Abstract This paper examines the development of the air conflict in the First World War, claiming that it was closely linked to technical developments in aircraft design. The paper explains that the necessities and the competition engendered by the conflict also motivated technological developments. The First World War was neither won nor lost by the air warfare. The paper discusses what the war did for military aircraft design and development by opening up new possibilities of warfare.
From the Paper "The development and direction of aircraft design was largely determined by the necessities and requirements of the war. Firstly, the war necessitated that the aircraft be designed to be as easy to fly as possible as there was only a limited amount of time for training of the pilots. Some pilots began flying after with as little as 4 hour's actual flying time. (ibid) This also necessitated that the planes be designed to be as stable as possible. This requirement was to change as the momentum of the air warfare accelerated and maneuverability became a more dominant requirement."
Abstract This paper explains that organizational behavior focuses on the study of behavior within the organizational construct, concentrating on how an individual, group, and structure affect the behavior within the organization. The author points outs that learning from the Challenger Disaster required the NASA organization to look carefully at (1) forces contributing to the flawed decision, (2) reasons for the decisions and behavior that contributed to them, and (3) organizational shortcomings that affected the outcome. The paper stresses that communication can lead to misunderstanding, but so does lack of action; people within the chain of command at NASA did not act upon information that may have changed the outcome.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The NASA Challenger Disaster
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "In exploring the history behind the Challenger disaster, one discovers, as the Presidential Commission did, that information threatened the "can-do" ideology of the space agency was routinely suppressed by managers at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center. When Thiokol's engineers raised their concerns a full six months before the disaster, the information they provided was distorted as it made its way up the organizational chain of command, primarily to suit the career interests of Center managers eager to please NASA headquarters. Bosses were told what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to know. Ultimately, Thiokol's engineers were told, in effect, to "sit down and shut up" the night before the launch because the final decision would be made by management."
Abstract This paper explains that the need to understand the relationship between G-forces and human physiology is greater now than at any previous time in the history of powered flight, since the phenomenon of G-force-induced pilot incapacitation was initially identified by the very first generation of military combat pilots during the First World War.
From the Paper "Einstein demonstrated that linear acceleration and gravity are precisely equivalent forces. As a direct consequence of this principle, a 150-pound pilot with an eight-pound skull pulling 4 G's weighs (literally) 600 pounds and experiences his own head as weighing thirty-two pounds (Talleur, 2003). When one considers the importance of instantaneous 360-degree visibility, rapidly changing flight paths of multiple adversaries
in aerial combat maneuvers, and the necessity of quick hand and foot movements in the cockpit, the implications of G-force buildup are rather obvious. For the same reason,aircraft capable of producing high G-forces in departure from controlled flight have been equipped with explosive powered ejection seats, virtually since the dawn of the jet age
(Talleur, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses stress management in the airline industry, specifically for the position of flight attendants. Flight attendants, most often referred to as stewardesses and stewards, have the difficult aim of making flights safe, comfortable and enjoyable for airline passengers. In a time of high priced flights, terrorism and unstable job prospects, these objectives in and of themselves are stressful. The main purpose of this paper therefore is to define and find solutions for some root causes of stress for flight attendants in the workplace. The report focuses on the definition of stress and provides general statistics of physical and emotional stress-related effects as they pertain to flight attendants. The report also provides some stress management applications that may prove helpful in providing relief from these factors.
From the Paper "Stress can begin long before any passengers board a plane. A Flight Attendant's work begins as an airplane's crew meets for preflight briefings which usually cover routes, forecast weather patterns, types of food or beverage services being offered as well as listing passengers with medical problems or unique requests. Anyone of these could cause stress. In our highly mobile and complex society, there are many definitions available for the word stress. This includes the medical definition which views stress as a measurable change within our bodies. Of course, most people tend to forget that this is not an actual definition that is completely accurate because stress is a word that can be used to identify a hundred specific or nonspecific problems from our daily lives. The preflight briefing for example could inform a crew of serious weather concerns or an inadequate amount of food or water on board - each of these items may or may not cause stress."
Abstract There have been a number of innovations in the field of aviation over the years. This paper examines the swept wing and determines why it was developed, and if the wing performs the function it was designed for.
Outline
Introduction
The Swept Wing
A Swept Wing's Function
Developing the Swept Wing
Early Problems
A Lasting Design
Evolving Use
Conclusion
From the Paper "The swept wing was developed by the Germans in the mid-1930s and since its inception, has revolutionized the aeronautics field. While the concept originally had design flaws, the problems were corrected over the years, and the swept wing is now used on almost all jets, including airliners."
Abstract An inertial navigation system is comprised of gyroscopes, accelerometers and some type of processor. A gyroscope is a sensor that is able to measure rotation rates with respect to an inertial plane. Mechanical spinning-mass gyroscopes, though, are difficult to handle and require a high level of maintenance. Similarly, ring laser gyroscopes produce lock-in phenomena and require ongoing mechanical fine-tuning if they are to retain sensitivity at small rotation rates. This paper provides an overview and discussion of inertial navigation systems, the principles of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes and their application to commercial aviation. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Principles of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
Relationship of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscope Principles to Commercial
Aviation
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
References
Appendix A
From the Paper "In 1908, Sir Hiram Maxim published a book discussing his experiments in aeronautics. He described a gyroscopic stability augmentation device connected to the fore and aft elevators of a large, highly unstable airplane built and tested while tethered during the 1890s [1]. This device is believed to be the first example of aircraft automation and was patented in England in 1891. Early on in their flight experiments, Orville and Wilbur Wright also recognized the severe instability of their aircraft and independently developed stability augmentation devices. In 1913, Lawrence Sperry developed a more advanced gyroscopic stability augmentation system, which was demonstrated in flight [1]. The Sperry name was associated with aircraft automation for the next 60 years. Sperry automatic pilots (known as "autopilots") became available during the 1920s. In 1918, H. J. Taplin patented a nongyroscopic two-axis stabilization device that relied on differential aerodynamic pressures. This device was successfully flown in the United States in 1926 [1]. To date, with this sole exception (as far as is known), all successful autopilots during this period are believed to have utilized the gyroscopic principle. In 1933, a viable three-axis autopilot that was actuated solely by hydraulic and pneumatic power was an essential part of the equipment installed in Wiley Post's Lockheed Vega, Winnie Mae, for his solo around-the-world flight [1]."
Abstract This paper describes the emergency that took place on Saudi Arabian Airline flight 163, the response of the pilot and cabin crew that followed and the lack of leadership that caused the death of every single passenger on the plane in spite of a safe landing.
From the Paper "Just before 10:00 p.m., on August 19, 1980, Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight 163 departed Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport after a flight from Karachi, Pakistan ("Wikipedia", 2004). There were 287 passengers and 14 crewmembers aboard the L1011 aircraft that was bound for Jiddah. The aircraft was climbing through 15,000 feet, approximately seven minutes into the flight when both aural and visual indicators alerted the crew that there was smoke in the aft cargo compartment of the plane (Kilroy, 2004). Despite a safe landing, due to the lack of leadership and prudent actions by the Captain, all aboard perished due to poisoning from the noxious smoke."
Abstract This paper examines how Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" has as its central image prisoners in a cave, who are chained to a wall and unable to turn their heads. While it is Plato's intention to use these prisoners as a metaphor for persons untutored in the theory of forms, they can also be used to apply to students coming to college. In particular, it looks at the relevance to student pilots. It discusses how potential airline pilots are unaware of the variety of ways in which to see forms and spaces from an aircraft and how once learning begins, this paradigm slowly changes to include a variety of new perspectives, which would then become accepted as truth.
From the Paper "When the prisoners emerge from the cave, it is to see true objects by the light of the sun rather than the limiting and deceptive light of a fire. A further issue is movement, which is enhanced by perspective and freedom. The prisoners can turn their heads once they have been freed from their chains. When a trainee pilot enters the aircraft for the first time, he or she becomes acquainted with a perspective that was not before considered. Thus the previously assumed paradigms of perceptions change in order to incorporate the new truths discovered from the air. Greater freedom of movement and thought is possible once the chains of ignorance have been broken. This is especially true in an aircraft, and also in other directions of study."
Abstract This is a broad and far-reaching study on the relationship between tourism and air transport. In examining this relationship the paper looks at whether the deregulation of air transport has influenced the tourist destination countries in South Europe and to what extent and examines the impacts of deregulation on capacity and fares. The study also attempts to determine whether deregulation has has caused growth in the market and attempts to determine the integral relationship between the transport and the overall tourist experience. Finally, this paper studies the impacts of the tourism transport at the destination areas. Included with the paper is an extensive list of tables and figures.
Background
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Objectives of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Rationale for the Study
Overview of the Study
The Parallel Growth of Air Transport and Tourism
Structural differences
The Impact on Tourism
Effect of Split Charter/Scheduled Flights
Cyprus
UK
Turkey
Malta
Spain
Greece
Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Population and Sample
Collection and Tabulation of Data
Data Analysis Procedure
Reliability and Validity of the Data
Analysis of the Data
Summary, Recommendations and Conclusion
From the Paper "The current study uses both quantitative and qualitative methodological processes to analyze the issue and works to determine what deregulation of the air transport industry has done to the tourism industry. This is very important to those that work for air transport companies, and equally important to those that work in tourism. The conclusions that are found here will provide answers to potential problems that have been seen throughout the tourism industry for some time with a focus on the five specific countries that have been selected by the researcher for this particular purpose."
Abstract This report is a short investigative paper into what happened to United Airlines Flight 173 that crashed on December 28, 1978, into a heavily wooded but populated suburban area of Portland as it attempted to approach the Portland International Airport. It looks at how crash reconstruction experts, on-flight recorders and eye witness accounts were used to help provide insights into why the tragic event occurred.
From the Paper "In the flight crew's defense, they were said to have been completely preoccupied with a landing gear malfunction and therefore overlooked the fact that they were in serious trouble due to the fuel shortage. The obvious question that comes to mind about this tragedy could be that weren't there other options such as a gear up landing? There have been successful gear up landings in the past and with foam technology today, the runway could literally have been made to resemble ice. Of course fuel combustion is a major concern for gear up landings. "A commuter jet, carrying 52 passengers was forced to circle Wichita's Mid-Continent airport for 1-? hours Saturday morning."
Abstract This paper offers a brief examination of why Southwest Airlines is so successful. It begins by looking at the company's mission statement which pro,mises continuous improvement and then discusses how this has been applied to all sectors of the company since its establishment.
From the Paper "The best way to start an analysis of Southwest Airlines and its success story is the company's mission statement. According to the company's website, the company's mission is "dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit" . If we take a brief look at this mission statement, we may find that, differently from many of today's companies, Southwest's mission is not profit maximization, but achieving customer satisfaction through the quality of the services provided. Additionally, the mission statement refers to the joint collaboration and mixture of Company Service and Company Spirit, in the sense that one cannot truly operate and exist without the other. A friendly and efficient working environment is, in Southwest's opinion, a key towards achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction."
Abstract On December 26, 2002, Robert H. Brooks, chairman of the Atlanta-based Hooters restaurant chain, announced the acquisition of the North Carolina-based Pace Airlines from Piedmont-Hawthorne. The airline industry has suffered dramatically since the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, yet this new start-up company is seen as the next possible savior for the industry. This paper examines the marketing of Hooters Air prior to their inception. It deals with the history, creation, marketing strategy strategy and product mix.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Hooter's History
Pace Airlines' History
Creating Hooter's Air
The Airline Environment
Analyzing the Situation
Economic Environment
Social Environment
Legal/Political Environment
Cooperative Environment
Competitive Environment
The Marketing Strategy
Mission Statement
Competencies
Objectives
Differentiation
The Marketing Mix
Product Mix
Promotion and Place Mix
Summary
References
From the Paper "Will Hooters Air bring about the return of the golden age of commercial aviation and flight attendants that turn the head? It is not likely to become aviation's savior, but it will bring headlines and publicity to the ailing aviation industry in general. If anything, it will certainly be fun to watch as the political and social arenas unravel. Hooters Air is a complicated study and has no real concrete marketing solutions yet, but it will have several alternatives for its marketing strategy when the time comes. The most logical strategy will be to follow the practices of what they do best: marketing its own restaurants. If nothing else, the new airline will bring more market exposure to the company in general."
Abstract This paper focuses on the domestic commercial aviation industry. It concentrates on airlines within the continental United States whose primary purpose is to transport business people and leisure travelers. The paper examines the various companies at play in the market, looks at their strengths and weaknesses and the competitive advantages of each of them. Includes graphs and tables.
Outline
Defining the Airline Industry
Horizontal, Vertical, and Geographic Boundaries
Basic Technology and Process
Customer Bases
Suppliers
Significant Stakeholders
Remote Environment
Economic Factors
Political Factors
Social Factors
Technological Factors
Industry Environment
Competitive Analysis
Resources
From the Paper "The commercial aviation industry has faced major challenges in the past few years. Since September 11, 2001 airliners have had to deal with restoring traveler confidence, managing revenue losses, handling high fixed costs, rising fuel costs, and expensive labor. Many of the larger airlines that once possessed unyielding strategies are now finding themselves competing with low cost carriers. In order to survive, the larger airlines are restructuring, reengineering, and refocusing their organizations. These larger carriers have been forced to downsize, economize, and streamline; or face certain bankruptcy. Everyday now these and other events have placed the airline industry in headlines. As the uncertainty continues, particularly in terms of market recovery, we will analyze the long term fundamental challenges that this newly emerging airline industry faces."
Abstract This research paper provides a brief history of Tallil Air Base in Iraq, from the time of Operation Desert Storm to the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The question of how Tallil was built into OIF planning and when it was decided that Tallil would be a desired location for a base is answered as well as why it was considered a key location. The paper also looks at who initially took the base as to the military unit and whether it was a forcible entry. The questions of who secured the base, whether there was inter-service coordination, what was there when the U.S. military arrived to start building are also answered. Additionally, the paper explains how the base was built. Finally the issues of whether there was a coordinated effort between the army and air force are answered as well as what happened to the base set up. The paper also looks at whether there was a basing model used in building the base.
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Methodology
Review of Literature
Findings of the Study
From the Paper "Tallil airbase has been a strategic site during Operation Iraqi Freedom and continues to be such. During the year 2000 an investigation was conducted in relation to chemical waste storage and exposure at Tallil airbase the assessment states that they do not consider Tallil airbase to have been a chemical weapons storage facility during the year of 1991. In an article in relation to air guardsmen detail in the Iraqi freedom close-air Support the American Forces Service Press Service reported on July 16, 2003 that only three days into the Operation Iraqi Freedom, a new mission was assigned to Air Force Lt. Col. Dave Kennedy. The mission: To ready Tallil airbase for the missions of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The article states that: "The mission could be an enormous asset in the war against the regime of Saddam Hussein" [in that] "the coalition could provide more close-air support for forces attacking the regime near Baghdad." (Garamone, 2003) According to the report the plan was that the A-10s would leave the Al Jaber Kuwaiti airbase landing at Tallil and through being able to refuel could have more flying time at the targeted site."
Tags: ur, oldest, city, gulf, war, ii, airpower, aircrew, aircraft, airfield, xviii, airborne, corps, al, basrah
Abstract This paper uses the Reason Model of Accident Causation to analyse the events following the Qantas accident in Bangkok in 1999. The issues relating to the crew's actions in the minutes prior to the precautionary disembarkation are investigated. The paper makes specific reference to the functions of organisational defences as described by Professor James Reason and stresses the significance of his accident causation model in aviation. It continues by suggesting the use of the accident causation model is not exclusive to accident investigation, but also using the concept as an error management tool to improve organisational safety performance. Recommendations are made for managers to implement a Safety Management System considering organisational defences and providing sufficient training to minimise active failures.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction and Background
Functions of Defences and Accident Causation
Case Study: The QF1 Accident
Using the Reason Model in Practice
Conclusion and Implications
From the Paper "The investigation report (ATSB, 2001) into the accident thoroughly details the events of the approach, landing and disembarkation. As the Boeing 747 attempted to land in extremely heavy rain, inaccurate aircraft handling by the first officer (pilot flying) led to the aircraft floating much further along the runway than planned. As the captain of the flight realised this he instructed the pilot flying to apply full power in an attempt to go-around. Almost simultaneously the aircraft's main wheels touched down on the runway. As a consequence, the captain rejected the go-around by retarding the thrust levers, but without specifying this to the first officer. Subsequently, confusion in the cockpit between the first officer and captain resulted in reverse thrust not being applied at any stage during the landing roll."
