OSU Journals (Oklahoma State University)
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Identification, Evaluation, and Causal Factor Determination of Maintenance Errors Common to Major U.S. Certificated Air Carriers
A mixed methods study was conducted to identify common errors, causal factors and corrective actions related to maintenance errors that have occurred on aircraft operated by major U.S. air carriers. Initial review of FAA compliance action letters obtained via FOIA for American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines identified errors and causal elements for categorization and further study. Study participants were randomly selected from FAA listings of certificated mechanics and asked to complete a survey. Quantitative data was acquired from participants who completed the survey and qualitative data was acquired by interviewing a selection of those who completed the initial survey. The study found common errors with the completion of maintenance entries, handling of maintenance documents, content of maintenance instructions, installation of parts, deviations from maintenance procedures, and maintenance steps or tasks that were overlooked or not performed. Dominant causal factors were identified as failure to follow instructions or procedural requirements, and maintenance instructions that contain inaccurate information or lacked sufficient detail. Dominant human factors identified in the study were complacency and lack of attention. Repetitive or simple tasks were identified as a contributor to complacency and the failure to follow instructions. Demands on mechanics to quickly return aircraft to service also contributed to the performance of maintenance without the use of instructions. Corrective actions included rectification of the initial errors, counseling of employees, and correction of instructions and documentation
What Causes Aviation Sanctions? A Systematic Review
Aviation sanctions have emerged as a pivotal concern for the sustainability of the aviation industry. Although extensive research has been done on the economic impact of aviation sanctions, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the factors that precipitate such sanctions. Consequently, this study represents a significant contribution to aviation sector research by elucidating the key factors leading to sanctions. The research adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review method, ensuring a rigorous and systematic approach. In this study, a meticulous selection process was employed, utilizing prominent databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, alongside supplementary databases including Science Direct and SAGE. Through a systematic analysis of these databases, a total of 21 relevant studies were identified. The review's findings revealed five overarching themes: safety, environment, terrorist attacks, political conflicts, and disease outbreaks. Furthermore, this research concludes by offering recommendations for future scholars. These recommendations serve as a valuable resource for further exploration and study in the field
Evaluating the Impact of Nonconcurrent Flight Laboratory and Ground Course Progress on the Academic Outcomes of Collegiate Aviation Students
Flight training is often conducted as a two-part model, where a student completes an academic ground course to learn the knowledge and also enrolls in a flight laboratory course to apply the knowledge and skills required to earn a new certificate or rating. Often, these two parts are offered as separate courses to provide flexibility to students in the training environment. The intent is that the ground course and flight laboratory are conducted concurrently, so the students apply knowledge from the ground course during their flight training. However, external factors may delay the flight training progress in the laboratory environment, causing the student to disconnect their flight training and ground course into a nonconcurrent status. This study aims to assess the impact of concurrent versus nonconcurrent flight lab enrollment on the academic outcomes of collegiate aviation students in the classroom. The study will determine whether a student conducting flight training in their current course of study (concurrent training) performs significantly better academically than a student conducting training in a previous flight lab to their current course of study (nonconcurrent training). Quantitative data was collected in the form of academic scores on classroom block exams to evaluate the impact of students in concurrent versus nonconcurrent training environments. A series of independent sample t-tests were used to find consistent evidence that students in a concurrent flight laboratory perform better on block exams in their academic ground course than students enrolled in a nonconcurrent flight laboratory. The results of this research will be used to inform both educational practices within flight training departments and will assist in providing clarity to external parties interested in evaluating the impact of students completing a lab course that is nonconcurrent to their current ground course of study
Analysis of VTOL Downwash and Outwash to Establish Vertiport Safety Standards: A Theoretical Approach
VTOL aircraft are expected to play a crucial role in the air transportation sector, fulfilling various use cases similar to helicopters. However, they also present a significant safety hazard, downwash, which is the concentrated and powerful airflows generated by the rotors or propellers. To mitigate downwash risks, clear communication, proper training, and the establishment of safe operating zones are essential. The study suggests that existing FAA vertiport design criteria are insufficient as they lack minimum standards for downwash and outwash safety. This study identified the dangers of VTOL downwash and developed potential mitigation strategies and basic safety guidelines. The study used existing VTOL aircraft data to calculate theoretical airflow characteristics and then compared these to wind speed comfort and safety scales. Equations based on design dimension “D” as described in existing vertiport literature were provided. In addition, equations accounting for variations in VTOL design and propulsion configurations were developed. A resultant process for determining safety zones and buffer areas around vertiports is provided. The findings of this study can assist advanced air mobility stakeholders in the development of vertiport safety guidelines and protections
Bridging the Gap: A SWOT Analysis Addressing Challenges in Hong Kong's Aviation English Training Industry
This study examines the factors that could influence the growth of the aviation English training industry in Hong Kong (HK). A document analysis approach was employed, using the SWOT as the analytical framework. The analysis focused on 32 publicly available documents published between 2019 and 2024, which discussed the industry, particularly HK-headquartered passenger aviation companies. The findings of this study showed that the development of the industry was driven by the diversity of training providers tailored for HK students and the local aviation market, in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols, and the expansion of HK-based aviation companies. However, the sustainable development of the industry was hampered by several challenges. These challenges included the limited availability of customized courses for HK students and the local aviation industry, general talent shortages in the aviation sector, various institutional and operational constraints, and increasing competition from international online courses. The remaining sections of this paper provide recommendations for industry players and the HK government while also highlighting the academic contribution of this study
The Underrated Value of Incremental Research in Aviation
In the aviation industry, the excitement of groundbreaking discoveries often overshadows the significant impact of incremental research. This paper argues that small, continuous improvements are just as crucial as revolutionary innovations in advancing aviation research. First, we illustrate how incremental steps have collectively transformed aviation research—such as the evolution of jet engines, winglet technology, and composite materials. We further explore the role of incremental research in addressing modern aviation challenges while highlighting this approach's economic and practical benefits. Finally, we discuss how to establish a research agenda/platform that considers these issues while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced focus on both incremental and revolutionary research. This approach provides a reliable path to continuous improvement while fostering a successful research future for aviation
Examining the Effects of Urbanization Proximal to Municipal Water Sources: A Case Study of Lake Thunderbird, Oklahoma
Population Characteristics of Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas in Two Small Oklahoma Close to Home Fishing Ponds
Black Bullheads have both native and introduced populations throughout North America and introduced populations in Europe. Research of Black Bullhead populations has increased in recent years due to their native and introduced ranges having potential detrimental effects on fish communities. Black Bullheads are common throughout Oklahoma and are found in many Close to Home Fishing Ponds (CTHFP), however research in these small impoundments is limited. Therefore, our objective was to estimate abundance and describe population characteristics for two Black Bullhead populations in two Oklahoma CTHFP. We sampled two CTHFP in El Reno, Oklahoma within Canadian County, Southern Hills North (SHN) and Southern Hills South (SHS) with tandem baited hoop nets in June of 2022. To estimate population size, we used the K-pass depletion method. Lapilli otoliths were extracted from fish from each pond, but age and growth statistical analysis were only completed for SHS due to insufficient numbers of fish prohibiting analysis. Black Bullheads from SHS had a fish density estimate of 810 fish/ha, slow growth, ages ranging from 2-7, relatively low mortality (Z = 0.39), and was dominated by stock-sized individuals. The SHN pond had a lower fish density estimate (110 fish/ha) than SHS, fish ages ranging from 1-7, and was dominated by quality-sized individuals. Additional research should focus on understanding angler dynamics, variables that attribute to overabundant populations, and variability of Black Bullhead growth in CTHFP to allow for more effective fisheries management of native and invasive populations