Abstract
This paper explains that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is proposing a runway reconfiguration plan, which would fill more than two square miles of the Bay to allow simultaneous landings in poor weather; however, poor weather accounts for less than 20 percent of the delays at SFO. The author points out that the vast majority of delays are caused by airlines operations such as aggressive scheduling by airlines and slow passenger loading and unloading, aircraft refueling and baggage handling. The paper recommends that SFO can better reduce delays in all weather conditions by spreading arrivals and departures more evenly, using larger planes to reduce the total number of flights and reducing the number of commuter flights.


Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Objectives for Runway Program
Traffic Impacts
Effects on Environment
Alternatives to Runway Expansion
Adverse Impact on Leisure
Reducing Delays by Cutting Arrival Rates
Implement Modern Technology
Disperse Flight Arrival
Use Other Capacity
Promote Balanced Service
Alternative Transportation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"SFO's runway construction plans include up to two square miles of bay fill. The largest substitute calls for filling 1,332 acres of the bay. By comparison, only 400 acres of the bay have been lost to fill during the last 35 years. The largest runway configurations would also restrict the tidal flow to another 5-6 square miles of bay that would be bounded on three sides. An area of the bay that was likewise enclosed by the existing runways was transformed into mud flats. In all, 8 square miles of bay could be lost to fill, but the impacts on the circulation of the bay may be even inferior. The proposed runways extend far offshore and will impede the tidal flows that flush contaminants from the South Bay. SFO's Science Panel found that with the new runways, "changes in the tidal and sedimentation supply regimes could severely affect the form and ecological function of intertidal habitats throughout the subregion.""

Tags:fill, operations, tidal-flow, commuter-flights, technology

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). "

Tags:airport, association, bae, big, bombardier, passenger

Abstract
This paper explains that both aircraft, the Beachcraft 1900D and the Gulfstream IV, are quite similar in many of the specifications and performance levels; however, they are designed for different uses. The author points out that, to evaluate the utility of each plane, characteristics such as takeoff, climb and cruise performance, descent performance, landing performance, and runway requirements, which is a one good indication of its market position and value, should be examined. The paper relates that the Beachcraft 1900D ideally is suited for commercial commuter use; however, other characteristics, such relatively long range (approximately 1000 nautical miles), high flight ceiling of 33,000 feet, 2600 climb rate, and cruising speed of 278, also make it an ideal choice for several providers in both national and international markets. O the other hand, the Gulfstream IV is designed primarily for "luxury, corporate transport".

Table of Contents
Introduction
Beachcraft 1900D
Forecast Utility and Breadth of Use
Gulfstream IV
Forecast of Utility and Breadth of Use
Conclusions

From the Paper
"When considering the important external components of the landing gear as well as the engine characteristics, again the 1900D is well suited for commercial commuter use. This is because the craft allows for the installation of and electro-hydraulic anti-skid feature (which may be extremely useful in some locals and/or conditions). Of course, the hydraulic function of the landing gear (as well as the breaks) can be overridden by manual operation. Further, its engines (designed and manufactured by Pratt and Whitney), are designed specifically (through their flat-rating at 1,279 shp), to function longer (without serious breakdown), conserve power, as well as allow for high altitude/hot day performance, again, placing it of high value in many particular geographic areas and markets."

Tags:specifications, takeoff, commercial, private, commuter

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."

Tags:flight, recorders, malfunction, portland

Abstract
This paper examines theories related to the evolution of vertebrate flight--the arboreal and the cursorial theories--and explains how they are assumed to have led to flight, as well as why scientists disagree about their validity.

From the Paper
"Flight in the animal kingdom takes place when an animal flaps its wings and thus creates aerodynamic forces that enable it to soar through the air. The evolution of vertebrate flight is in many respects a black box. Studying vertebrate flight after the fact requires scientists to make educated guesses about how and why flight developed. The only data with which modern scientists have to work is the fossil record so scientists must fill in the gaps by hypothesizing how today's flying..."

Tags:vertebrate, flight, fly, evolution, arboreal, cursorial, animal, theory, fossil record

Abstract
This paper analyzes the work of Ishmael Reed, "Flight to Canada." The work tells of the importance of re-writing the slave narratives. In this work, there is a juxtaposing of genres, as poetry and prose are combined to tell different versions of the same story. In the end, both versions are valid, although the poetry allows the reader to see into Quickskill's emotions.

From the Paper
"Ishmael Reed's Flight to Canada is a telling work regarding the themes of the re-writing of history and an exploration of the African American experience. Reed is decidedly not interested in the Caucasian historical accounts of African American history, as is illustrated in this piece. One significant element of this work is the poems which are interspersed in between the story. These poems tell of the same details from the prose, yet they vary in features and in effectiveness. In Ishmael Reed's Flight to Canada, the opening poem, also entitled "Flight from Canada" tells of Quickskill's escape from slavery, and, although this tale is also related through the prose, the elements and thematic effectiveness of the poem allow the readers to understand Quickskill's character through a variety of means. Through the differences in the elements of the two genres, the reader ..."

Tags:flight, canada, reed

Abstract
There are 933 flight schools in the United States, ranging from private facilities mostly located at airports to complete two- and four-year programs at some of the nation's colleges and universities. How well does each prepare its students to become commercial pilots for airlines or small, local and regional carriers? In this paper, I will discuss some selected pilot training schools and show what they offer students. In addition, I will touch on the area of minority recruitment and the presence of minorities and women in commercial aviation.

Tags:role, flight, schools

Abstract
The paper argues that in certain cases, environments which are safe for pedestrians and bicycle commuters have healthier populations but this is not necessarily always true. The paper asserts that if a person is walking, bicycling or exercising in open spaces during times of heavy smog, for instance, they will not benefit and may be harming themselves, but when environments are safe, pedestrians and cyclists are free from the danger of injury or death and can enjoy the benefits of exercise for health and for simple recreation. The paper asserts that the key is having sufficient numbers of people involved in walking and cycling because this will reduce vehicle accidents and pollution. The paper relates that city planners and the public in cities around the world are now aware that walking and cycling results in a very healthy population compared to those people who do not use outdoor exercise.

From the Paper
"In certain cases, environments which are safe for pedestrians and bicycle commuters have healthier populations but this is not necessarily always true. If a person is walking, bicycling or exercising in open spaces during times of heavy smog, for instance, they will not benefit and may be harming themselves. When environments are safe, pedestrians and cyclists are free from the danger of injury or death and can enjoy the benefits of exercise for health and for simple recreation. The key is having..."

Tags:walk, cycle, health

Abstract
This paper examines how the Eisenhower administration's federal auto highways program had several major effects on the American population. It looks at how it allowed automobile commuting, which, when coupled with the federal housing administration's low-interest home loans and fears resulting from the effects of desegregation, created "white flight" and led to the creation of America's suburbs and a suburban/urban class dichotomy. It also shows how it created what could be considered an American mono-culture by radically reducing the barriers to interstate transportation and making society more mobile. It also did much to integrate and homogenize rural economies, creating new wealth around highway exits where highways crossed major roads.

From the Paper
"The trend over the last 15 years has not only been to move to suburbs but to what are called "exurbs" as well. Politicians at the local level realize that this is the way that people have grown comfortable living. It was predominantly the case that people would live in suburbs and commute to the city [in the 60's and 70's] but the appeal of lower taxes and land costs have been a big draw for business. The Gore campaign tried to excoriate developers prior to the 2000 election, but such initiatives only have appeal for a small audience. Cities like Portland, Oregon and Chattanooga, Tennessee feature managed growth attempts that cater to such an audience."

Tags:suburbs, class, land, transport, commute

Abstract
This paper reviews the ways in which airports and airlines across America are trying to target and accommodate customers in the aftermath of the industry's near-collapse after 9/11. The paper particularly looks at how airports are trying to assuage security concerns while simultaneously offering new services to busy professionals. The writer also touches upon how airports are attempting to link their facilities to the buying predilections of certain segments of the population. Additionally, the paper reviews the determined efforts of the airline industry itself to offer more "bang for the buck" while doing what it can to reassure customers that their flight experience will not be troubled by concerns centering around whether or not their luggage will arrive with them at their destination.

From the Paper
"Busy commuters, security "freaks," and consumers interested in easy access to niche providers are only a few of the customer demographic groups that stir the interest of airport management. Another group, frequently overlooked, is the airport user who is a compulsive shopper. Naturally enough, these sorts of individuals are a key demographic inasmuch as airports are wholly aware that items purchased on their premises mean money in pocket at the end of the fiscal year. Of course, logic dictates that airport marketing professionals are well-acquainted with certain groups - it could be young women, affluent elderly couples, or businesspeople with a penchant for impulsive buying - that like to buy items (and specific types of items) at the airport rather than elsewhere at a store. The problem, or so it would seem, is that knowing individuals (and which kinds) who want to buy at the airport does not necessarily translate into providing the sort of technology or services that can facilitate their purchasing decisions and activities. Consequently, the airport truly desirous of deriving profit from waiting families or individuals must renovate its inner structure and give people ready access to such technology."

Tags:flight, amenities, security, commuters