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Student Insights Into Airline Pathway Program Participation
Get PDFAirlines and universities have increasingly established partnership agreements for the purpose of providing a clear path for employment for professional pilots. ERAU has multiple agreements with airlines and corporate flight departments. The purpose of this research project is to examine the motivation for students to join these pilot pathway programs. The authors will explore why students choose to join such programs and what barriers keep them from participating.
The research will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, supported by an internal grant, involves a comprehensive literature review, and the development of a survey instrument and interview protocol. The second phase will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gain a deeper understanding of student decision-making. Participants will include university students enrolled in aviation flight programs, with a target sample of 200 survey respondents and 10-15 interviewees. Data collection will involve online structured questionnaires, distributed via Qualtrics, and in-depth interviews to explore personal experiences and expectations.
Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. A comparative analysis will identify differences in perceptions between participants and non-participants of pathway programs. The findings will provide valuable insights into student motivations and inform strategies to maximize the impact of these programs, addressing the broader challenges facing the aviation workforce. Key deliverables will include a literature review, annotated bibliography, survey instrument, interview protocol, and recommendations for further research funding and presentation at an industry conference. The final manuscript will be submitted to a peer reviewed academic journal with results presented at an industry conference
Pilots’ readiness to fly - alcohol detection assisted by AI Facial Recognition Technology
Get PDFThe Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) “Bottle to Throttle” rule prohibits pilots from consuming alcohol within 8 hours of a flight and mandates a blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.04%. However, pilots may still experience impairments beyond this timeframe. Current alcohol testing methods, including random screenings and confirmation tests, are limited in scope and timeliness, leaving potential gaps in aviation safety. This study aims to develop an AI facial recognition technique using Human-Centered Computing (HCC) to evaluate pilots’ readiness to fly by identifying subtle alcohol-related impairments, regardless of BAC levels. The project involves three steps: 1) training an AI model on publicly available datasets of facial images under varying alcohol conditions; 2) testing the algorithm on 20 non-pilot participants through cognitive tasks before and after alcohol consumption, including memory, reasoning, and spatial planning assessments; and 3) fine-tuning the algorithm using data from 20 pilots performing flight simulator tasks under similar conditions. This innovative approach has significant implications: AI facial recognition enables rapid, non-invasive alcohol screening for all pilots, enhancing safety compared to traditional random tests. It can serve as a preliminary screening method before BAC confirmation, ensuring comprehensive monitoring. Furthermore, the AI adapts to individual variations, addressing the limitations of the uniform 0.04% BAC threshold. By leveraging AI and facial recognition, this technology offers a more effective solution for ensuring pilot readiness and aviation safety
Exploring Exoplanets: Analysis of NASA’s EXOTIC Data
Get PDFExoplanet research has expanded rapidly, with 5,780 exoplanets confirmed and 7,241 candidates under investigation as of October 2024. While space-based missions are essential for detecting exoplanets, ground-based observations are critical for confirming these findings through extended star monitoring. To facilitate this, NASA offers the EXOplanet Transit Interpretation Code (EXOTIC), a tool accessible to researchers at all experience levels. Using multi-aperture photometry on data from the MicroObservatory telescopes, we analyze light curves for periodic flux dips, which may indicate a transiting exoplanet. Currently, our team is focused on analyzing NASA-provided data, with plans to extend our collaboration with the Museum of Art and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach. The data collected at MOAS will primarily focus on exoplanet candidates, which we aim to analyze using EXOTIC’s advanced tools to confirm potential exoplanets. Our project will contribute to expanding the catalog of confirmed exoplanets and provide valuable insights to the broader scientific community. This student-led, unfunded project with NASA offers a unique opportunity to advance exoplanetary science through hands-on research
I would go back and Conquer this all over again
Get PDFThe case study analyzes work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through the experiences of an Air Force Security Forces officer. The subject operated in various high-intensity environments and sustained multiple injuries over an eight-year military career. Daily tasks involved strenuous physical activity, weapon handling, and long, demanding shifts. Using tools like the Moore-Garg Strain Index and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, the study evaluates the ergonomic risks that contributed to the subject’s chronic pain. These activities resulted in significant pain, particularly in the back, hands, and neck, with ongoing issues worsened by awkward postures and repetitive motions. The recommendations focus on ergonomic tools and exercises to alleviate strain and improve musculoskeletal health
Effects of Nozzle Pressure Ratios on the Aerodynamics and Performance of Rocket Engines
Get PDFThe aim of this project is to better understand the effects of Nozzle Pressure Ratios (NPRs) on the aerodynamics and performance of planar nozzles. Nozzles such as these are commonly used in aircraft and rocket engines, and by studying the effects of different NPRs, the performance of these engines can be improved. The NPR of a nozzle is the ratio of the inlet pressure to the outlet pressure of a nozzle. The NPR can affect the expansion of a nozzle as to whether the plume fully expands to its design conditions, underexpands, or overexpands. The design condition for a nozzle is the pressure ratio at which the nozzle will fully-expand to a speed greater than Mach 1 and no separation of the flow will take place. Using a Mach 2 nozzle, this project will use Z-type schlieren, an optical measurement and visualization technique, to gather both quantitative and qualitative data of the effects of NPRs. Coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, these effects can be properly documented and reported on for several different parameters. Most notably in an overexpanded condition, the frequency of the separation shock within the nozzle can be documented and compared throughout different cases. Overall, the data gathered from this project can be applied to a variety of fields. Most notably, the application of this data to hypersonic vehicles will allow for estimation of performance decay as atmospheric conditions move away from design
Sandpiper Food Search Algorithm: A New Optimization Approach for Agents with Limited Knowledge
Get PDFOptimization plays a crucial role in refining complex system designs, improving performance, and maximizing efficiency across various applications. Traditional methods like convex optimization and the Newton-Raphson method are often insufficient for today’s increasingly complex challenges. To address this challenge, numerous metaheuristic algorithms, often inspired by nature, have emerged including Particle Swarm Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, Bat Algorithm, and Firefly Algorithm. However, most of these existing algorithms have global knowledge, which is unrealistic for some real-world complex systems such as underground mining and spacecraft trajectory. To bridge this gap, this article develops and presents a new biologically inspired optimization algorithm, the Sandpiper Food Search Algorithm. This algorithm is inspired by the food search behavior of sandpipers at the beach. Each sandpiper explores the problem space locally, with wave actions that force shifts, enhancing exploration. Our previous work shows that the Sandpiper Food Search Algorithm outperforms the Firefly Algorithm in three of the four benchmark functions with at least 3% improvement in mean best solution and is on average 38% more reliable at finding a solution at least 95% of the optimal. In this work, we tested SFSA on a real-world data-based function in comparison to Firefly Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization. Our results show that our algorithm does not perform better than the other two algorithms tested, prompting us extend our study to include more extensive parameter tuning to ensure fair comparison
Evaluation of Writing Center Technologies Across Multiple Campuses
No full textThis user experience (UX) study examines the accessibility and usability of writing center resources across three Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) campuses: Daytona Beach (DB), Prescott, and Worldwide (WW). The research, conducted through ERAU\u27s Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grants Program, aimed to understand how students experience online interface with the respective writing centers and their resources, appointment scheduling, asynchronous paper feedback, and digital writing guides. Data was gathered via digital surveys, user interviews, card sorting, and usability testing. Findings revealed significant gaps in student awareness of available services, with many students unaware of writing center resources unless referred directly by faculty. Accessibility issues were also identified, particularly with navigation difficulties within the internal university website, ERNIE, while integration with Canvas may prove to be effective for students.
Key insights suggest that students\u27 ease of access and positive engagement increase with simplified navigation and standardization of resources across campuses. Additionally, involving students and tutors in UX testing and writing center improvements can foster a sense of belonging, enhancing student loyalty and engagement with the university\u27s writing center. Recommendations include standardizing access protocols across ERINE and Canvas, implementing uniform scheduling software, and maintaining participatory-based UX research to address the evolving needs of each campus.
This study underscores the value of collaborative, cross-campus initiatives to improve resource awareness, usability, and accessibility, positioning the writing centers to better serve the diverse ERAU student body across multiple campuses
Gabriel Elkin, Participant
No full textGabriel Elkinis the Assistant Leader of the Air Traffic Control Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. In this role, he oversees research in the areas of aviation cyber security, information architectures and weather sensing technologies. Gabe joined the Laboratory in 1988 as a software engineering subcontractor developing aircraft tracking algorithms, and became a Technical Staff member in the ATC Systems Group in 1996 and later the Weather Sensing Group, where he led the successful development, field testing, and technology transfer of a major processing augmentation to the aircraft surveillance radar (ASR-9PAC) and the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) receiver and data acquisition system.
He also served two field assignments spanning 7 years at the Reagan Test Site (RTS) on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands as a command and control systems engineer and field site manager. In between Kwaj tours, he spent 2 years overseeing research in the area of homeland security and disaster preparedness. Prior to joining the Laboratory, Gabe worked at the MITRE Corporation in Bedford, MA, where he developed software systems for surveillance and communication applications. He received a MS from Boston University in Computer Science, and a BS in Applied Math & Computer Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1016/thumbnail.jp
Dr. Tim Holt, Participant
No full textDr. Holt is a Tenured Professor in the College of Aviation, with Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in aeronautics, safety, unmanned systems, and airport management for the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics program and the Master’s in Safety Science program.
Before assuming his current role, he served a twenty-two-year career in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. A Naval Aircrewman while on active duty, he operated on both fixed wing (P-3 Orion) and rotary wing (MH-60S KnightHawk) aircraft logging over 2,500 hours as both a Flight Instructor and Evaluator.
He served as Operations, Training, and Safety Chief and flew as an Electronics Warfare Operator for Patrol Squadron 67, Patrol Squadron 65, and Patrol Squadron 64. He was also Operations and Safety Chief on the staff of the Commander Patrol Wing, and served as Training Officer, Rescue Crew Chief, and NATOPS Flight Evaluator on the Staff of Commander Helicopter Wing. Dr. Holt’s last assignment was as the Director of the Reserve Helicopter Training School in San Diego, CA where he taught helicopter operations, search and rescue, SEAL Team insertion/extraction tactics, and was the MH-60S Program Manager. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Dr. Holt developed and instructed courses pertaining to Crew Resource Management, Aircraft Accident Investigation, The Safety Management System and Introduction to Annex 14 Regulations for Airports Council International (ACI) in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards to airport safety managers and staff located throughout the world. He assisted in the development and implementation of the Safety Management System for Teterboro Airport and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and has authored Aviation Security Programs, Emergency Response Procedures Guides, Aviation Internal Self-Evaluation Checklists, and Hurricane Evacuation Plans for numerous organizations.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Certified Member of both the American Association of Airport Executives and Airports Council International, and an Associate Member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators. He is also a State of Arizona licensed teacher with endorsements in secondary English, History, and Career and Technical Education.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1020/thumbnail.jp
Dr. Ron Madler, Participant
No full textRon Madler has been on the Aerospace Engineering faculty in the College of Engineering, at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ since 1994. He served as dean from 2010 until 2023. He has teaching responsibilities in the Aerospace Engineering Department. His primary professional interests are in Engineering Education, Orbital Debris, Astrodynamics, Spacecraft Design, and Space Exploration.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1027/thumbnail.jp