increased secretion of ADH, redistribution of body fluids, and impairment of mental reactions. "
Abstract This paper presents a history of the Lockheed L-1011 Tri Star program and uses a break even and cost of capital analysis to see if the program should have been started considering the risk involved. The paper also deals with the politics and competition involved surrounding commercial aircraft development and manufacturing.
Table of Contents
Lockheed Martin's Tri Star Program
Lockheed's Break-Even Analysis for the L-1011
Cost of Capital
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the break-even analysis introduced by U.E Reinhardt in The Journal of Finance, the Lockheed L-1011 Tri Star program is scrutinized for its viability. Many of the article's ideas stem from the 1971 Congressional hearings concerning the emergency loan guarantee legislation. At the time, Lockheed was experiencing a liquidity crisis and large cost overruns on several military contracts. The Department of Defense refused to absorb these additional costs, forcing Lockheed to seek a federal guarantee for $250 million of additional bank credit for the completion of the L-1011 Tri Star program."
Abstract This paper discusses the fact that following the 9/11 tragedy many politicians and airline industry representatives began to search for improvements to the Airline Traffic Control system (ATC). The paper explains that these improvements were deigned to increase security and safety for all flight personnel, as well as for all passengers. The paper outlines some of the changes made to the ATC systems and examines the benefits of each new policy or procedure.
From the Paper "One of the most significant changes to ATC has been the implementation of key technology, deployed at the headquarters of NORAD, located in Colorado Springs. This technology, known as Explorer, enables the NORAD team to monitor all commercial aircraft flying across the country at any given time. Previously, the technology had been used solely to monitor for incoming missiles, or military planes (Carr and Cone, 2002). The FAA also added a staff of air traffic controllers to the NORAD base, as well as in many busy sectors across the country, to assist local ATC operators in the event of a hijacking situation (Strohm, 2004). In an effort to ensure proper handling of airline safety issues, the FAA also separated the responsibility of those dealing with hijack situations. The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, has been established. In the event of a hijacked flight, the TSA is responsible for all actions while the plane is in the air. When the flight lands, the FBI is responsible (Strohm, 2004)."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough overview of JetBlue Airways. It begins by discussing JetBlue's corporate background and then looks at major challenges currently facing the airline industry in general, and JetBlue in particular. An industry analysis is included and the paper ends with a summary and conclusion about the airline market.
From the Paper "It appears that the airline industry will continue to struggle in the near future (3-5 years) (Peterson, 2004). Innovation among this industry has been stagnant and the structure of the industry desperately needs reform. However, JetBlue has an advantage in that the industry giants/multi-national firms are too large to react to the changing environment in a fast and effective manner. This creates a large opportunity for JetBlue to innovate and develop new cost efficient means of air travel. The terrorist attacks were a significant blow in exposing the weakness of the air transportation industry that were lingering for decades, but their needs to be a positive, defining moment where the industry innovates and decides to change the status quo and the industry. While Jet Blue has showed innovation in this area, the multi-national firms dominate the industry and they are not successful. The bottom line is without more leaders, the airline industry as a whole will continue to disintegrate and will not be an investment worthy area for years to come."
Abstract The space shuttle program from inception has been challenged by trade-offs. Management at NASA is forced to make difficult decisions regarding schedule and budgets, and some of those decisions aren't proper from an engineering perspective. Due to budgetary constraints and a disconnect between management and sound engineering, the nation has experienced two shuttle tragedies: Challenger and Columbia. This paper attempts to explore the tradeoff and conflict between budget and safety.
Outline
Abstract
Bad Beginnings
Challenger
From Challenger to Columbia
Conclusions
From the Paper "On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 18 miles from its initial launch point at Kennedy Space Center, a mere 73 seconds into its tenth flight. Seen only by launch cameras, intermittent puffs of black smoke escaped the right solid rocket booster (SRB) from .678 until 2.733 seconds into the flight, stopping only to reemerge as a flame another 56 seconds later, and ultimately leading to the destruction of the orbiter. (NASA, 1986) All eight crew members of the Challenger were lost in the explosion and the eight-mile plummet into the Atlantic Ocean."
Abstract This paper presents results of a sociological research (using observation, analysis, concepts and methods) conducted at two very different airports (one in Ohio and one in NYC) at different times, in order to come up with a sociological analysis of people in airports. The results include over four hours of observations studying behavior, setting, interactions, rules or social patterns and social categories.
From the Paper "If planes are delayed, if a passenger is late, or if baggage is lost, the efficiency at which the airport operates is affected, which changes the atmosphere and therefore the mood of travelers. I reasoned that because an airport is not just a location, but a system that governs all its inhabitants, I might notice that people in an airport are only as social as they need to be. Because of their very personal reasons for being at a very impersonal place, and because the airport thrives on a system, human beings are naturally less social."
