Abstract This paper provides a brief overview of the "free flight" system of airtrafficcontrol and compares it with the present airtrafficcontrol system. The paper also describes the limitations of the current airtraffic system and then goes on to explain how the 'free flight' system promises efficiency and profitability for the airline industry.
From the Paper "With more than 50,000 flights taking to the skies everyday the present US air traffic control system places increasing strain on the control room staff who have the responsibility of tracking, guiding and directing the pilots. Under the current system, the air traffic controllers resolve conflicts in airspace using radar signals and regulating traffic by means of adjusting the altitude and speed limit of the different flights. As James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association, says, ?All of the information that flows to and from a pilot today in virtually all aircraft is done on a strictly single-voice channel, back and forth, with human beings actually saying all the words live. As anyone can imagine, that is an extremely inefficient way to convey data." [Jacques Leslie] Pilots are dependent upon the instructions from the control room to avoid conflicts and disaster in airspace. Once the aircraft is cleared by the departure controller and left the TRACON (terminal radar control) airspace, it is monitored enroute by the personnel in the ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) who continue to provide the pilots with the traffic, altitude and speed instructions. [Craig C. Freudenrich Ph.D] For most airways however, the stipulated altitude, route and speed restrictions do not contribute to optimal efficiency."
Tags: deregulation, satellite, technology, navigation, equipments, radars, aviation, communication
Abstract This paper explains that the entire system of airtraffic management is dependent upon the accountability of pilots on board and the airtrafficcontrollers, who are dependent upon the data displayed and acquired from their computer screens, dials, and gauges simultaneously being ratified by their insights of past experience and pre-determined operational guidelines. The author points out that, although English is acknowledged as the international language in aviation history, many pilots present problems of dialects, accents, and interpretations, which have resulted in crashes. The paper relates that efficient communication will go a long way in guaranteeing secured air travel; advanced technology is now being launched, and rules are being slackened to render the pilots and aircontrollers greater freedom. Includes a PowerPoint presentation.
From the Paper "The confusion resulting in misinterpretations of the terminologies lead to visualization of different objects other than those it indicates to. The lack of proficiency in the English language is noticed both among the Air Traffic Controller and the pilots the United States. However, it is not confined only to the foreign pilots. It is also essential in case of the US pilots flying across the other nations and facing the controlling crews of other nationalities, to effectively comprehend the short, disconnected and unintelligible English communications similar to the expectations of the proficiency in English by the foreign pilots. (Guest Editorial: Barriers to Effective Communication: Implications for the Cockpit) Moreover, the fact of deficiency of the foreign pilots in the English Language and their confinement to some of the standard aviation phraseologies must be acknowledged."
Tags: readbacks, confusion, english, misinterpretations, pilot
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 TrafficControl 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 examines the necessity and results of the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act of 1965. It looks at the affluent American culture of the 1960s that created emission control regulations, which generally requires that auto exhaust gases have to be cleaner than ambient air. The paper argues both sides of the age-old debate of the environment versus economics.
From the Paper "Since World War II, the growth of industrialization skyrocketed. The industrialization growth caused more and more environmental problems. In 1952, a London "fog" killed three thousand (3,000) people in a few days. (Sullivan, p.12) Los Angeles smoke and fog or smog was already famous among the American people during that time. Attention needed to be paid to the growing environmental problems."
Abstract The paper relates that the problem of airtraffic accidents as a result of poor trafficcontrol occur more often than is recognized. The paper discusses conflict alert technology regarding airtrafficcontrol and looks at the human factor and its interaction with this system. The paper explores accidents that have occurred and concludes that even state of the art technology is not enough to ensure a safe flight. The paper shows how safety requires the complex integration of both humanity and technology.
Outline:
Conflict Alert Technology
The Human Factor
From the Paper "Faulty design in terms of either the planes themselves or the technology designed to guide them safely to land, for example, can cause accidents. While these design flaws are the result of human error, they are not as directly related to the human factor as air traffic controllers themselves. These workers are also human. Any number of factors, including fatigue, distraction or a momentary lack of concentration can cause an accident and the death of hundreds or even thousands of people. Most accidents as a result of this human factor, according to Don Brown (2005), occur in lower air space, where there is a significant amount of traffic landing or taking off."
Abstract This paper paper presents a study to explore the shift work and fatigue in airtrafficcontrollers and their negative impact on safety. The paper relates that the research also focuses on the relationship between shift work, fatigue and time management in the present moment based on semi-structured interviews and questionnaire conducted over a short period of time with makes this research a cross-sectional study. In addition, the paper explains that the purpose of the research is to further the process of increasing transportation safety. The paper relates that it trusts that this research will contribute to increase the knowledge of current practice and provide a basis for future discussions and development of practice.
Outline:
Methodology
Research Philosophy
Research Approach
Research Strategy
Time Horizons and Research Type
Data Collection Methods
Sample Description
Data Quality Issues
Analysing the Data
Conclusion
Methodology
From the Paper "Thereafter, data will be placed into theoretical structures and analysed with regards to how well they correspond. In some stages of the data analysis process, the researcher may encounter concepts/theories which had not been described in the existing theories and models of shift work, fatigue and time management in the literature review. These theories/concepts will be thereafter explained in depth and proposals will be made on how they can be associated with the current theories. As Saunders et al. (2003, p.385) mention "the data collection, data analysis and the development and verification of relationships and conclusions are very much an interrelated and interactive set of processes," which permits the studier to distinguish fundamental themes, relationships and interactions during data collection process. In addition, in this research, the data analysis will be carried out not only after all the data collection is complete, but also all through the survey process. "
Abstract The paper outlines the benefits of trafficcontrol systems including the automatic train operation (ATO), centralized trafficcontrol (CTC), and track warrant control (TWC). The paper notes several drawbacks to these systems but asserts that their benefits far outweigh their risks.
From the Paper "Automatic train operation is a system that performs operating functions such as starting, running at the prescribed speeds, slowing down, stopping, and passenger-door controls for all locomotives. This control system builds upon information transmitted to the train as part of automatic cab signaling, and is automatically instructed to perform tasks based on this information. Regulations such as the speed limit of a railroad are imposed by curves, grades, and the location of stations. ATO control systems recognize information about the tracks and this allows the train to maintain a certain speed. The control system can automatically slow down a train, and make a complete stop when necessary."
Abstract This paper explains that the most importance of the computers to the terrorists is less in hacking and more in recording their financial ledgers, target lists, attack plans and names of co-conspirators as in the case of Ramzi Yousef, who was the mastermind of the World Trade Center bombing. The author explains that cyber terrorism is expected in the airtraffic system because the airtrafficcontrol system all over the world are well computerized; however, this fear ignores the fact that these computers do not directly control the aircraft, but act as mere aids to the human controller. The paper discusses the vulnerability of the electrical energy systems, gas and oil pipelines under the SCADAS or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and of the Defense computer systems, which have had many attacks that have not led to any degradation of the capabilities of the US military.
From the Paper "Yet the problem is not so simple, and the US government has very little power in this regard. This was seen when the Chairman and Vice Chairman regarding critical infrastructure met the President. They had been informed by Finland that researchers had found a serious deficiency in the Internet's standard language for sending data through the switches. The concerned government team had found this to be a threat for air traffic control and military phone links, among other threats. This led to the critical infrastructure board and the homeland security office asking private organizations whether they would tell the government the names of people working in those sites. The FBI can only collect the names of bank employees, but is unable to take action in other industries."
Abstract The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with controlling all flights in the United States, which includes landings, take offs, flight paths and monitoring planes in flight. This is a huge job, to say the least, and the FAA, despite its best efforts, still has weaknesses within its airtrafficcontrol systems that must be dealt with. This paper addresses the two primary ones, which have to deal with computers and controllers.
From the Paper "The Standard Terminal Automation System (STARS) was designed to replace the AAS, but it, too, was plagued with inefficiencies. This had the same goal as AAS, that is, to bring together flight-plan data, air-traffic automation systems, terminal-control facilities, and radar systems nationwide. However, not only was the project completed years past the original completion date and millions of dollars over budget, but it failed to improve much of the FAA's IT infrastructure. What will replace STARS remains to be seen."
Discusses central issues, consequences & impact on major differences between labor & government/management, Reagan's actions & their appropriateness, public interest, use of military controllers, impact of FAA and airtraffic safety risks.
9,000 words (approx. 36 pages), 54 sources, 1989, $ 135.95
From the Paper "The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), a labor union representing civilian air traffic controllers employed by an agency . the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . of the United States (US) government, called a strike on 3 August 1981 (Office of AFCC History [OOAFCCH], 1985). In the ensuing months, PATCO's effectiveness as a collective bargaining organization was destroyed, the lives of hundreds of air traffic controllers and their families were quickly characterized by high levels of uncertainty and distress, air traffic safety in the US was temporarily compromised, military personnel were used as temporary replacements for the civilian air traffic controllers, and the quality of the industrial relations environment in the country deteriorated (...)"
Abstract This paper provides a detailed look at the FAA and its role in the Sept 11th terrorist attack aftermath. It gives a history of the establishment of this institution and asks how it will have to change to cope with the post Sept 11th reality.
From the paper:
"According to James Q. Wilson, ?War is the greatest test of a bureaucratic organization.? (Wilson, 1989, p. 45). He was of course speaking of the difficulties of leading soldiers into battle, but on September 11, airline pilots, airtrafficcontrollers and the Federal Aviation Administration were on the front lines of a new kind of war. This essay will consider the FAA under this time of stress and rapid change."
A look at regulatory efforts for fighting air pollution in the Ann Arbor region of Michigan and the implications of these regulations for fighting air pollution throughout the country.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 151.95
Abstract This paper discusses the regulatory environment for air pollution and its control in the Ann Arbor region, noting that Ann Arbor is key to the fight against air pollution through the actions of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in the city. The organization provides a technical review of the issue and of the technical and regulatory issues involved in controlling emissions to reduce air pollution.
From the Paper "Air pollution affects the Ann Arbor region as it does other major cities, and Ann Arbor is also key to the fight against air pollution through the actions of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in the city. The organization provides a technical review of the issue and of the technical and regulatory issues involved in controlling emissions to reduce air pollution. This organization and researchers at the University of Michigan provide recommendations, expertise, and analysis for various governmental organizations at different levels across the country to address the regulatory issues raised by air pollution and the need to reduce it and its effects."
Abstract In this article concerning the mid-air collision of Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) flight 182, the writer traces the events leading up to the event. The writer then describes the accident and explores the possible causes. The writer narrates some of the eye-witness accounts and reviews its aftermath including the effect of the crash on the regulations on air-trafficcontrol around busy airports. The writer concludes that the flight 182 disaster over San Diego remains one of the biggest and most horrific air disasters in the U.S. aviation history, which could have been prevented if better flight rules had been followed. Further, the writer notes that the only silver lining of the appalling tragedy is that the accident prompted the implementation of stricter safety regulations around busy airports in the U.S.
Outline:
The Chronology of Events Leading to the Accident
Communication with San Diego Approach Controller & Lindbergh Tower
Confusion in the Cockpit
The Accident
Eyewitness Accounts
Cause of the Crash
How The Accident Affected Regulations on Air-trafficControl Conclusion
From the Paper "Robert Osby, then a battalion chief with the San Diego Fire Department, and later the fire chief, who supervised the rescue efforts at the disaster site recalls that the firefighters due to their prompt and professional efforts were able to contain the fire from spreading beyond a remarkably small area--only two sides of one short block of Dwight Street. He also thanks God that the plane had crashed into a working-class neighborhood on a Monday morning when most of the residents of the destroyed homes were at work; otherwise the death toll on the ground would have been much higher (Ibid.) Another reason why the fireball from the fallen aircraft was contained in a smaller area was because the plane did not fall in a parallel-to-the-ground glide path but crashed nose first."
"Hans Wendt, a staff photographer with the San Diego County's public relations office, who was covering an outdoor press event in North Park at the time of the accident, took two dramatic post collision still color photographs of the falling Boeing-727 trailing blue-and-white smoke streaking from its right wing while plunging towards the ground."
Abstract The paper explains the need for improved traffic safety systems. The paper explains what fuzzy logic is, using the example of how it works to regulate temperatures on an air conditioner. It explains that fuzzy logic is used to measure imprecise and dynamic factors and allows for a reasonable judgement. In conclusion, writer states that fuzzy logic has improved the overall quality of life in other areas and posits that using fuzzy logic to assess traffic systems will result in traffic agencies making better overall decisions regarding traffic safety.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Motivation
Bibliography
From the Paper "Fuzzy Logic allows us to measure imprecise and dynamic factors and allow for a reasonable judgement. For example, an air conditioner employing Fuzzy Logic can automatically regulate the temperature. If it's too hot, it will lower the temperature. It it's too cold, then it will increase the temperature. However, it's difficult to define what is "too hot" and what is "too cold". Also, there's the factor of humidity (dampness and dryness). Fuzzy Logic can control the system by accepting these dynamic variables and generating an optimal temperature output, providing better comfort for the user. Fuzzy Logic is now widely used in consumer electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing systems."
