Aviation research, sourced & cited.

From an automated flight-test management system to a flight-test engineer's workstation

Described here are the capabilities and evolution of a flight-test engineer's workstation (called TEST PLAN) from an automated flight-test management system.

Vortical flow management for improved configuration aerodynamics: Recent experiences

Recent progress in vortex-control applications for alleviating the adverse consequences of three dimensional separation and vortical interactions on slender body/swept wing configurations is reported.

The role of the research simulator in the systems development of rotorcraft

Over the last 20 years, flight simulators became widely accepted as training tools. Moreover, research simulators were used extensively by the fixed-wing industry: in the design, testing, and certification of new aircraf…

Pre-flight risk assessment in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopters

The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) industry has been the subject of several television and newspaper articles (Harvey and Jensen, 1987) which emphasized the negative aspects, (e.g., fatalities and high accident rates), …

Human Factors Directions for Civil Aviation

Despite considerable progress in understanding human capabilities and limitations, incorporating human factors into aircraft design, operation, and certification, and the emergence of new technologies designed to reduce …

Analysis of general aviation single-pilot IFR incident data obtained from the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System

An analysis of incident data obtained from the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) has been made to determine the problem areas in general aviation single-pilot IFR (SPIFR) operations.

General aviation crash safety program at Langley Research Center

The purpose of the crash safety program is to support development of the technology to define and demonstrate new structural concepts for improved crash safety and occupant survivability in general aviation aircraft.

Safety awareness, pilot education, and incident reporting programs

Education in safety awareness, pilot training, and accident reporting is discussed. Safety awareness and risk management are examined. Both quantitative and qualitive risk management are explored.

Accident investigation

Aircraft accident investigations are discussed with emphasis on those accidents that involved weather as a contributing factor. The organization of the accident investigation board for air carrier accidents is described …

Single pilot IFR accident data analysis

The aircraft accident data recorded by the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSR) for 1964-1979 were analyzed to determine what problems exist in the general aviation (GA) single pilot instrument flight rule (SP…

Coupled rotor-body vibrations with inplane degrees of freedom

In an effort to understand the vibration mechanisms of helicopters, the following basic studies are considered. A coupled rotor-fuselage vibration analysis including inplane degrees of freedom of both rotor and airframe …

Wake Vortex Encounter Research

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is conducting research to improve airport capacity by reducing the separation distance between aircraft.

Aerodynamic characteristics in ground proximity

Results from recent investigations in the Langley V/STOL tunnel of an externally blown flap and an upper surface blown flap configuration in ground proximity are presented.

Aircraft engine sump-fire studies

Results of ongoing experimental studies are reported in which a 125-millimeter-diameter-advanced-bearing test rig simulating an engine sump is being used to find the critical range of conditions for fires to occur.

Effect of wind turbine generator model and siting on wind power changes out of large WECS arrays

Methods of reducing the WECS generation change through selection of the wind turbine model for each site, selection of an appropriate siting configuration, and wind array controls are discussed.

Modeling lateral acceleration effects on pilot performance

Attendant to the direct side force maneuver of a Vectored Force Fighter is the transverse acceleration imposed on the pilot. This lateral acceleration (Gy), when combind with a positive Gz stress, is a potential source o…

Flight crew training technology: A review

The process of flight crew training is emphasized herein. Flight simulators and other training equipment are discussed, but the point is made that such equipment does not constitute the training process in its entirety.

Integrated Approach to Flight Crew Training

The computer based approach used by United Airlines for flight training is discussed. The human factors involved in specific aircraft accidents are addressed.

Line-oriented flight training: Northwest Airlines

An exemption from certain FAA regulations which stereotype simulator flight training was obtained and pilots with current line experience were used to prepare and develop scenarios for a program in which each crew member…

Issues related to line-oriented flight training

The use of a training simulator along with carefully structured, detailed, line trip scenarios was envisioned by NASA as a means of providing a controllable, repeatable way to observe line crews in a highly realistic sim…

Management training for cockpit crews at Piedmont flight

A brief history of Piedmont Airlines' flight operations is presented. A captain-management seminar conducted regularly by Piedmont is discussed.

Dynamic training devices in CRM training

Pilot training effectiveness and flying safety of a seasonal tour flight company are described. The change from single pilot to two pilot operated twin otters is examined.

Meteorological Input to General Aviation Pilot Training

The meteorological education of general aviation pilots is discussed in terms of the definitions and concepts of learning and good educational procedures.

Innovative approaches to recurrent training

Innovative approaches to recurrent training for regional airline aircrews are explored. Guidelines for recurrent training programs which include in corporation of cockpit resource management are discussed. B.W.

United Airlines LOFT training

Line oriented training is used in a broader, more generic sense that as a specific program under FAR 12.1409 and AC 120-35. A company policy was adopted more than twenty years ago requiring that all pilot checks and recu…

Group 4: Instructor training and qualifications

Each professional instructor or check airman used in LOFT training course should complete an FAA approved training course in the appropriate aircraft type. Instructors used in such courses need not be type-rated.

An overview of the demonstration advanced avionics system guest pilot evaluation conducted at Ames Research Center

The guest pilot flight evaluation of the Demonstration Advanced Avionics System (DAAS) is discussed. The results are based on the fifty-nine questionnaires that were completed by the participants.

The Two Modes of Visual Processing: Implications for Spatial Orientation

The roles of the focal and ambient visual systems in spatial orientation are discussed. The two modes are defined and compared. The contribution of each system is illustrated through examples such as spatial disorientati…

Very Light Aircraft: Revitalization through Certification

As the future of the general aviation industry seems to be improving, a cultural paradigm shift may be imminent with the implementation of an advanced, revolutionary transportation system within the United States.

NASA/Pratt and Whitney experimental clean combustor program: Engine test results

A two-stage vorbix (vortex burning and mixing) combustor and associated fuel system components were successfully tested in an experimental JT9D engine at steady-state and transient operating conditions, using ASTM Jet-A …

Teledyne Continental Motors emissions data and analysis and flight test results

Five different engine models were tested covering combinations of all engine categories in current production in the range from 100 to 435 brake horsepower.

An overview of NASA's digital fly-by-wire technology development program

The feasibility of using digital fly-by-wire systems to control aircraft was demonstrated by developing and flight testing a single channel system, which used Apollo hardware, in an F-8C test airplane.

A pilot's opinion of the F-8 digital fly-by-wire airplane

The handling qualities of the F-8 digital fly-by-wire airplane are evaluated by using the Cooper-Harper rating scale. The reasons for the ratings are given, as well as a short description of the flying tasks.

Mechanization of and experience with a triplex fly-by-wire backup control system

A redundant three-axis analog control system was designed and developed to back up a digital fly-by-wire control system for an F-8C airplane.

Flight test experience with the F-8 digital fly-by-wire system

Flight test results of the F-8 digital fly-by-wire (DFBW) control system are presented and the implications for application to active control technology (ACT) are discussed.

An overview of NASA's digital fly-by-wire technology development program

The feasibility of using digital fly by wire systems to control aircraft was demonstrated by developing and flight testing a single channel system, which used Apollo hardware, in an F-8C test airplane.

Design and development experience with a digital fly-by-wire control system in an F-8C airplane

To assess the feasibility of a digital fly-by-wire system, the mechanical flight control system of an F-8C airplane was replaced with a digital system and an analog backup system.

Flight tests of a clear-air turbulence alerting system

The detection of clear-air turbulence (CAT) ahead of an aircraft in real-time by an infrared (IR) radiometer is discussed. It is noted that the alter time and reliability depend on the band-pass of the IR filter used and…

Controlling Air Traffic (Simulated) in the Presence of Automation (CATS PAu) 1995: A Study of Measurement Techniques for Situation Awareness in Air Traffic Control

As automated systems proliferate in aviation systems, human operators are taking on less and less of an active role in the jobs they once performed, often reducing what should be important jobs to tasks barely more compl…

Overview of FAA's aircraft icing program

An overview of the FAA's icing program is presented. The program involves certification of various types of aircraft for flight in known icing conditions, the study of icing conditions, and the preparation of certificati…

An overview of SAE ARP 1587: Aircraft gas turbine engine monitoring system guide

A systematic approach to developing an engine monitoring system (EMS) is outlined. An extensive shopping list of EMS capabilities and benefits are included.

Pollution reduction technology program for turboprop engines

The reduction of CO, HC, and smoke emissions while maintaining acceptable NO(x) emissions without affecting fuel consumption, durability, maintainability, and safety was accomplished.

Corporate/commuter airlines meteorological requirements

The meteorological information requirements of corporate and commuter airlines are reviewed. The skill level and needs of this class of aviator were assessed.

Tensile strength of composite sheets with unidirectional stringers and crack-like damage

The damage tolerance characteristics of metal tension panels with riveted and bonded stringers are well known. The stringers arrest unstable cracks and retard propagation of fatigue cracks.

Comparison of toughened composite laminates using NASA standard damage tolerance tests

The proposed application of composite materials to transport wing and fuselage structures prompted the search for tougher materials having improved resistance to impact damage and delamination.

Lamb Wave Tomography for Corrosion Mapping

As the world-wide civil aviation fleet continues to age, methods for accurately predicting the presence of structural flaws-such as hidden corrosion-that compromise airworthiness become increasingly necessary.

ERTS orbit maintenance

Error drift in the ERTS orbit maintenance problem is determined from the actual ground trace errors that the spacecraft experienced over the first 3 1/2 repeat cycles.

Situational Leadership in Air Traffic Control

In high-risk environments such as air traffic control, leadership on different levels plays a certain role in establishing, promoting, and maintaining a good safety culture.

Spacecraft contamination: Sources and prevention; Thermophysics Conference, 18th, Montreal, Canada, June 1-3, 1983, Selected Papers

Results of current research in the field of spacecraft contamination are presented. An overview of the various sources of contamination is given, showing the many and diverse mechanisms associated with the degradation of…

Human factors in aviation

The fundamental principles of human-factors (HF) analysis for aviation applications are examined in a collection of reviews by leading experts, with an emphasis on recent developments.