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Article
Publication date: 3 March 2020

Vehbi Emrah Atasoy and Selcuk Ekici

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach to evaluate the establishment requirements of an flight training organization (FTO) through indicators that are not included…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach to evaluate the establishment requirements of an flight training organization (FTO) through indicators that are not included in the regulations from the viewpoint of “acquired indicators from FTO experience” (AIs-FTOE).

Design/methodology/approach

Although the establishment requirements of an FTO can be determined through regulations, it was realized that the pilot training process can be achieved in a safe, sustainable and economical manner through indicators that are not included in the regulations. These indicators were obtained through experience in the operation process of the FTOs. In this study, the indicators (obtained from the regulations and experiences) affecting the efficiency of FTOs, that were or would be operational, were determined, and the effects of the indicators on the organization were examined and presented in detail. The case study was carried out in the Department of Flight Training (ETU-P) of Eskişehir Technical University which has an FTO.

Findings

In accordance with the results, the necessity indicators were defined, and the indicators that were not included in the regulations were called as AIs-FTOE. Identified AIs-FTOEs were classified into three main headings: natural and artificial obstacles, meteorological conditions and physical and technological resources. Detailed indicator data results were presented after examinations.

Practical implications

When literature on FTOs was examined, it was seen that there is a need to identify and classify indicators that affect the efficiency of FTOs. To the authors’ knowledge, this study will be the first in the literature that presented information based on an active FTO in detail. Thus, the AIs-FTOEs identified in this study will serve as a roadmap for the FTOs to be established and are to be used as parameters to evaluate efficiency for the established ones.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper will be the first paper in the literature describing the indicators that can be evaluated in terms of efficiency, sustainability and economy of FTOs.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2022

Ali Tatli, Erdogan Bocu, Tansu Filik and Tahir Hikmet Karakoc

The purpose of this study is to determine the meteorological events that affect flight training to make the training flight more efficient in a flight training organization (FTO…

203

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the meteorological events that affect flight training to make the training flight more efficient in a flight training organization (FTO) and to examine the effects of these events on FTO.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of this study, the flight training given at Eskisehir Technical University Pilotage Department (ESTU-P) is discussed, and the effect of meteorological events on flight training in this FTO is evaluated.

Findings

When the two-year (2019–2020) flight training process of ESTU-P is examined, 45% of the flights planned for 2019, 25% of the flights planned for 2020 and 33% of the total flights in the two-year period could not be realized due to meteorological events. It is determined that this result naturally affects the efficiency of the FTO negatively. Meteorological events such as high temperature, fog and snow are among the main meteorological events that cause flight training to be interrupted.

Originality/value

This study will create a framework for FTOs that have been or will be established.

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: 19 August 2021

Gilles Albeaino, Ricardo Eiris, Masoud Gheisari and Raja Raymond Issa

This study aims to explore DroneSim, a virtual reality (VR)-based flight training simulator, as an alternative for real-world drone-mediated building inspection training.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore DroneSim, a virtual reality (VR)-based flight training simulator, as an alternative for real-world drone-mediated building inspection training.

Design/methodology/approach

Construction, engineering and management students were asked to pilot drones in the VR-based DroneSim space and perform common flight operations and inspection tasks within the spatiotemporal context of a building construction project. Another student group was also recruited and asked to perform a similar building inspection task in real world. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)–Task Load Index (TLX) survey was used to assess students’ inflight workload demand under both Real and DroneSim conditions. Post-assessment questionnaires were also used to analyze students’ feedback regarding the usability and presence of DroneSim for drone building inspection training.

Findings

None of the NASA–TLX task load levels under Real and DroneSim conditions were highly rated by students, and both groups experienced comparable drone-building inspection training. Students perceived DroneSim positively and found the VR experience stimulating.

Originality/value

This study’s contribution is twofold: to better understand the development stages involved in the design of a VR-based drone flight training simulator, specifically for building inspection tasks; and to improve construction students’ drone operational and flight training skills by offering them the opportunity to enhance their drone navigation skills in a risk-free, repeatable yet realistic environment. Such contributions ultimately pave the way for better integration of drone-mediated building inspection training in construction education while meeting industry needs.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Tim Brady

The purpose of this paper is to study of how a virtual technology burden was created that impacted the professional pilot college student and various colleges/universities that…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study of how a virtual technology burden was created that impacted the professional pilot college student and various colleges/universities that offer professional pilot degree programs. A cascading set of events began as a result of US congressional reaction to a tragic airline accident. The resulting legislation forced the Federal Aviation Administration to publish new rules for first officer qualifications that were unmindful of the recommendations of professional pilot groups for simulation-based training. Ultimately, this placed a financial burden on both the college/university training curriculum and on the professional pilot student.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a case study approach.

Findings

Because of US congressional over-reaction, a collegiate system which produced excellent first officer candidates who had below 500 flight hours and who had been demonstrated scientifically to be efficient, skilled, and safe, was upended. The flight hour requirements were increased fivefold with little regard to its impact on the pilot pool. Congressional legislation forced the FAA to create and publish new rules that were unmindful of the simulation recommendations of professional pilot groups and required virtual simulation technology new to the college/university training environment.

Originality/value

Traces the effect of government interference into a previously stable continuum of college-prepared airline pilots who are safe and effective.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

509

Abstract

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 78 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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: 28 February 2023

Brandon Robert Russell

The paper aims to examine literature on the issues of the pilot shortage in the United States Air Force and the demographic diversity dilemma within the United States Air Force…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to examine literature on the issues of the pilot shortage in the United States Air Force and the demographic diversity dilemma within the United States Air Force pilot community and how it relates to the National Defense Strategy. In addition, there is an examination of current initiatives designed to combat these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory review of 90 sources from 2012 to 2023 to examine the pilot shortage and pilot diversity issues within the United States Air Force. Three theories, the theory of generative interactions, the theory of cognitive diversity and the identity theory, were examined in relation to the barriers to the pilot diversity issue.

Findings

The paper provides emergent insights from the literature into the growing pilot shortage and diversity disparity found within the United States Air Force pilot community. These issues were associated with many barriers, including geographic disparity, socioeconomic status, culture, education, mentorship and life balance.

Research limitations/implications

The current initiatives examined are new and, as such, warrant future research. In particular, what are the long-term projections for the youth flight programs? An examination of the effectiveness of improving the pilot shortage and pilot diversity within the Air Force should be further scrutinized in the coming years as new cadets enter pilot training after accession.

Originality/value

This paper highlights a need to further study the effectiveness of youth flight programs and other United States Air Force initiatives in improving pilot numbers and diversity.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Stephen J. Pinchak and Asok Ray

The goal of the paper is to present an enhancement of the existing on‐board ground collision avoidance system (GCAS) that is designed to increase pilot safety in USAF A‐10…

Abstract

The goal of the paper is to present an enhancement of the existing on‐board ground collision avoidance system (GCAS) that is designed to increase pilot safety in USAF A‐10 aircraft. The A‐10 is a single‐seat, twin‐engine aircraft with a 30mm, seven‐barreled Gatling gun and 11 weapon pylons designed to fly at low level in close air support missions. The GCAS system provides both visual and aural cues for a pilot‐initiated recovery. The proposed algorithm of GCAS enhancement is built on a simple linear regression model that predicts the recovery height of the aircraft following a warning call and allows pilots to compare their own training events with flight test standards. This paper presents a discussion of model development, validation and comparison of the model predictions with actual flight test events. A comparison of recovery techniques and pilot options is included. A series of recommendations and possible usage for Air Force pilot training are also discussed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 72 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Faye McCarthy, Lucy Budd and Stephen Ison

Only 5 per cent of commercial airline pilots worldwide are women and women who enter the profession may experience negative attitudes and differential treatment on account of

Abstract

Only 5 per cent of commercial airline pilots worldwide are women and women who enter the profession may experience negative attitudes and differential treatment on account of their gender. Although a growing body of research has focussed on the experiences of women pilots once they are hired, there is a need to examine women’s experiences during their initial (ab initio) training when their personal and professional identities are being developed and contested. Drawing on empirical fieldwork of the experiences of both women and men ab initio pilots undergoing training at two UK-based Flight Schools, this chapter reveals that women cadets not only perceive elements of their professional identities differently from men but that they actively adopt a range of strategies to negotiate potential conflicts between their developing personal and professional identities. The chapter makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to existing studies of gender-dominated professions and offers recommendations to Flight Training Schools and airlines who are seeking to encourage more women to enter the airline pilot profession.

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