Comprehensive Examination Questions - Research Paper Example

Abstract Comprehensive examination questions are presented for approval in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Aeronautical Science with a specialization in Aeronautics. This research includes three research questions designed to facilitate demonstration of meeting each of five Program Outcomes, with each question being designed to elicit a qualitative research design. Comprehensive Question #1 Introduction A runway incursion can be defined as an authorized intrusion of a person or an aircraft on to an airport runway irrespective of whether the person or aircraft presents a potential conflict or not. This is the internationally accepted standard that is applied by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (Federal Aviation Administration 2008). Runway incursions can have serious effects, such as the increase in the risk of a serious collision with other aircrafts on the runway. In the case of collisions occurring off the runway, the aircrafts together with any vehicles that may be involves are usually moving at a relatively slower speed. On the other hand, a collision occurring on a runway, at least one of the aircrafts involved are usually travelling at a faster speed, resulting in a bigger risk of serious loss of lives and damage to machinery (Krause 2003). Runway incursions are categorized into four categories, with Category A being the most high profile as it involves serious incidents in which a collision was just about to take place but was narrowly avoided. Category B involves a decrease in separation whereby there is a significant collision potential, capable of resulting in a time critical evasive response aimed at avoiding a collision. Category C involves incidences where there is enough time or distance to avoid a collision. Lastly, Category D involves an incidence that exactly defines the term runway incursion, such as the wrong presence of a vehicle, person, or aircraft on the surface designated for landing or take-off but without any serious potential consequences (Wang 2009). From the above facts and categories, it can be seen that runway incursion is a serious violation of the aviation ethics and should be avoided at all costs. The risks of human life loss and damage to property associated with runway incursion should not be taken lightly, leading to the need to take some measures aimed at avoiding it (Abeyratne 2012). Statement of the Question Describe and analyze the various ways of preventing runway incursion as is related to air traffic management, the safe operations of aircrafts, movements of the vehicles on the airport maneuvering areas, as well as aerodrome management. Using manuals approved by the Airports Operations Area (AOA) come up with ways of improving the situation as related to runway incursions as well as implementing relevant provisions in the manual that can assist in the education and awareness campaign for interactive runway safety. With the application of research and analysis skills, provide worldwide guidance that is vital for implementing local or international runway safety programmes so as to minimize standards and reduce the overall risk of runway incursions. Additionally it should reduce active failures and the severity of the resulting consequences. Apply the safety management systems (SMS) principles in coming up with ways of eliminating or mitigating the hazardous factors. Statement of how the Program Outcome will be met Program Outcome #1 Student will be able to apply the fundamentals of air transportation as part of a global, multimodal transportation system, including the technological, social, environmental, and political aspects of the system to examine, compare, analyze and recommend conclusion. While answering this question, the student will bear in mind that while runway safety takes into consideration issues such as animals straying into runways and foreign object debris, the outcome is expected to specifically address the subject of vehicles, aircrafts, or persons within the runway. According to survey data, pilots, air traffic controllers, and drivers consider runway collisions together with the likelihood of collisions as the most significant risk in aviation operations. The question will explore the factors that can lead to runway incursions together with ways in which air navigation service providers and aircraft operators can minimize hazards, mitigate residual risks, and eliminate the factors causing runway incursions. Program Outcome #2. The student will be able to identify and apply appropriate statistical analysis, to include techniques in data collection, review, critique, interpretation and inference in the aviation and aerospace industry. The student will apply an Accident and Incident Data Reporting (ADREP) system that is used by the International Civil Aviation Organization when doing research on runway incursion. This system involves the application of common taxonomy as well as severity classification in the assessment of the types of runway incursion errors factors that contribute to it. The aim of this is to identify the incidences that have the highest degree of seriousness and thus needing to be prioritized. Taxonomy, a common definition, and severity classification will make it possible for the runway incursion data to be compared worldwide. Program Outcome #3. The student will be able across all subjects to use the fundamentals of human factors in all aspects of the aviation and aerospace industry, including unsafe acts, attitudes, errors, human behavior, and human limitations as they relate to the aviators adaption to the aviation environment to reach conclusions. In order to successfully prevent runway incursions, it would take the cooperation of air traffic controllers, vehicle drivers, pilots and the aviation management. Therefore when answering the question, the student will include errors caused by human limitations of personnel such as regulators, aerodrome planners and designers, air navigation service providers, aircrafts operators, and pilots. Additionally, a lot can be learn from the analysis of past accidents and incidences. Therefore, the research will include an initial runway incursion report form that has been standardized as well as an identification form for causal factors. The above sources will facilitate a detailed data collection approach since a comprehensive data analysis is vital for distinguishing the trends and causal factors, and for coming up with effective risk reduction strategies. Program Outcome #4. The student will apply current aviation and industry related research and problem solving methods, including problem identification, hypothesis formulation, data gathering, data analysis, and presentation of findings to present as solutions for known problems and scenarios. The student will also use the application of research methodology and analysis in the investigation of an aviation / aerospace related topic, in particular to solve problems from real life case examples. The data obtained by the student in answering the question will be applied in the analysis of the factors that lead to incidences of runway incursion, together with the measures that can be taken to prevent them from occurring. Data gathering and analysis will be used in finding out about previous cases and incidences of runway incursion together with how the problems were solved. This can be particularly significant in providing solutions to real-life cases that occur all the times in major airports and other institutions with runways. Program Outcome #5. The student will investigate, compare, contrast, analyze and form conclusions to current aviation, aerospace, and industry related topics in operations, including simulation systems, operations research, rotorcraft operations, communication and control systems, air carrier operations, and corporate operations. This question is crafted in way that it will provide answers on the various ways in which runway incursion can be avoided, as well as an analysis of the factors leading to such incidences and the risks that are involved together the likely effects. Once the total number of runway incursions has been figured out together with type and severity, the student should come up with ways of improving the safety of the operations of the runway. Some of the ways that the student can come up with through research include the improvement of the collection, analysis, and storage of runway safety data collection. Other ways include the identification of potential new technologies capable of reducing runway incursions. Comprehensive Question #2 Introduction Since various groups can cause runway incursions, the responsibility for its prevention lies in all the users of the airspace system, such as the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the airport operators, and airlines. Within the FAA, the responsibility for the prevention and correction of the root causes of runway incursions is shared between its line of business, including aviation safety, the Air Traffic organization, and Airports Division. Between 1998 and 2001, it was reported that runway incursions were rising at a rate that was worthy of concern (Costello 2010). The FAA took the initiative and implemented decisive action, leading to the total number of runway incursions to reduce from a high of over 400 in 2001 to less than 320 in 2003. However, as much as the numbers of runway incursions have significantly reduced, serous incidences of the incursions continue to occur (McCain 1997). At the Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago airports, the FAA, airport operators and airlines have taken notable actions in dealing with an increment in the number and seriousness of runway incursions that occur in those locations. At the Boston airport, where the main cause of the runway incursions was pilot deviations, the FAA had to revise its procedures of local air traffic in a manner that either eliminated or changed runway configurations or certain operations. Airport managers made structural improvements to the airport itself such as new lighting, airfield markings, signage, and the construction of a center-field taxiway for the reduction of airfield congestion and runway crossings (Gorton 2000). At the Philadelphia airport, controller operational errors were identified as the main causes of runway incursions, prompting the FAA to take actions aimed at improving the management oversight of the operations of air traffic. They hired a new traffic manager together with more operational managers and supervisors to provide better oversight at the control tower. The tower management also improved controller performance through the establishment of an operational position that coordinated runway crossings, providing controllers with refresher training and briefings on procedures, and introducing new procedures aimed at minimizing runway crossings. When compared to several years ago, the FAA as well as other organizations involved in aviation have definitely made notable progress in the reduction of highway incursion incidences. However, the serious risks that comes with runway incursions highlight the need for the maintenance of a proactive approach and vigilant oversight for the prevention of severe incidences (Dobbs 2007). Statement of the Question Using advanced research methods and analysis identify whether or not there has been tangible progress made by players in the aviation industry in minimizing or preventing runway incursions in major airports and other institutions with runways. In case there has been significant progress, outline the features of the progress made, including a comparison of the previous number and severity of runway incursions and how the situation is today. Additionally, assess the actions that have been taken by the Federal Aviation Authority, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other aviation organizations in identifying and correcting the factors leading to runway incursions in airports. The student will analyze the issues that have the potential to affect safety systems worldwide. Evaluate the runway incursion trends of at least four major airports located anywhere in the world, including information of trend analysis that has been gathered by air traffic control officials as well as program managers of Regional Runway safety. This analysis trend should include a comparison of the number and severity of runway intrusion incidences that have occurred in the history of the airports and how the trend is currently. Review any additional actions planned or taken with the aim of minimizing runway incursions. Analyze whether these actions were effective in the reduction of incursions in runways. Statement of how the Program Outcome will be met. Program Outcome #1 In the determination of the completeness and accuracy of the database for the runway incursion, the student will judgmentally sample the investigation of runway incursion reports for operational errors, pilot deviations, and vehicle or pedestrian errors, and then make a comparison of these reports with the runway incursions contained on the database of the national runway incursion. In response to this question, the student will apply a runway incursion severity classification, whose main objective is the production and recording of an assessment of every runway incursion that occurs. This is a very vital risk measurement component, whereby the risk forms a function of how severe the incidence is, and what the probability of it occurring again in the future. The response will bear in mind that irrespective of how severe the runway incursion incident is, all incidents should undergo adequate investigations that will determine what caused or contributed to their occurrences while at the same time ensuring that any recurrence is prevented through implementing risk mitigation measures. Program Outcome #2 In the response to this question, a standardized approach will be applied for the analysis and reporting of data concerning the progress made in preventing or minimizing runway incursions in airports. This approach supports the analysis of the progress made in reducing runway incursions through the application of the severity classification scheme. The use of such an approach enables the collection and sharing of data by various researches on any measures taken to curb runway incursions. In identifying the progress made to curb or minimize runway incursions, specific data must be collected whenever each incident takes place, and this data is best collected in an environment in which reporting is promoted. This paves the way for learning about runway incursion information collectively. The collection of information about giant strides taken in reducing the incursions depends on a type of reporting that is fact-based and involves an analysis of the causal factors. Program Outcome #3 To adequately answer the question on the measures taken to curb runway incursions, it is important to consider analyzing the “just culture” atmosphere, which is a trust atmosphere encouraging people to provide essential information relating to safety. This atmosphere is clear about the thin line between what can be considered as acceptable behavior and what is not acceptable. The philosophy of just culture is aimed at avoiding the strong natural inclination to put the blame on individuals for the errors that result in runway incursions. The measures taken in analyzing a runway incursion incidence is just as important as how the data concerning the incidence that was collected. In response to this question analysis protocol are used to support the just culture philosophy in several manners. One of the ways is that error classification schemes that are used in answering the question are sufficiently specific to provide a true picture of the measures taken to reduce runway incursions. Program Outcome #4 In the response to this question, a standard approach will be applied in the data collection of the measures taken by the players in the aviation industry to minimize incidences of runway incursions. This approach involves the application of standard definitions, use of reporting formats, and taxonomy errors that will ensure the data collected for responding to the question is correct. Additionally, the larger the pool of data, the more detailed the analysis of the progress made in curbing runway incursions, therefore providing a better answer to the question. The response will establish a record of all the incidences of runway incursions that have ever been recorded, the time period when they took place, and the measures that were taken to solve the problem then. An analysis will then be made on recent incidences of runway incursions and the measures that were taken to curb the incidences. Afterward a comparison is made to find out f there have been an improvement in the mitigation measures aimed at curbing the incursions. Program Outcome #5 In conclusion to the response of the question, some recommendations will be provided on the various ways of fast tracking the progress made in ridiculing or totally eliminating runway incursions. One of the recommendations is ensuring that the information collected is analyzed to identify the causal factors of the incursions and how to solve or eliminate them. Additionally, airline communities as well as pilots can come together to form a process whereby managers of the Regional Runway Safety Program can request information about surface incidents and runway incursions that are site-specific, to assist in the identification of trends, the main causes, and potential solutions to the lack of progress in curbing runway incursions. The response to the question will also include the application of safety risk analysis aimed at evaluating existing procedures of operations at airports where identification of likely runway safety risks has been done, with a recommendation that the airline industry trains appropriate personnel to conduct such analysis. Comprehensive Question #3 Introduction Some questions have arisen concerning the issue of runway incursions in airports that have to do with the prevention of such incidences. If the main causes of have been examined and established, then why is it that incidences of runway incursions and reported safety incidences continue to rise? (Federal Aviation Administration 2008) A possible explanation is that while the willingness of people to report runway safety incidences has risen, the number of accidents has reduced (Dillingham 2009). If this were true, then it would mean that there have been changes from the occurrence of very serious incidences that are classified as class A through relatively serious incidences classified as class B, to less serious incidences of class C and D. however, this is not the case and therefore new ways of reducing runway incursions will have to be examined (Office of Technology Assessment 2009). Statement of the question In what ways can runway incursions and incidences be prevented when someone is operating a vehicle in the airfield? This is the responsibility of not just air traffic controllers, crews, and drivers of vehicles, but also of the airports, the airline operators, the Air Force together with other organizations in the aviation industry. Examine how the issue of runway safety and its responsibility can be shifted from an individual’s approach to organizational approach, a shift that has been supported by aviation organizations such as the Federal Aviation Authority, the European Cockpit Association, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (Krause2003). Explore the ways in which pilots can take up the challenge and gradually make the change from the types of runway incursions that are classified as serious to the less serous ones and eventually to no accidents at all if possible, without another major runway incidence occurring. Study all the recommendations of curbing runway incursions and earmark the most practical and reasonable ones that have the highest likelihood of being effective. Statement of how the Program Outcome will be met. Program Outcome #1 An analysis will be made of the Safety Alert for Operators manual that was published by the Federal Aviation Authority in April 2011 that retaliates the measures taken in the prevention of runway incursions. This manual particularly targeted flight crews, offering recommendations to them. Additionally a review will be made of the airport markings, signage, and markings together with their meanings. With reference to the Safety Alert for Operators manual, a review of current ATIS and airfield NOTAMS for any runway closures, taxiway closures, construction activities, and any other specific risk in the runway will be done, why recommendations offered on how they can be improved. Program Outcome #2 In response to the question, the approach system that has been put forward by the FAA will be examined together with the ways that it reduce accidents involving operators of vehicles within the airfield. This system presents a state-of-the-art solution t the problem as it consists of geo-referenced Airport Diagrams together with approach Plates. Explain how pilots can see their location on any of the Airport Diagrams with just a standard tablet personal computer and a GPS receiver. Program Outcome #3 When answering the question, the European Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (EAPPRI) 2.0 will be examined, which is a revised document by the European Cockpit Association (ECA). The revised version of the document has vital recommendations that can assist in reducing runway incursions in Europe, where such incidences are on the rise. An outline will be presented on how the European Cockpit Association (ECA) was actively involved in the drafting of the document that calls on all pilots to contribute and take note on how to make runways safer. Program Outcome #4 The European Cockpit Association (ECA) has been working with the European Union and other players in the aviation industry with the aim of decreasing the risks of runway incursion incidences, and in 2002, they published the earliest European Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (EAPPRI). An examination of the document will be done to find out their goals at the time that included setting the best practices for quickly reducing the risks. This examination will include gathering data about the awareness campaign that carried out, the data collected, the setting up of local teams for runway safety, and the issuance of recommendations to all the personnel involved. Program Outcome #5 While providing an answer to this question, it is vital to find out the reasons for a reported increment in the number of runway incidences despite the fact that the main factors that cause them have been known and established. A possible reason is that while the factors are known, they are not being applied in finding a solution. the European Cockpit Association (ECA) can establish a way of ensuring that all the factors that cause runway incursions are publicized to the pilots and drivers of runway vehicles so that they take the necessary measures to avert such incidences. References Abeyratne, R. (2012). Air Navigation Law. New York: Springer. Print Costello, J.F.(2010). Runway Safety: an Update: Congressional Hearing. New York: DIANE Publishing. Print Dillingham, G.L. (2009). Aviation Safety: FAA Has Increased Efforts to Address Runway Incursions: Congressional Testimony. New York: DIANE Publishing. Print Dobbs, D.A. (2007). Progress Has Been Made in Reducing Runway Incursions, But Recent Incidents Underscore the Need for Further Proactive Efforts. Washington: U.S. Department of Transportation. Print Federal Aviation Administration. (2008). Instrument Procedures Handbook. New Jersey: JL Aviation LLC. Print Gorton, S. (2000). Aviation Safety: Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, U.S. Senate. New York: DIANE Publishing. Print Krause, S.S. (2003). Aircraft Safety: Accident Investigations, Analyses, and Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Print McCain, J. (1997). Aviation Accident Investigations: Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate. New York: DIANE Publishing. Print Office of Technology Assessment. (2009). Safe skies for tomorrow: aviation safety in a competitive environment. New York: DIANE Publishing. Print Ranking,W. (2008). Runway Incursions: The Effectiveness of Airport Driver Training Methods Revealed. New York: VDM Publishing. Print Rodrigues, C.C. & Cusick, S. (2011). Commercial Aviation Safety. New York: McGraw-Hill Prof Med/Tech. print Wang, Y. (2009). ICCTP 2009: Critical Issues in Transportation System Planning, Development, and Management: August 5-9, Harbin, China. New York: ASCE Publications. 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