Research papers

Instructional Fidelity in Virtual Flight: Applying a Structured Learning Model for VR-Based Pilot Training

As immersive training technologies reshape the future of aviation education, this study explores the impact of integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into a structured instructional model for B-52 pilot training.

Utilising Video Recordings to Assess Student Pilot Performance: An Exploratory Study during a Simulated Training Flight

In ab initio flight training, the quality of the feedback a flight instructor provides their student is essential to their success. While other high-performance and safety-critical industries have incorporated the use of…

The Impact of Socialization on Student Intention to Persist and Flight Training Outcomes

The aim of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between the socialization of student pilots within aviation-training organizations, student intention to persist, and training outcomes as demonstrat…

Generalizing Classification of Pilot Workload: Transfer Learning versus a JEPA-Inspired Transformer Architecture

Within the context of learning, there poses difficulty when objectively measuring human performance. In this work, we investigate the evaluation of human performance via its relation to the individual's mental capacity b…

Shaping AAM Educational Methods: A Comparison of Traditional and Compressed Class Schedules in UAS Classes.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a paradigm shift in the versatility of the aviation industry. The obvious benefits of this platform will revolutionize a variety of aspects of the industry.

Real-Time Detection of Sea Turtles Using UAV and Neural Networks on Edge Devices

Sea turtle populations continue to diminish around the globe for various reasons. Therefore, the need for innovative solutions to monitor sea turtles has been increasing.

Virtual Reality & Pilot Training: Existing Technologies, Challenges & Opportunities

The introduction of virtual reality (VR) to flying training has recently gained much attention, with numerous VR companies, such as Loft Dynamics and VRpilot, looking to enhance the training process.

Application of Density Altitude Climatology to General Aviation Impacts

Density altitude (DA) plays a key role in flight safety because it helps pilots anticipate poor aircraft performance when temperatures are warmer than standard.

Review of VR Technical Specification Requirements for a Procedural Training Task

Many aviation education and training programs are expanding their learning materials to include virtual learning environments (VLEs) that utilize virtual reality (VR) technology.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Trends in Representation of Women Professionals in the Aviation Industry

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) stands as an integral component of any successful organization. Historically, society has overlooked and underplayed DEI matters, resulting in the underrepresentation of minority gr…

Development of Upset Recovery and Basic Aerobatic Courses for Collegiate Flight Training Programs

Upset recovery and aerobatics are two topics in general aviation that are often overlooked by commercial pilots in training. This can be due to several different constraints, such as not having the time or resources to r…

Improved Feedback Mechanisms of the Hydraulics Sandbox Simulator

The proposed presentation will include the following project and results from implementation in an aircraft hydraulic systems course. In 2020 we developed a digital hydraulics system schematic sandbox for use in an FAA P…

Collegiate Aviation Students’ Perceptions towards the Integration of Diversity and Inclusion Training: A Qualitative Case Study

Multiple industries have become more supportive and engaging places to work by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within their institutional processes.

Safety in Flight Training - An Analysis of the NTSB Data 2014-2018

There were 7,500 safety events in the NTSB data sets from 2013-2018. These events were analyzed using Chi-square, Cramer’s V, and the odds ratio.

FAA Designated Pilot Examiner System Insights

As part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 the FAA was required by Congress to review Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) policies and procedures.

Single Pilot Operations and Public Acceptance: A Mixed Methods Study conducted in Greece

The airline industry is moving towards Single Pilot Operations (SPO), as a result of the increased training and salary cost of pilots, and also as a remedy to the impending pilot shortage which is estimated to manifest i…

Effectiveness of a Flight Simulation Training Visual Aid for Normal and Crosswind Approach and Landing

Flight simulators have a significant contribution to effective and efficient flight training across the globe. Significant literature has suggested the effectiveness of simulation tools in training pilots in different sc…

Notes on Rules of Thumb for Pilots

The rules of thumb can be found in several flight instructions or pilot's handbooks. Thus far, available rules have been presented without proof or a valid range, such as altitude or velocity ranges wherein these rules c…

Under Pressure: Decision Making in Aircraft Maintenance and the Role of Gender

In aircraft maintenance, leaders are under near-constant pressure to maintain airworthiness. Every minute an aircraft cannot fly due to maintenance represents financial waste.

Troubleshooting Simulations for Maintenance Training

In the current industry environment, where aviation maintenance is facing an unprecedented workforce shortage, maintenance training programs should be looking towards new and innovative instructional strategies to attrac…

Challenges and Implications of UAS Integration into Bridge and Rail Inspections: Recent State DOT Experiences

The presentation will review the results of the UAS research initiative conducted by Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in collaboration with the UMass Transportation Center.

The Universality of Communication: Preparing the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

Current aviation college programs aim to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals to meet the needs of the ever-increasing global demand for air travel.

Factors influencing the emergence of suborbital space tourism

Suborbital space tourism is becoming a reality. The suborbital space industry is predicted to grow from $340 billion to $1 trillion over the next 20 years.

Automatic Gaze Classification for Aviators: Using Multi-task Convolutional Networks as a Proxy for Flight Instructor Observation

In this work, we investigate how flight instructors observe aviator scan patterns and assign quality to an aviator's gaze. We first establish the reliability of instructors to assign similar quality to an aviator's scan …

The Effect of Experiential Education on Pilots' VFR into IMC Decision-Making

In aviation, safety is always a primary consideration, and this is especially true during a pilot’s flight training to instill that safety mentality.

Satellite Maintenance: An Opportunity to Minimize the Kessler Effect

Recently, there has been an emphasis on the growing problem of orbital debris. While the advantages of placing satellites into space are numerous, advances in satellite technology combined with the growth of the industry…

Fatigue Identification and Management in Flight Training: An Investigation of Collegiate Aviation Pilots

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate collegiate aviation students’ self-awareness of their fatigue issues; to investigate possible causes of fatigue afflicting collegiate aviation students; and to investi…

The 4 C's Model - A Common Framework for Professional Aviator Development

The United States Air Force currently has an acute shortage of pilots while simultaneously, the commercial airline industry is currently experiencing unprecedented growth.

Advanced UAS Training; Integration of Remote Live Aircraft Crash Investigation with UAS

Current Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) flight training generally operates at the ab-initio level. As UAS flight and academic programs evolve, so also must UAS training advance, specifically regarding new and evolving use…

Book Review: Fundamentals of International Aviation

Not applicable.

Called to Safety? Individual and Combined Effects of Safety Climate and Occupational Callings on Aviator Safety Performance

This study examined the individual and combined effects of two potential antecedents to aviation-related safety performance: safety climate and occupational callings.

Language-Related Communications Challenges in General Aviation Operations and Pilot Training

English is the basis for aviation communications worldwide creating challenges for both native and non-native English speakers. An unfortunate outcome of language-related communications issues, whether indirectly or dire…

Assessing the risks: An analysis of wildlife-strike data at the three busiest Brazilian airports (2011-2016)

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and has a considerable amount of air traffic volume domestically and internationally. Wildlife strikes are an increasing safety and economic concern for aviation operations …

Improving Instructor Quality using the Conversation Analytic Role-play Method (CARM)

The audience will learn about Stokoe’s Conversation Analytic Role-play Method (CARM) (http://www.carmtraining.org) and how it has been used to study and improve talk-in-interaction in professional settings.

Combining Forces: Utilizing Expertise from Applied Linguistics and Flight Instruction for Better ATC Communications

ATC communications are a complex mix of FAA phraseology and plain English. The dynamic demands of a pilot’s workload, simultaneously operating the aircraft, managing checklists, and maintaining situational awareness, mak…

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology, since its inception, has been enhanced significantly by software and hardware developers, and has been widely utilized in various fields such as manufacturing, entertainment, architectu…

Quantifying the Effects of Humidity on Density Altitude Calculations for Professional Aviation Education

The effects of humidity on density altitude are quantified in detail and graphically represented as a function of temperature and dew-point temperature for ease of use in professional aviation education.

The Value of Professional Security Industry Certifications

In the security and aviation community there are many professional security certifications that can be achieved in all disciplines of security. Those pertinent to aviation will be explored.