Augmentation Systems

The global positioning satellite system (GPS) has been utilized for commercial use after the year 2000. Since then, GPS receivers have been integrated for accurate positing of ground as well as space vehicles. Almost all aircrafts nowadays rely on GPS based system for their take off, landing, and en-route navigation. Relying on GPS alone does note provide the meter level accuracy needed to guarantee safe operation of aircrafts. Thus several augmentation systems have been deployed worldwide to enhance the accuracy of the GPS system. Several augmentation systems that serve local as well as wide coverage areas are discussed in this chapter, specifically the LAAS system, the WAAS system as well as the EGNOS system. The architecture as well the performance metrics for each of these augmentation systems are presented and discussed.

Knowledge

A number of disciplines have approached the concept of knowledge. None of the existing definitions of knowledge can be generalized to other disciplines, and most importantly, none of such attempts fit the requirements of information systems (IS). This chapter suggests to perceive knowledge from the point of view of IS, as an attempt to answer IS requirements better. The proposed vision of knowledge is based on Information Systems’ layers.

Evaluating the Performance of Active Queue Management Using Discrete-Time Analytical Model

Congestion in networks is considered a serious problem; in order to manage and control this phenomena in early stages before it occurs, a derivation of a new discrete-time queuing network analytical model based on dynamic random early drop (DRED) algorithm is derived to present analytical expressions to calculate three performance measures: average queue length (Qavg,j), packet-loss rate (Ploss,j), and packet dropping probability (pd(j)). Many scenarios can be implemented to analyze the effectiveness and flexibility of the model. We compare between the three queue nodes of the proposed model using the derived performance measures to identify which queue node provides better performance. Results show that queue node one provides highest Qavg,j, Ploss,j, and (pd(j)) than queue nodes two and three, since it has the highest priority than other nodes. All the above results of performance measure are obtained only based on the queuing network setting parameters.

The Aviation Operational Environment

This chapter will focus on the role of pilot/flightcrew training and performance evaluation in the identification and management of risk, especially while aloft and in changing conditions. The chapter will integrate different- but we posit interrelated, topic areas: First, a decision-making paradigm for flight crew’s use in the operational environment. Second, training and performance evaluation in flight simulators (FS), as well as the design and development of FS scenarios to test decision performance. Third, Relevant Federal Aviation regulations (FAR’s) and approved programs in current pilot/flightcrew training. Fourth, accident investigations; the role and use-value of accident investigation data in flying safety. Finally, the authors will present recommendations for the next steps in the development and use of new and emerging technologies for maximum pilot/flight crew decision performance and safety. This will be done via a collaborative ground-air, automated system and is what we propose to achieve our goal, increasing safety of flight.

Terrorist Attacks

This chapter examines how airport and airline managers could review their incident and command plans to enhance security counter-measures for terrorist attacks through the use of a well constructed plan-do-check-act (PDCA) tool, in the context of a Safety Management System (SMS), and incorporating a structured field survey into their emergency incident plan and command plan reviews. Thus, through the examination of actual emergency incident plan and command plan survey, airport managers are given the opportunity to work issues through the trials and tribulations of refining their incident and command plans on a recurring basis. It is suggested that a PDCA tool be implemented as a SMS model for the enhancement of these plans in the airline environment.

Virtual Reality in Architecture, in Engineering and Beyond

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology which has various application fields (from video games to psychiatry). It is indispensable in critical simulation, for instance in military training, in surgical operation simulation, in creation of environments which could set off phobias (in psychiatry), or in realization of virtual prototypes, for instance in industrial design. The aim of this chapter is to present how the VR also finds excellent application fields in architecture and in engineering. For instance, in the teaching of the basic concepts, in techniques of graphic rebuilding for the building restoration, in realization of virtual visits inside buildings, and in urban generative processes simulated by computer. Another use of the virtual reality is in the introduction of a new kind of architecture: Virtual Architecture, strongly connected to the Information and Communication Technology (ITC), to the Internet, and in the virtual prototyping in engineering.

Applying the Certification’s Standards to the Simulation Study Steps

This chapter presents the certification standards applied with the simulation study steps, in addition to the Confidence Grid which is used to assets the quality (Reliability and Accuracy) of the data and the process of the simulation study step which will be the base for the validation and verification.

State-Of-The-Art Real-Time Jet Fuel Quality Measurement

This chapter discusses the historical approaches to monitoring aviation fuel quality, and the current industry movement towards continuous monitoring electronic measurement systems. The application of mature technology from other industries is reviewed and found to be inadequate. A new type of sensing system designed specifically for the needs of aviation fuel quality is introduced, showing advanced user features and proven to be far more accurate than any other method current available. This article also discusses a typical problem in real world applications where a combination of contaminant is encountered, and how only the new type of sensing system can properly measure the contamination to aviation fuel quality specifications.

Next Generation Surveillance Technology for Airport and ATC Operations

Conventional ATC concepts in many parts of the world need to be augmented with next generation surveillance technology, in order to keep pace with the required level of safety in those regions. Conventional technologies, such as primary radar and secondary radar, are not able to deliver the required cost-performance ratios for these increasing demands and need to be replaced by multilateration and ADS-B surveillance techniques. This chapter outlines the recent achievements in worldwide operational deployments in the fields of ADS-B and multilateration for airport and air traffic control applications and discusses the integration into larger aviation system applications.

Design and Optimization of Defense Hole System for Shear Loaded Laminates

Stress concentrations associated with circular holes in pure biaxial shear-loaded laminates can be reduced by up to 20.56%. This significant reduction is made possible by introducing elliptical auxiliary holes along the principal stress direction. The effect of the stacking sequence, the fiber orientation, and the stiffness of both the fiber and the matrix are investigated.