Every year, the NTSB comes out with a "Most Wanted" list for safety improvements that they would like to see in the industry. The five items on this year's list include:
1) Cockpit Image Recorders
2) Prevent Loss of Control in Flight
3) Fatigue Related Accidents
4) Reducing Distractions
5) Medical Fitness
Here is a link that describes these in more detail:
http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/commercial/NTSBs-5-Most-Wanted-Aviation-Safety-Improvements-in-2016_86948.html#.VwUKBBidTPA
Please answer the following questions:
1) The above is the NTSB's ranking of these improvements. After researching the above topics, rank them and explain your process in the ranking. Your ranking can be the same, as long as you explain why you agree.
2) Discuss one item that you think should not have been on the list. Why?
3) Discuss one item that you think should have made this list. Why?
4) Which of the above items do you feel that the FAA is most likely to respond to? Why?
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Aviation Organizations - Due April 3rd at 11:59PM
This week's topic is a little less intense. The topic is Aviation Organizations. Please answer the following questions:
1. What associations do you plan on belonging to when you are employed and engaged on your career
path? Identify at least two organizations.
2. Research the associations that you identified. Discuss the mission and functions of each association.
3. Also discuss the role of these
organizations in the overall industry, including their support for other
sectors of the industry.
3. Discuss why is it important for you to belong to these associations, as a professional and for the overall industry.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Chinese Competitor to Boeing and Airbus? - Due Sunday, March 27th @11:59PM
On Monday, November 2, 2015, the first Chinese larger-airliner aircraft
rolled out - the C919. This aircraft was built by COMAC (Commercial
Aircraft Corporation of China) and will compete with the A320 and the
B737, seating about 168 passengers. Although the hope is for western
certification, the C919 has yet to be FAA-certified, currently limiting
the countries where the aircraft can operate. Given this information,
please answer the following questions:
1) Do you believe that the C919 will ever receive FAA certification? Why or why not?
2) For sake of argument, if the C919 receives FAA certification, what challenges do you see for US carriers? Look at various aspects - for example, what would in mean in terms of aircraft purchases? What would it mean in terms of public perception?
3) Discuss COMAC a little and its relationship with the Chinese airlines and the Chinese government. Are there other aircraft in the works? If so, what are the specifics?
4) If this aircraft were to receive FAA certification, do you feel that other companies would enter the market as competitors to Boeing and Airbus?
5) Finally, has Boeing or Airbus responded to this rollout in any way?
Have fun!
1) Do you believe that the C919 will ever receive FAA certification? Why or why not?
2) For sake of argument, if the C919 receives FAA certification, what challenges do you see for US carriers? Look at various aspects - for example, what would in mean in terms of aircraft purchases? What would it mean in terms of public perception?
3) Discuss COMAC a little and its relationship with the Chinese airlines and the Chinese government. Are there other aircraft in the works? If so, what are the specifics?
4) If this aircraft were to receive FAA certification, do you feel that other companies would enter the market as competitors to Boeing and Airbus?
5) Finally, has Boeing or Airbus responded to this rollout in any way?
Have fun!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Flying Cheap - Professionalism in the Industry: Due Sunday, March 20th @ 11:59PM
The topic is the regional airlines. Many of you, regardless if you are a management or flight student, will work in some capacity with the regional airlines. Hopefully, through writing this blog, you will have a further understanding of the environment as well as the current issues impacting the industry.
In class, you watched a documentary called "Flying Cheap". This documentary is about the regional airline industry, focusing on two aspects. First, there is a discussion of the Colgan accident and factors that may have contributed to the accident. Second, the documentary presents information about the career of a regional pilot.
Please address the following topics in this blog:
**First, address the state of the regional airline industry. There is a lot of "buzz" about the possible pilot shortage. There are two sides to the argument: 1) There is not a pilot shortage. The problem is pilot pay. There are plenty of people who want to be pilots in the United States but are unwilling to fly domestically because of low wages, and 2) The pilot shortage is real and based upon projected retirements and the current number of new pilots entering the industry. Which side do you believe and why? To answer this question thoroughly, you must research and provide evidence of research of both sides of the issue.
**Second, with the new regulations, regional airlines may be concerned with their hiring pool. Why? What do you see as possible solutions - both for aspiring pilots and for the regional airlines themselves?
**Third, ALPA represents most regional pilots. Which organization represents the remainder of the industry, such as management, manufacturers, etc..
**Forth, keeping the documentary in mind, please answer the following questions:
-I proposed that one theme in the events that led up to the Colgan accident was the lack of professionalism. Answer the following three questions related to professionalism:
* 1) Define professionalism in your own words.
* 2) List two ways in which lack of professionalism was demonstrated in this documentary. Remember: Both pilots and management can lack professionalism.
* 3) Do you feel that first year pilot pay and/or the compensation structure of a regional airline is a contributing factor in the lack of professionalism demonstrated in the documentary?
* 4) List two specific ways you plan on maintain and expand your level of professionalism once you are employed in the job that you listed in 1). These ways must be independent of the requirements of the job.
In class, you watched a documentary called "Flying Cheap". This documentary is about the regional airline industry, focusing on two aspects. First, there is a discussion of the Colgan accident and factors that may have contributed to the accident. Second, the documentary presents information about the career of a regional pilot.
Please address the following topics in this blog:
**First, address the state of the regional airline industry. There is a lot of "buzz" about the possible pilot shortage. There are two sides to the argument: 1) There is not a pilot shortage. The problem is pilot pay. There are plenty of people who want to be pilots in the United States but are unwilling to fly domestically because of low wages, and 2) The pilot shortage is real and based upon projected retirements and the current number of new pilots entering the industry. Which side do you believe and why? To answer this question thoroughly, you must research and provide evidence of research of both sides of the issue.
**Second, with the new regulations, regional airlines may be concerned with their hiring pool. Why? What do you see as possible solutions - both for aspiring pilots and for the regional airlines themselves?
**Third, ALPA represents most regional pilots. Which organization represents the remainder of the industry, such as management, manufacturers, etc..
**Forth, keeping the documentary in mind, please answer the following questions:
-I proposed that one theme in the events that led up to the Colgan accident was the lack of professionalism. Answer the following three questions related to professionalism:
* 1) Define professionalism in your own words.
* 2) List two ways in which lack of professionalism was demonstrated in this documentary. Remember: Both pilots and management can lack professionalism.
* 3) Do you feel that first year pilot pay and/or the compensation structure of a regional airline is a contributing factor in the lack of professionalism demonstrated in the documentary?
* 4) List two specific ways you plan on maintain and expand your level of professionalism once you are employed in the job that you listed in 1). These ways must be independent of the requirements of the job.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Commercial Space - Due Tuesday, March 15th @ 11:59PM
Is Commercial Space Tourism a viable industry? Please answer the following questions:
1) Historical background: When did the idea of "space tourism" begin? How has it developed? What have been the hurdles and accomplishments?
2) Give a brief summary of the rules and regulations that currently govern the commercial space industry. When and why were they developed? Do you feel that they are appropriate or that the need to be more or less restrictive?
3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry? Do you think it will develop into a means of transportation or do you think that it will perpetually exists as a one-time, bucket list adventure?
4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.
1) Historical background: When did the idea of "space tourism" begin? How has it developed? What have been the hurdles and accomplishments?
2) Give a brief summary of the rules and regulations that currently govern the commercial space industry. When and why were they developed? Do you feel that they are appropriate or that the need to be more or less restrictive?
3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry? Do you think it will develop into a means of transportation or do you think that it will perpetually exists as a one-time, bucket list adventure?
4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Global Airline Issues - Due Monday, March 7th @ 11:59PM
US Airlines are known for attacking foreign long-haul carriers, often
attributing their success solely to the government subsidies that these
carriers receive. Please answer the following questions:
1) List and describe two long-haul foreign carriers that receive government subsidies.
2) Do any long-haul US carriers receive subsidies or have received subsidies in the past? If so, which airlines? Why?
3) Another complaint is that long-haul foreign carriers have made aircraft purchases at "below market interest rates" that are unavailable to US carriers. How is this possible? Please discuss the Export-Import Bank.
4) Finally, critically analyzing the above information, do you feel that the global "playing field" of long-haul carriers is fair?
Enjoy!
1) List and describe two long-haul foreign carriers that receive government subsidies.
2) Do any long-haul US carriers receive subsidies or have received subsidies in the past? If so, which airlines? Why?
3) Another complaint is that long-haul foreign carriers have made aircraft purchases at "below market interest rates" that are unavailable to US carriers. How is this possible? Please discuss the Export-Import Bank.
4) Finally, critically analyzing the above information, do you feel that the global "playing field" of long-haul carriers is fair?
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Current Status of UAVs - Due Sunday, February 13th@ 11:59PM
Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are frequently in the news, most often for their
military applications or the random story of a college experiment gone
wrong, which inadvertently placed a UAV in controlled airspace. However,
rumor has it that their practical application in the civilian world is
becoming more of a possibility. Please answer the following questions
for this week's topic:
1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs currently regulated (if they are regulated)? What are some of the details of the proposed ruling?
2) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.
3) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?
4) Finally, do some research and find out if their are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.
1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs currently regulated (if they are regulated)? What are some of the details of the proposed ruling?
2) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.
3) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?
4) Finally, do some research and find out if their are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
The Cargo Industry - Due Tuesday, February 9th @ 5pm
Please answer the following questions:
1) As a result of the Colgan Air accident, the FAA institute new flight and duty regulations. Summarize these new regulations and describe how they are different from the old flight and duty regulations.
2) Cargo carriers are exempt from the new rules. What are the current flight and duty limitations for cargo carriers?
3) Why do you feel that cargo carriers have been excluded from the new changes? Value of life? Public perception? Too much money for the carrier? Other reasons? All the above? You may find that reading the preamble of the final rule is helpful in answering this question.
4) Do you believe cargo carriers should be included in the new rules? Why or why not?
5) Finally, what would be the impact to your career if cargo carriers were to be included in these new rules - Pilots, address this from a pilot perspective, management address from a management perspective.
1) As a result of the Colgan Air accident, the FAA institute new flight and duty regulations. Summarize these new regulations and describe how they are different from the old flight and duty regulations.
2) Cargo carriers are exempt from the new rules. What are the current flight and duty limitations for cargo carriers?
3) Why do you feel that cargo carriers have been excluded from the new changes? Value of life? Public perception? Too much money for the carrier? Other reasons? All the above? You may find that reading the preamble of the final rule is helpful in answering this question.
4) Do you believe cargo carriers should be included in the new rules? Why or why not?
5) Finally, what would be the impact to your career if cargo carriers were to be included in these new rules - Pilots, address this from a pilot perspective, management address from a management perspective.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Third Class Medical Reform - Due Sunday, January 31st @11:59PM
What's going on with GA medical reform these days?
Please answer (in your own words or with appropriate citations) the following questions:
1) What is on the current agenda for GA medical reform?
2) Where is the reform it in terms of the regulatory process? Is it a bill, a law, a regulation, a NPRM, etc.?
3) Pick one aspect of GA medical reform and list at least one "for" and one "against" point.
4) Do you feel that GA medical reform is necessary? Why are why not?
Failure to have an in-text citation for writing that is quoted or paraphrased will be considered plagiarism and will result in the following consequence: 1) 0 points for the assignment and 2) a potential plagiarism filing with the university.
Also, the assignment must contain a majority of your own work. Even with appropriate citations, a majority of the assignment must contain your own words and ideas. Failure for a majority of the assignment to be based on your own words and ideas will also result in 0 points for the assignment.
Please see me for clarification if you have any additional questions about these requirements.
Prof. Wall
Please answer (in your own words or with appropriate citations) the following questions:
1) What is on the current agenda for GA medical reform?
2) Where is the reform it in terms of the regulatory process? Is it a bill, a law, a regulation, a NPRM, etc.?
3) Pick one aspect of GA medical reform and list at least one "for" and one "against" point.
4) Do you feel that GA medical reform is necessary? Why are why not?
Failure to have an in-text citation for writing that is quoted or paraphrased will be considered plagiarism and will result in the following consequence: 1) 0 points for the assignment and 2) a potential plagiarism filing with the university.
Also, the assignment must contain a majority of your own work. Even with appropriate citations, a majority of the assignment must contain your own words and ideas. Failure for a majority of the assignment to be based on your own words and ideas will also result in 0 points for the assignment.
Please see me for clarification if you have any additional questions about these requirements.
Prof. Wall
Friday, January 22, 2016
PIlots and Depression - Due Monday, January 25th @ 11:59PM
In March of 2015, Germanwings Flight 4U9525 crashed into a side of
a mountain, killing all passengers and crew. The cause of the accident
has been determined to be suicide by the first officer. Upon
investigation, it was determined that the first officer did have a
history of mental illness.
This accident brought the questions of pilot mental health to the forefront. Please answer the following specific questions in regards to this topic:
1) What are the specific details of the Germanwings accident? Was the pilot's metal illness documented? Prior to the accident, had he ever had issues that were a result of his mental condition?
2) In addition to the Germanwings accident, find a discuss another incident/accident where the pilots mental condition was a contributing factor.
3) How is mental health currently screened for and address amongst the pilot population? Do you feel that this method is sufficient or that there is need for reform? If you feel that there is need for reform, what specific processes would address pilot mental health more efficiently?
4) Expanding on 3), look at the issue from the FAA and airline perspective. What may be some challenges for the FAA and airlines if a more liberal approach was implemented in regards to mental illness acceptability and treatment?
Please include two references in APA format along with appropriate citations.
Enjoy!
This accident brought the questions of pilot mental health to the forefront. Please answer the following specific questions in regards to this topic:
1) What are the specific details of the Germanwings accident? Was the pilot's metal illness documented? Prior to the accident, had he ever had issues that were a result of his mental condition?
2) In addition to the Germanwings accident, find a discuss another incident/accident where the pilots mental condition was a contributing factor.
3) How is mental health currently screened for and address amongst the pilot population? Do you feel that this method is sufficient or that there is need for reform? If you feel that there is need for reform, what specific processes would address pilot mental health more efficiently?
4) Expanding on 3), look at the issue from the FAA and airline perspective. What may be some challenges for the FAA and airlines if a more liberal approach was implemented in regards to mental illness acceptability and treatment?
Please include two references in APA format along with appropriate citations.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
ATC Privatization - Due Sunday, January 17th@11:59PM
ATC Privatization- Please answer the following questions:
1) Describe the fundamentals of our current ATC system vs. the proposed NextGen system. Include details. i.e. "Next Gen is satellite-based." is not enough detail.
2) Why has GA traditional spoken against the privatization of ATC? What is the stance of US airlines on ATC privatization and why? Find two aviation organizations/lobby groups/think tanks (not individual companies) etc. and report their response to privatization.
3) Is ATC privatized in any other countries? If so, where? Write about the details of how this system works. How is it funded? Who are the private operators? Etc..Does the privatized ATC system run more or less efficiently than our current system?
4) What would be the process for converting our current system into a privatized system? i.e. would it have to go through Congress, the FAA, etc..Where is the discussion at? i.e. is there a passed bill or law allowing ATC privatization? Does it have to be an act of Congress or can the FAA make this decision on its own.
5) Finally, do you feel that the current ATC system would be more efficient if it were privatized. Why or why not?
Don't forget to include at least two references in APA format as well as corresponding in-text citations. There must be at least one in-text citation for every reference that you list.
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