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Article
Publication date: 10 December 2019

Ayse Kucuk Yilmaz

Each decision-making involves risk; therefore, risk is a strategic element in management and organization. In terms of risk management, the transformation process in organizations…

Abstract

Purpose

Each decision-making involves risk; therefore, risk is a strategic element in management and organization. In terms of risk management, the transformation process in organizations should be aimed at optimizing and improving the most important performance criteria such as cost, quality, flexibility and speed, rather than just as required by legislation. Transformation process has sustainability risks for organizations. ATO transformation process should be well designed. Process also should include clear steps to implement them. Sound and well-designed process will be useful for organizational performance and quality management. The management of the risks of conversion processes is vital for the continuation of operations without interruption. In aviation universities’ approved training organizations (ATOs), each system must be handled and processed separately. Transformation plans should be prepared considering the risks of each system. The purpose of this study is to develop process flowcharts of all systems in sustainable ATO transformation process from risk management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Flowchart method is useful to identify process risks in organizational system transformation. Flowcharts simplify communication and provide effective analysis of the process. Flowchart enables designing plan which is suitable for aimed results. Flowcharts method provides efficient coding and system analysis and program development phase also serves as a guide while debugging errors. In this study, flowcharts including all stages have been developed for transition to an ATO authorization. With these flowcharts, all elements of the process and the risks, threats and opportunities that may be faced can be proactively identified together. Thus, improvements will be possible to achieve the corporate objectives of the transformation and reorganization process and increase the corporate performance with optimum resource usage.

Findings

Flowcharts may contribute to the reorganization and transformation of processes in all aviation academies. In this sense, it provides infrastructure for future studies. New studies can be carried out for the reorganization of all departments in aviation. It is believed that this research will contribute to the aviation management literature. Flowchart is also called as process flowchart or process flow diagram. Flowchart is effective methodology to manage transformation process risk. Owing to clarify each step in transformation process, risks may be managed with timely decision-making by managers. In this research, five fundamental flowcharts have been developed in ATO system. These include all processes in transformation as preparation of manuals, new authority application, competent authority inspections, corrective and preventive actions, revalidation and fees in transformation process and its parts. Presented flowcharts may be useful to identify and manage process risk in initial phase as consent with proactive management style.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents designed flowcharts for ATO transformation risk management process. This research may extend at other departments in aviation universities such as air traffic control, maintenance and management.

Practical implications

As a methodology, flowcharts can be considered as schematic algorithms. The flowchart is a detailed representation of the process to carry out a specific task. In this research, flowcharts have been developed for transformation process stages at ATO authorization. These flowcharts are useful for proactive identification of process elements and their risks – threats and opportunities. Thus, improvements will be possible to achieve the corporate objectives of the transformation and reorganization process and increase the corporate performance with optimum resource usage. Flowcharts may contribute to the reorganization and transformation of processes in all aviation academies. In this sense, it provides infrastructure for future studies. New studies can be carried out for the reorganization of all departments in aviation. It is believed that this research will contribute to the management and strategy literature with engineering.

Originality/value

ATO transformation process risk management has not been studied much in literature. The operational manuals of ATO's management and strategy planning prepare according to both legal regulations and handbooks of aviation authorities which obliged for ATO. It is anticipated that this original study may be useful for determining the risks of transformation processes of flight training departments of civil aviation universities and for good process design. Flowcharts may contribute to the reorganization and transformation of processes in all aviation academies. In this sense, this study provides infrastructure for future studies. New studies can be carried out for the reorganization of all departments in aviation. It is believed that this research will contribute to the aviation management literature. Flowchart is also called as process flowchart or process flow diagram. Flowchart is effective methodology to manage transformation process risk. Owing to clarify each step in transformation process, risks may be managed with timely decision-making by managers. The aviation universities operate with authorization. This research may contribute to their process management and strategy to complete their transformation and transition via risk management. Developed flowcharts present all necessary steps to become authorized as an ATO. This research may serve as a kind of framework guide for other aviation organizations to be used in their transformation/transition process.

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2018

Ebru Yazgan and Ayşe Kucuk Yilmaz

Training management has critical in developing of civil aviation sector in Turkey. It requires using serious corporate sources for this reason is directly topic of aviation…

Abstract

Purpose

Training management has critical in developing of civil aviation sector in Turkey. It requires using serious corporate sources for this reason is directly topic of aviation management and strategy.it is also about process management. According to this view, this paper aims to become a guidance to management training for maintenance or training organisations in the aviation sector wishing to obtain the authorisation, given national civil aviation authority (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), of providing type rating trainings that cover the types of aeroplanes including Beech 90 Series, Socata TB Series and Cessna/Reims-Cessna 172/F172 Series.

Design/methodology/approach

Aviation training organisations must be managed according to aviation law and regulations. It includes several approval processes about training content. Managers must be organising their resources, and they should get well timely decision made in optimum time. In this study, a flowchart, that is the procedure to follow in accordance with the related aviation regulations, has been developed while taking the opinion of experts and using experience gained from the approval process for the type trainings. This flowchart may gain time to managers in their approval process. It may use as guidance to create optimum flow in their process management.

Findings

The purpose of flowchart developed is to shorten the authorisation processes of the relative institutions by eliminating the challenges caused by the excess and complexity of national or international regulations related to the of authorisation of aircraft type rating training.

Originality/value

It is important to gain authority. But more important is to manage the authority as sustainable way in aviation training. Loosing authority in specific field may effect on both corporate reputation and doing aviation business. Anadolu University manages related risk via scientific project during using their authorisation. The results developed as a result of the expert opinions and the experience gained during the aircraft type training authorisation process will contribute to the literature. When considered from this point of view, it is expected for this study to fill an important gap in the literature. It is highly important for the aviation sector in terms of evaluating and interpreting academically such a process for practice, and also raising awareness or providing awareness for similar practices. It may also useful for process management.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2013

Michael Grant Wofford, Andrea D. Ellinger and Karen E. Watkins

This study aims to examine the process of informal learning of aviation instructors.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the process of informal learning of aviation instructors.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative instrumental case study design was used for this study. In‐depth, multiple semi‐structured interviews and document review were the primary approaches to data collection and the data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The Marsick, Watkins, Callahan, and Volpe reconceptualized model of informal and incidental learning underpinned this study.

Findings

Findings support prior research on the catalysts, strategies, and lessons learned that are associated with informal learning. However, a key finding of this study was capturing the complexity of the informal learning process for aviation instructors as they faced the daily challenges associated with facilitating their students' learning which served as the catalyst for their learning.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are not intended to be generalizable to populations beyond this specific study due to limitations associated with the site selection, purposeful sample selection criteria, and sample size. Additionally, the unique nature of the aviation field and temporal considerations prevent the generalizability of the results of this study.

Originality/value

Despite the growing base of research on informal learning, calls for research that continues to examine how certain characteristics of workers and their work environment influence informal learning, and research that provides more holistic understandings of this type of learning have been requested. This research responds to these calls by exploring the process of informal learning among aviation instructors. The catalysts for informal learning, the strategies used, and lessons learned are identified. More importantly, unlike previous research, the complexity of the process of informal learning is captured and illustrated as a cyclical, non‐linear, non‐sequential process that is highly intertwined with teaching in this aviation context. The careful documentation of the actual learning process provides thick, rich data to deepen our understanding of what this kind of learning actually looks like.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Steven H. Appelbaum and Brenda M. Fewster

The commercial aviation industry is an extremely competitive, safetysensitive high technology service industry. Socio‐technical systems, employees and customers must be the arenas…

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Abstract

The commercial aviation industry is an extremely competitive, safetysensitive high technology service industry. Socio‐technical systems, employees and customers must be the arenas of an organization’s core competencies. The implications are vast and pervasive affecting no less than the organization’s structure, strategy, culture and numerous operational activities. In this article, select findings of a human resource management (HRM) audit are compared to the findings of a review of the literature on diversity, organization development (culture) and training and development. The audit, conducted by 13 executives from their respective organizations, contains extensive data on airlines from nine countries from around the globe. In this article we seek to extend the discussion of excellence in safety and customer service to applied systemic organizational HRM issues and critical success factors. Human resource management (HRM) expertise is required now, more than ever, to spearhead internal marketing strategies in order to gain employee commitment in order to foster excellence in safety and customer service.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 27 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Tahmineh Raoofi and Sahin Yasar

This study aims to elaborate on the existing link between maintenance practices and the digital world while also highlighting any unaddressed potential for digital transformation…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to elaborate on the existing link between maintenance practices and the digital world while also highlighting any unaddressed potential for digital transformation in aircraft maintenance. Additionally, explore how digital technologies contribute to optimizing efficiency within the continuing airworthiness management (CAM) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was performed to provide a precise review of the authority regulations on CAM processes and existing literature on digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural network and big data in civil aircraft maintenance and continuing airworthiness processes. This method is used to organize, analyze and structure the body of literature to identify research gaps in the selected scope of the study.

Findings

The high position of digital technologies in preventive and predictive maintenance and the need for legislative development for using them in CAM are emphasized. Moreover, it is shown in which area of CAM scientific research has been performed regarding the application of frontier digital technologies. In addition, the gaps between maintenance practices and the digital world, along with the potential scopes of digital transformation which has not been well addressed, are identified. And finally, how digital technologies can effectively increase efficiency in CAM processes is discussed.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, no study comprehensively determined the body of existing knowledge on the aspects of digitalization related to the field of continuing airworthiness management and aircraft maintenance. The results of this study provide a positive contribution to airlines, policymakers, manufacturers and maintenance organizations achieving additional benefits from the implementation of digital technologies in the CAM processes.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2022

Tarik Gunes, Ugur Turhan and Birsen Yörük Açıkel

This study aims to bring a new approach to the existing structure of Cessna 172 type Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), operational safety, suitability for maintenance operations…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to bring a new approach to the existing structure of Cessna 172 type Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), operational safety, suitability for maintenance operations and human factors. The purpose of this study is to maintain maintenance operations more safely and effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tried to develop an approach by using focus group interview and individual interview techniques. At all stages of the study, interviews were made and support was received from the maintenance technicians, technical instructors and students from the aviation industry stakeholders.

Findings

According to the answers given by the participants, the new approach could have a positive effect on operational safety (98.71%), could have a positive effect on human performance (95.72%) it is understandable (93.16%), it is proper for maintenance operations (88.74%) with high potential to convert into practice (85.92%) and a high potential for future applications (97.06%).

Practical implications

It can be used in aviation organizations that operate AMM Cessna 172 type aircraft, created with the new approach, in maintenance aircraft maintenance enterprises and maintenance training institutions. Thanks to this approach, aircraft maintenance technicians will be able to perform safely and more effective maintenance activities.

Originality/value

Contrary to the technologies used by organizations that host wide-body aircraft in their fleets, it requires less cost and less workload to create, use and update. Low-cost airline organizations and maintenance training institutions will also be able to achieve this approach.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Jonathan Slottje, Jason Anderson, John M. Dickens and Adam D. Reiman

Pilot upgrade training is critical to aircraft and passenger safety. This study aims to identify variances in the US Air Force C-130J pilot upgrade training based on geographic…

Abstract

Purpose

Pilot upgrade training is critical to aircraft and passenger safety. This study aims to identify variances in the US Air Force C-130J pilot upgrade training based on geographic location and provide a model to enhance policy that will impact future pilot training efforts that lower cost and increase operator quality and proficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a mixed-method approach. First, the authors collected data and analyzed 90 C-130J pilots' aviation records and then contextualized this analysis with interviews of experts. Finally, the authors present a modified version of Six Sigma's define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DMAIC) that identifies and reduces the variances in C-130J pilot training, translating into higher quality outcomes.

Findings

The results indicate significant statistical variances across geographically separated C-130J pilot training organizations. This leads some organizations to have higher proficiency levels in specific tasks and others with comparative deficiencies. Additionally, the data analysis in this study enabled a recommended number of flight hours in several distinct categories that should be obtained before upgrading a pilot to aircraft commander to enhance standards.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to C-130J pilot upgrades, but these results can be implemented within any field that utilizes hours as a measure of experience. Implications from this research can be employed to scope policy that will influence pilot training requirements across all airframes in civilian and military aviation.

Originality/value

This research proposes a process improvement methodology that could be immediately implemented within the C-130J community and, more importantly, in any upgrade training where humans advance into higher echelons of a profession.

Details

Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-6439

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1948

Armstrong Siddeley Motors Ltd., of Coventry, announce that Mr W. F. Saxton, chief engineer, has been appointed a director of the Company.

Abstract

Armstrong Siddeley Motors Ltd., of Coventry, announce that Mr W. F. Saxton, chief engineer, has been appointed a director of the Company.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 20 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2019

Nabil M. Semaan and Nabhan Yehia

The purpose of this paper is to develop a stochastic detailed schedule for a preventive/scheduled/periodic maintenance program of a military aircraft, specifically a rotorcraft or…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a stochastic detailed schedule for a preventive/scheduled/periodic maintenance program of a military aircraft, specifically a rotorcraft or helicopter.

Design/methodology/approach

The new model, entitled the military “periodic aviation maintenance stochastic schedule” (PAM-SS), develops a stochastic detailed schedule for a PUMA SA 330SM helicopter for the 50-h periodic inspection, using cyclic operation network (CYCLONE) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) techniques. The PAM-SS model identifies the different periodic inspection tasks of the maintenance schedule, allocates the resources required for each task, evaluates a stochastic duration of each inspection task, evaluates the probability of occurrence for each breakdown or repair, develops the CYCLONE model of the stochastic schedule and simulates the model using MCS.

Findings

The 50-h maintenance stochastic duration follows a normal probability distribution and has a mean value of 323 min and a standard deviation of 23.7 min. Also, the stochastic maintenance schedule lies between 299 and 306 min for a 99 per cent confidence level. Furthermore, except the pilot and the electrical team (approximately 90 per cent idle), all other teams are around 40 per cent idle. A sensitivity analysis is also performed and yielded that the PAM-SS model is not sensitive to the number of technicians in each team; however, it is highly sensitive to the probability of occurrence of the breakdowns/repairs.

Practical implications

The PAM-SS model is specifically developed for military rotorcrafts, to manage the different resources involved in the detailed planning and scheduling of the periodic/scheduled maintenance, mainly the 50-h inspection. It evaluates the resources utilization (idleness and queue), the stochastic maintenance duration and identifies backlogs and bottlenecks.

Originality/value

The PAM-SS tackles military aircraft planning and scheduling in a stochastic methodology, considering uncertainties in all inspection task durations and breakdown or repair durations. The PAM-SS, although developed for rotorcrafts can be further developed for any other type of military aircraft or any other scheduled maintenance program interval.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1948

The Council of the Helicopter Association of Great Britain Ltd. announce that the prize for the 1947–48 competition for an essay on ‘The Safety of Rotary Wing Aircraft’ has been…

Abstract

The Council of the Helicopter Association of Great Britain Ltd. announce that the prize for the 1947–48 competition for an essay on ‘The Safety of Rotary Wing Aircraft’ has been awarded to D. R. Garraway, B.Sc.(Eng.), for his essay entitled ‘The Structural Airworthiness of Helicopters with particular reference to Fatigue Failure’, which is reproduced in the current number of the Society's journal.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 20 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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