Browse Projects
Items
Search full-text
aviation
-
Safety Aspects of Automation in Aviation
With the introduction of automation into aviation, the safety of flying was improved alongside efficiency and easing pilot workloads. Now, when these automated systems fail, the safety of the flight is now threatened due to the deep integration of computers and automated routines within key aircraft sub-systems. The purpose of this report is to determine the effects of automation and automated systems on the aviation industry in the modern era. It is hypothesized that modern pilots are becoming too reliant on automated systems and are losing their fundamental hand-flying skills. To prove the validity of this claim, research was conducted first through the evaluation of multiple secondary sources obtained from Seneca Libraries and online news articles/papers. A literature review was conducted to highlight key secondary research materials while utilizing the CRAAP method to analyze our sources. Through this method, we have been able to evaluate the contributions of these sources to our work. A survey of pilots and air traffic controllers was then conducted to obtain data regarding automation-induced effects on aviation currently, which was then used in conjunction with our prior research to formulate conclusions and recommendations to resolve this growing problem. It was determined that pilot performance had indeed been affected by automation dependency, and as such, poses a safety risk to current commercial operations. As such, we recommend that greater emphasis be placed on the early prevention of automation dependency through continuous reinforcement of hand-flying skills. These teachings must also follow pilots from the school to the airline, and initiative must be taken to ensure skill-fade does not occur (increased hand-flown approach quota). The creation of an internationally recognized standard of training is proposed to ensure pilots of any nationality are trained to the same standards as all other nations, improving safety while operating in foreign airspace. Recommendations are also provided for air traffic controllers, with monitoring of controller performance in the presence of automated control systems to ensure cognitive skills do not fade with reductions in workload. With these recommendations in place, automation may continue to evolve and improve both the efficiency and safety of the aviation industry. -
From Pistons and Props to Titanium and Turbines: An Analysis of Aviation Engine Developments
It is to no surprise that with an increasing global population, carbon emissions from the transportation industry are on the rise, including the aviation industry. To combat this, many aerospace companies are actively seeking new technologies with an end goal of eliminating carbon emissions. To gather our research, multiple major aero engine manufacturers were contacted to participate in interviews however no replies were received. As a result, our research was based primarily on secondary sources. Our findings revealed that many companies are testing the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen or biofuels to replace traditional kerosene-based fuels. Other methods such as electric technology and improved engine core design are also being considered as sustainable alternatives to traditional jet engines. These new discoveries all share the same focus; to achieve a sustainable future for the aviation industry by reducing carbon emissions. -
Finding Recruiting Strategies and Initiatives for the Increase of Representation Among Commercial Pilots
The purpose of this research is to explore recruiting strategies in order to identify which ones are more effective at recruiting women. Despite the continued growth of the commercial aviation industry and the looming spectre of a pilot shortage, the aviation industry has continued to struggle to recruit more female pilots. With little change in the percentage of qualified female pilots over the last 10 years, it’s clear that there is a fundamental problem limiting the effectiveness of various institutions' recruiting practices. Qualitative interviews with various Canadian aviation institutions were requested. The questions asked pertained to differences between male and female pilots and the effectiveness of the institution's recruiting strategies. The aim was to identify which strategies worked the best to recruit women and then analyze these to determine how to improve them. However, very few institutions were willing to speak about this issue, so extensive secondary research was conducted, which would later make up the bulk of this paper. Most secondary research illuminated problems consistent with those that affected STEM occupations years ago. How WISEST programs managed to overcome these challenges and increase recruitment is of particular interest to this paper. This paper's findings were the result of an analysis of secondary research combined with the limited qualitative data obtained through interviews. This research offers some recommendations on how changes in the way the aviation industry recruits pilots will lead to an increase in the recruitment of female pilots.