Research papers

Experimental evaluation of candidate graphical microburst alert displays

The topics addressed are: (1) experimental evaluation of candidate graphical microburst displays; (2) microburst detection and alerting; (3) previous part-task simulator experiment-comparison of presentation modes; (4) p…

Summer 1988 TDWR microburst analysis

The Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) testbed system was operated during the months of July to August 1988 in a live operational demonstration providing microburst (and related weather hazard) protection to the Stapl…

Vertical wind estimation from horizontal wind measurements

This presentation begins with a brief description of the downdraft measurement problem for airborne Doppler based systems and the importance of the downdraft in assessing the hazard posed by a microburst wind shear.

Flight experience with windshear detection

Windshear alerts resulting from the Honeywell Windshear Detection and Guidance System are presented based on data from approximately 248,000 revenue flights at Piedmont Airlines.

Windshear detection effect of static air temperature bias

Data in vugraph form is given on vertical winds, atmospheric temperature bias output and simulation with and without temperature bias. A block diagram of a windshear detection algorithm is given.

Cockpit resource management training

The 6th General Flight Crew Training Meeting held in Montreal in May, 1984 was for most IATA member airlines the first time they had been exposed to what was then a relatively new aspect of flight crew training-resource …

Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) training in the 1550th combat crew training wing

The training program the 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, implemented in September 1985 is discussed.

The development and implementation of cockpit resource management in UAL recurrent training

Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) for United Airlines started in 1976. At that time it was basically no more than a line-simulated training function conducted in a full-mission simulator with no attention or stress on…

Are windshear training aid recommendations appropriate for other than large jet transports? Pilot procedures: Shear models

Information is given in vugraph form on pilot procedures in windshear, typical winds in a downburst, a downburst encounter at takeoff by a large jet transport and a light turboprop twin, and a comparison of pitch algorit…

Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) for FAR Parts 91 and 135 operators

The why, what, and how of CRM at Flight Safety International (FSI)--that is, the philosophy behind the program, the content of the program, and some insight regarding how it delivers that to the pilot is presented.

Windshear certification data base for forward-look detection systems

Described is an introduction to a comprehensive database that is to be used for certification testing of airborne forward-look windshear detection systems.

Revision of certification standards for aviation maintenance personnel

Part 65, Subparts D and E, of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) identify the certification requirements for aviation mechanics and aviation repairmen.

Federal Aviation Administration aging aircraft nondestructive inspection research plan

This paper highlights the accomplishments and plans of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the development of improved nondestructive evaluation (NDE) equipment, procedures, and training.

Structural integrity of future aging airplanes

A multitude of design considerations is involved in ensuring the structural integrity of Boeing jet transports that have common design concepts validated by extensive analyses, tests, and three decades of service.

Inspection of aging aircraft: A manufacturer's perspective

Douglas, in conjunction with operators and regulators, has established interrelated programs to identify and address issues regarding inspection of aging aircraft.

Survey of French activities concerning structural airworthiness and aging aircraft

French activities concerning Structural Airworthiness and Aging Aircraft are presented. A first part is derived to Basic and Applied Research actions while a second one deals with Full-Scale Testing, Tear-down inspection…

Current DOT research on the effect of multiple site damage on structural integrity

Multiple site damage (MSD) is a type of cracking that may be found in aging airplanes and which may adversely affect their continuing airworthiness.

Transport Canada aging aircraft activities

A description is given of recent initiatives undertaken in Canada to address the problems of aging passenger airplanes. In addition to participation in and support of U.S.

Aging aircraft NDI Development and Demonstration Center (AANC): An overview

A major center with emphasis on validation of nondestructive inspection (NDI) techniques for aging aircraft, the Aging Aircraft NDI Development and Demonstration Center (AANC), has been funded by the FAA at Sandia Nation…

Maintaining the safety of an aging fleet of aircraft

The current status of the Douglas Aging Fleet is examined in light of increasing concern for the possibility of the onset of widespread cracking and recent industry activity to minimize the concern.

The FAA aging airplane program plan for transport aircraft

The FAA Aging Airplane Program is focused on five program areas: maintenance, transport airplanes, commuter airplanes, airplane engines, and research.

Current and future developments in civil aircraft non-destructive evaluation from an operator's point of view

In June, 1988, the first International Conference on aging aircraft was held to address nondestructive tests (NDT) of aging aircraft and other issues.

Aging commuter aeroplanes: Fatigue evaluation and control methods

The risks associated with old aeroplanes arise in the main from the difficulty of obtaining support from the manufacturer and other skilled people, and from a general loss of reliability caused by wear and other deterior…

The Safety of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Operations

Special investigation report on the safety record of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations. Examines accident trends, contributing factors, and operational practices; recommends risk-management standard…

Use of Personal Portable Electronic Devices by Flightcrew Members

Examines the use of personal portable electronic devices (PEDs) by flightcrew during operations and the distractions or sterile-cockpit violations they create.

Wake Vortex Encounter Model Validation Experiments

The goal of this current research is to establish a database that validate/calibrate wake encounter analysis methods for fleet-wide application; and measure/document atmospheric effects on wake decay.

National General Aviation Roadmap for a Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Aviation Administration, as well as state, industry, and academia partners have joined forces to pursue the NASA National General Aviation Roadmap leading…

Analysis of accidents during instrument approaches

General aviation and air taxi approach phase accidents, which occurred during VFR and IFR, respectively over the last 25 years, were analyzed.

Midair collisions - The accidents, the systems, and the Realpolitik

Two midair collisions occurring in 1978 are described, and the air traffic control system and procedures in use at the time, human factors implications and political consequences of the accidents are examined.

Rotorcraft air transportation

Intermodal relationships and the particular ways in which they affect public transportation applications of rotorcraft are addressed. Some aspects of integrated services and general comparisons with other transportation …

Community rotorcraft air transporation: Opportunities and benefits

Opportunities and benefits of rotorcraft transportation are examined in light of the flight capabilities of rotorcraft. Promising helicopter scenarios include public service, public transportation, energy exploration, co…

Directions in civil aviation 1980-2000

The following future directions in civil aviation are considered: (1) greater economy and efficiency in passenger and cargo air service at subsonic speeds, and improved utility and safety for general aviation, (2) greatl…

Introduction of Glass Cockpit Avionics into Light Aircraft

Special report examining the introduction of glass cockpit avionics into the light aircraft fleet. Compares accident-rate trends pre- and post-glass-cockpit adoption and recommends training-curriculum updates to address …

Pilot Professionalism

Safety recommendation report focused on the role of professionalism in aviation safety, particularly in air carrier operations. Addresses sterile cockpit compliance, crew complacency, and operational discipline.

Aviation Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Parachute Jump Operations

Examines the safety record of parachute jump operations conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Identifies common accident causes including loss of control, in-flight loss of engine power, and recomm…

Risk Factors Associated With Weather-Related General Aviation Accidents

Earlier edition of the recurring weather-GA-accidents study. Defines the baseline VFR-into-IMC accident rate and identifies pilot proficiency, weather information availability, and decision-making as core risk drivers.

Analyzing Software Specifications for Mode Confusion Potential

Increased automation in complex systems has led to changes in the human controller's role and to new types of technology-induced human error.

Safety Analysis of FMS/CTAS Interactions During Aircraft Arrivals

This grant funded research on human-computer interaction design and analysis techniques, using future ATC environments as a testbed. The basic approach was to model the nominal behavior of both the automated and human pr…