Aviation Project

Research Project Proposal

Submitted to the Worldwide Campus

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

Of a Course ASCI 490, the Aeronautic Science Capstone Course

For the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Degree

April 2016

Abstract

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are aircraft that have a high level of autonomy and fly without an onboard pilot. This new aviation industry technology has numerous applications, however, with the benefits comes potential risk to air traffic and airfield operations at airports. This paper will examine various areas regarding this technology which involve the following: the effect of unmanned aircraft systems on airfield operations, the quantitative methods to be used in mitigating the risk, how the technology improves the aviation industry, its implications on safety measures as well as laws and regulations, and conclusions and recommendations for UAS safe integration within major airport airfield operations. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Cite this fact

Statement of the Project

Airfield operations entail various processes carried out by the airfield operation specialists to ensure a safe and efficient environment for all the users of the airfield. Airfield operations involve airfield safety and compliance, airfield operations controlling and operational support. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can be defined as an unmanned aircraft together with all its control equipment ranging including control stations, navigation equipment, and communications systems (Neubauer et al., 2016). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) on the day to day processes of airfield operations, and provide recommendations on their integration into the national airspace system. This is an individual project which is relevant to the degree being undertaken entailing aviation science. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Cite

Introduction

Today, the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in airfield operations brings about both challenges and benefits. There is a rise in legal issues and need for a change to accommodate the new technologies (Dalamagkidis et al., 2015). Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones consist of an aircraft and its various elements which are controlled in the absence of a pilot on board (Neubauer et al., 2016). At the moment, unmanned aircraft systems have brought about numerous applications in the business world (Neubauer, 2016). This poses serious challenges to airfield operations when implementing appropriate safety measures while at the same time encouraging commercial growth.

Unmanned aircraft systems are currently being introduced in various countries (Byman, 2015). Nevertheless, their rate of development in these nations will be partly determined, by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations concerning the operation and integration of drones in the airlines. This paper will evaluate the effect of the unmanned aircraft systems in airfield operation regarding the regulations and safety measures. Both the benefits and risks posed by the drone technology in aviation will also be examined as well as its implications in aviation industry. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Do you mean for commercial use, or specifically used by the airlines; or their impact on airline operation? Be clear. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Ensure you are clear about connecting “skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis” and your demonstration of critical thought to “gathered existing data …to extend that information into new uses and concept.” The new part is most difficult to show in the POs. Reference: (ERAU Undergraduate Policy Guide, 2015, p. 10)

Program Outcomes to be Addressed

Critical thinking

“The student will show evidence of knowledge at a synthesis level to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments” (ERAU, 2015, pp.12). This program outcome describes the student’s ability to reason independently and make logical connections for the purpose of forming a judgment. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Do this (what I described above) for each of the 1 Pos.

In this paper, the skills gained in this project outcome will help connect the relationship between the rise of unmanned aircraft system and the airfield operations. Usually, before introduction of the drones the airfield operations were just limited to the manned aircrafts however, the rise of new technology incorporating unmanned aircraft systems calls for change in the way the airfield operations are conducted. Irrespective of how these new systems are used, their success greatly relies on the airfield operations; this is because the unmanned aircraft systems will have to share the airspace operation with the manned aircrafts and taking into consideration the busy air traffics, better systems will be required. The technology of unmanned aircraft systems will lead to the automation of the airfield operations which brings about greater benefits and costs reduction and also pose challenges in streamlining the air traffic to accommodate both the manned and unmanned aircrafts to prevent accidents and inconveniences. Comment by Abad, Erick (TS): Use at least 1 Bloom’s taxonomy word representing Analyze, Synthesize, or Evaluate for the 4 parts in EACH of the 11 POs—for example: Part 1 Understanding the PO Assess Evaluate Interpret Part 2 Demonstrate how PO relates to topic Create Design Organize Part 3 Data needed to support the PO Compare Contrast Examine Part 4 Sources to be used

The information that will help explain the change in airfield operation will cover the number of airports and facilities available, the technologies they use, the number of aircrafts in operation and how the air traffic is occupied, how fast the unmanned aircrafts are being developed and the degree of adoption worldwide, the risks and the benefits of the unmanned aircrafts amongst other areas.

This information will be obtained from aviation agencies’ reports such as the Federal aviation administration of United States, federal aviation regulations and aviation magazines.

Quantitative reasoning

“The student will show evidence of the use of digitally-enabled technology & analysis techniques to interpret data for the purpose of drawing valid conclusions and solving associated problems” (ERAU, 2015, pp. 14). Quantitative reasoning entails the ability to think critically and draw conclusion on a situation using numerical data (Dalamagkidis et al., 2015).

In this project outcome, the reasoning capabilities in this paper will reflect on the area of research; unmanned aircraft systems in airfield operation with the technical knowledge of the aviation industry, the reasoning will be based on the most critical areas in airfield operation, how they will be affected in quantifiable terms.

This paper will involve numerical data from different areas. For instance, one would want to know how many unmanned aircrafts are estimated to be developed currently, how many drone test sites have been authorized, how many areas they have been applied, how much skill is available concerning the new technology, how many areas in the airfield operation are affected, how many people like the technology compared to the dislikes amongst other areas. Such data and information can be presented through use of pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs to show the trend of the new technology and its effect. Such representations can be achieved through use of software such as excel and SPSS to analyze the information obtained.

This quantitative information can be retrieved from aviation reports and magazines as well as news and websites. Federal aviation administration (FAA), federal aviation regulations (FAR) and other aviation bodies will be a potential source of information.

Information literacy

“ The student will show evidence of meaningful research, including gathering information from primary and secondary sources and incorporating and documenting source material in their writing” (ERAU, 2015, pp.15). Information literacy is the ability to know the need of information by an individual and identify the right information to solve a problem at hand (Neubauer et al., 2016).

In the rise of new technologies such as the unmanned aircraft systems, information becomes crucial in aviation industry. There is need of information mining to know the implications of the new technology to the airfield operation. Conversant knowledge in aviation industry is quite helpful in understanding the current airfield operation and the expected change with introduction of the new technology. The researcher’s skills in this project outcome will help in quick understanding and connection of the ideas.

The information needed in this project will entail the operation of the drones, their scope in the aviation industry, their difference with regard to the manned aircrafts, the legal issues brought about by the technology, the effect on the federal aviation regulations, the effect on the airfield operation personnel, the qualifications required for pilots to operate in this new systems, the risks and benefits of the new technology, its effect on the current system of operation and the implications.

All the stated information will be obtain through conducting literature review on various sources of both primary and secondary information such as books, magazines, journals and any other source touching on this area.

Communication

“The student will show evidence of communicating concepts in written, digital, and oral forms to present technical and non-technical information” (ERAU, 2015, pp.16). Communication is the process of passing a message or information from one party to another (Cavoukian, 2014).

In this project outcome, to ensure good information passing to the audience of this study, the skills acquired by the researcher in the field of aviation will be of great use to use the right terms and vocabulary relevant to the field.

For communication to be effective, deep and relevant knowledge in the technology of the unmanned aircraft systems will be required; additionally, enough information in aviation and airfield operations will be also necessary together with the supporting bodies in the air traffic industry. Communication on how the new technology works can be achieved through use of video demonstration to show their uses, benefits as well as the posed risks. Pictures will be used to show the differences between the manned and unmanned aircraft systems. This paper will also provide a detailed information on unmanned aircraft systems in airfield operations. Therefore, oral, written and visual communication methods will help pass the information obtained in course of this study.

The information to be passed will be obtained from books, journals, magazines and aviation reports from the relevant aviation agencies.

Scientific literacy

“ The student will show evidence of analyzing scientific evidence as it relates to the physical world and its interrelationship with human values and interests” (ERAU, 2015, pp. 18). Scientific literacy is the wide knowledge and understanding of various scientific processes and concepts needed for economic productivity (Consiglio et al., 2015).

This program outcomes ensures the information obtained in this research will be evaluated to show how the new technology relates to the physical world and serves people’s interests, this entails the technology impact regarding the environment and people.

The information required to support this project outcome will be obtained through data on operational requirements for the drone technology such as weather changes, suitable areas of their operation, their suitable applications and exceptional characteristics compared to the manned aircrafts, their role in people’s lives amongst others.

The sources for this information will include the federal aviation administration, federal aviation regulations, aviation industry reports, journals, websites and magazines.

Cultural Literacy

“ The student will show evidence of the analysis of historic events, cultural artifacts and philosophical concepts” (ERAU, 2015, pp. 18). Cultural literacy is the ability to understand and participate in a given culture freely (Sifton, 2016).

This program outcome will help in acquisition of knowledge which can help outline the historical, cultural and philosophical milestones with respect to the area of research.

The information that will be used to support this program outcome include: the evolution of unmanned aircraft systems, the technologies that helped in developments of unmanned aircraft systems, the drives that led to efforts in development of this technology.

The sources that will be used to provide this information include books, reviews on reports from the aviation industry, journals and magazines on aviation industry.

Lifelong Personal Growth

“The student will show evidence of the skills needed to enrich the quality of life through activities which enhance and promote lifetime learning” (ERAU, 2015, pp. 20). Lifelong personal growth is the process of developing one’s professional and personal skills (Dalamagkidis et al., 2015).

The knowledge gained in this program outcome will help in learning the new technologies in the aviation industry and help in building personal skills.

The information needed to support this program outcome will include the technologies used in design and operation of unmanned aircraft system such as controllers, sensors, preprogrammed devices, GPS chips, Laser scanners, satellites amongst others.

The sources that can support this information include news and reports from the aviation industry, aviation technologies’ journals and magazines as well as its website.

Aviation/Aerospace/Aeronautical Science

“The student will show evidence of advanced concepts of aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics to solve problems commonly found in their respective industries” (ERAU, 2015, pp.21). Aviation is the practical aspect of aeronautics which entails design, production, development, operation and aircraft use (Dalamagkidis et al., 2015).

This project outcome will help in knowledge acquisition during the research which can be evaluated to show how that knowledge is relevant in problem solving in the aviation industry.

The information needed to support this program outcome include: sense and avoid technologies, air traffic services, control and Non payload communication networks, legacy command and control, traffic alert and collision avoidance systems, terminal radar approach control facility and automatic dependent surveillance.

The sources to support this information include the national aeronautics and space administration (NASA), Federal aviation administration (FAA) and aviation agencies’ reports, magazines and journals.

Aviation Legislation and Law

“ The student will show evidence of the basic concepts in national and international legislation and law as they pertain to the aviation, aerospace and aeronautics industries” (ERAU, 2015, pp.22). Aviation legislation and law is the rules and regulations set to help control aviation industry operations (Robinson, 2013).

The knowledge gained in this program outcome will be used to evaluate the changes brought about by the subject technology in aviation legislation and law.

The information required to support this project outcome include: the aviation industry regulations, air traffic regulations, the airfield operation regulations, the aeronautics regulations which involves design and development of the manned and unmanned aircraft systems.

The sources to support this information include: the federal aviation regulations (FAR)’ reports, magazines and journals.

Aviation Safety

“ The student will show evidence of basic concepts in aviation safety as they pertain to the Aviation, aerospace, aeronautics industry” (ERAU, 2015, pp.24). Aviation safety entails processes carried out to prevent aircraft failure and crashes (Weibel & Hansman, 2016).

The information acquired from this project outcome during research will help evaluate the gained knowledge regarding the subject and compare the changes to the existing safety framework.

The information required to support this program outcome include: pilot requirements, licensing regulations for drones, air traffic regulations, manufacturing regulations for drones, detection in the airspace, obstacle avoidance amongst others.

The information sources to support this information will be obtained from the federal aviation administration (FAA) and federal aviation regulations’ (FAR) reports, magazines, journals and website.

Aviation Management and Operations

“ The student will show evidence of sound, ethical management principles within standard aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics operations” (ERAU, 2015, pp.25). Aviation management and operations is a set of standards that is used to plan and control the aviation processes (Dalamagkidis et al,2015).

This program outcome that the knowledge gained during the research will be evaluated, analyzed and gauged to the existing standards of management and operation.

The information needed to support this program outcome include: the aviation set standards, aviation administration, regulations and laws. The information to support this project outcome involve: the federal aviation (FAA) and federal aviation regulations (FAR).

References

Byman, D. (2015). Why drones work. Foreign Affairs, 92(4), 32-43.

Cavoukian, A. (2014). Privacy and drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles (pp. 1-30). Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada.

Consiglio, M. C., Chamberlain, J. P., Munoz, C. A., & Hoffler, K. D. (2015). Concepts of Integration for UAS Operations in the NAS.

Dalamagkidis, K., Valavanis, K. P., & Piegl, L. A. (2015). Current status and future perspectives for unmanned aircraft system operations in the US. Journal of Intelligent and Robotic

Systems, 52(2), 313-329.

Dalamagkidis, K., Valavanis, K. P., & Piegl, L. A. (2015). On integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system: issues, challenges, operational restrictions, certification, and recommendations (Vol. 54). Springer Science & Business Media.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2015). College of aeronautics:

Undergraduate capstone policy guide. Retrieved from

http://erau.intructure.com/courses/6179/pages/coa-undergraduate-capstone-policy-guide?module_item_id=17735

Finn, R. L., & Wright, D. (2012). Unmanned aircraft systems: Surveillance, ethics and privacy in civil applications. Computer Law & Security Review, 28(2), 184-194.

Neubauer, K., Fleet, D., Grosoli, F., & Verstynen, H. (2016). Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Airports: A Primer (No. Project 03-30).

Robinson, P. (2013). Government accountability and performance measurement. Critical Perspectives on Accountability, 14(1), 171-186.

Sifton, J. (2016). A brief history of drones. The Nation, 7.

Weibel, R. E., & Hansman, R. J. (2016). Safety considerations for operation of unmanned aerial vehicles in the national airspace system.