The recently reported pilot shortage has left the aviation industry scrambling to fill cockpit seats to meet global air travel demand. Per aviation experts, this shortage has been a long time coming and could take years to fix. For aspiring pilots, however, there could be a silver lining―more job availability and higher salaries.
What’s causing the pilot shortage?
Recent reports state that the government-mandated requirement to increase flight hours for first officers from 250 to 1,500 hours has put a strain on the flow of qualified pilots who can secure jobs in the field. Other significant factors contributing to the shortage include the increasing number of aging pilots reaching retirement age, higher training fees to meet the FAA flight hour requirement and global economic expansion.
How will the shortage affect the industry and passengers?
Fewer pilots in the air means more passengers on the ground. Service to smaller cities will be reduced since those shorter routes use smaller planes, which will thus hold less passengers but still require two pilots in the cockpit. This reduced service to less dense cities may put commuters back behind their wheels and driving to their destinations.
The US Air Force has seen a significant decrease in their pilot pool, with more than 500 pilots leaving the force over the past five years while more pilot jobs are being added. The Air Force expects it may take five to 10 years to fill the gap, due mostly to the time it takes to complete fighter pilot training and to reactivate bases.
How will the shortage be addressed?
Increased Pay―Some commercial airlines and their subsidiaries are increasing the salaries for entry-level pilots and even offering incentives such as signing and retention bonuses.
As a measure to retain their pilots―and deter them from taking jobs with commercial airlines for more money―US Air Force officials are turning to Congress to increase the end of service pilot bonuses from $25,000 per year to $48,000-$50,000.
Airport Expansions―Airports such as LaGuardia International Airport in New York are undergoing expansive redevelopment and modernization projects to meet forecasted passenger growth. At LaGuardia, for example, terminal ramp space is being expanded to accommodate the projected use of larger sized planes that hold more passengers.
Peter Russo’s take
With 20 years of service as a pilot in the United States Air Force and 24 years of extensive experience in the airline industry, Dr. Peter Russo, aviation department chair and assistant professor of aviation at Vaughn College, has witnessed vast changes in the industry over the years.
“I believe the safety factor relating to the FAA requirement for more flight time is justified,” Russo said. “It’s a cyclical process. It’s about adjusting the flow from retiring pilots to instructor pilots becoming industry pilots.” He explained how the shortage is more of a delay, since it’s taking aspiring pilots longer to earn their certifications. “The additional flight time should not be considered a burden but another level of safety for everyone on board,” said Russo. “In time, it will all level out.”
What does this mean for Vaughn aviation students?
Vaughn College is seeing a record number of students responding to the pilot shortage. Job availability and increased pay are major motivators for students to pursue a degree in aviation. “It’s an excellent time to become a pilot,” said Dr. Russo. “It’s a great feeling to know there will be a seat waiting for you in a cockpit.”
Today, 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry as 3D printed structural components are integrated into aircraft that are flying above and beyond engineers’ wildest dreams. The idea of creating an unmanned aerial system (UAS), commonly know as a drone, from a majority of 3D printed components is no longer just a futuristic possibility, but something that may be seen in the near future.
What is 3D printing?
The process of 3D printing involves creating three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file by laying down layers of material—one on top of the other—until the final object is created. Skilled engineers use computer software programs to design the desired parts and then print them using a 3D printer.
How are 3D printed aircraft changing the industry?
This revolutionary process is an industry game changer as it not only saves time, but virtually eliminates outside manufacturing and reduces labor costs.
Today’s heat-resistant composite materials used in the aerospace industry, including 3D printed components, are enhancing structural properties and increasing fatigue life, making the structures more corrosion-resistant and reducing the weight of the structure, thus allowing for better structural performance.
A significant factor, if not one of the most important, is how these innovative systems can keep man out of harm’s way. The aviation industry uses UAS to take images and collect data in dangerous areas such as war zones and fires. This safety factor is critical in gathering important information while keeping man safe in life-threatening situations.
Engineering and Engineering Technology Degrees
Vaughn College offers a wide range of engineering and engineering technology degrees that can prepare students for an exciting career in aeronautics and set them apart from the competition.
The below programs are just a few of the majors offered at Vaughn that provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive course of study to enable them to become successful in their chosen fields.
Last month, the engineering and technology department at Vaughn launched their 3D prototyping innovation center, which was equipped with 15 3D printers and two 3D scanners. This space offers students a hands-on opportunity to bring their classroom knowledge to life by applying the concepts they learned and then turn them into physical objects.
“Our 3D prototyping innovation center is just another way we are placing advanced technology at our students’ fingertips and challenging them to be the best they can be,” said Dr. Hossein Rahemi, engineering and technology department chair.
Join the club
Vaughn students and faculty agree that there’s no better way to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-changing world of technology than to join one of their on-campus clubs. Just this past May, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Club coordinated their first International Drone Day event in an effort to raise awareness and celebrate these flying wonders. Among the workshops was an introduction to 3D printing.
Dr. Hossein Rahemi’s thoughts on the future
“My vision is to keep students engaged and give them a platform to have an elevated mind,” said Dr. Rahemi. “The idea of using 3D printed structural components is already proving to be successful. I believe we will see the use of this technology increase dramatically in the future for the manufacturing of aircraft parts.”
Expecting Half-a-Million Visitors
Eyes around the world will be focused on Rio de Janeiro this month as the Brazilian city hosts the 2016 Summer Olympic games beginning today, August 5. With an estimated half-a-million visitors expected to land for the world-wide mega sporting event, the city’s only international airport known as Galeao has recently undergone a $2 billion renovation, transforming its infrastructure to handle the influx of flights, passenger traffic and to improve the visitor experience.
With the 2014 World Cup behind them, airport management realized there would be a greater aviation challenge in preparing for the 2016 Olympic games with the significant increase in commercial and charter flights as well as receiving more heads of state. Galeao airport is the fourth busiest airport in South America handling over 14.5 million passengers annually (or about 40,000 passengers on an average day). With that number expected to reach over 90,000 on some days throughout the games, management has instituted specific operating plans to ensure the best possible experience for both airport personnel and worldwide visitors.
What is Al Graser’s take?
Al Graser, an adjunct professor who teaches airport and operations management at Vaughn College, shared his insight on the renovations, advancements and improvements at Galeao. With 40 years of experience at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and his stellar reputation as general manager at New York’s La Guardia and John F. Kennedy (JFK) international airports, Graser is well versed in all aspects of aviation operations.
Brazil put forth a major effort to prepare for the 2016 Olympic games,” said Graser. “It appears this type of investment will ensure the security, service and operations for all users of the airport during the Olympic games and into the future.
Exciting Enhancements
The vast renovations to Galeao have overturned the airport’s unfavorable ranking as one of the country’s worst airports. It has two terminals, with Terminal 2 receiving the majority of international flights. Terminal 2 is home to a new section that spans the length of almost 10 football fields and is equipped with 26 additional boarding bridges to ease the flow of passengers boarding and deplaning the aircraft. To make the experience even more enjoyable for visitors, Galeao doubled and modernized the duty-free shopping area in Terminal 2 with an additional 86,000 square feet, including 100 new shops and restaurants, while business travelers now have over 64,000 square feet of their own exclusive space devoted to lounges and executive areas. The airport also expanded their parking facilities and installed new X-ray scanners, elevators, moving walkways and 68 new check-in desks to facilitate a more seamless travel experience.
They’ve Got an App for That
To keep up with technology and meet passenger demand, 3,000 Bluetooth beacons and 500 Wi-Fi hot spots were installed throughout the airport. To make the Rio experience even more exciting and help facilitate a more enjoyable travel experience, Galeao is now the first airport in South America to offer its own indoor navigation app, called RIOgaleao. The app is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish and features real-time flight and arrival information to lessen the potential overcrowding around airport monitors. Users will not only enjoy the convenience of maps and routes to navigate the massive airport, but they can also find information on airport shops, restaurants and public transportation in the surrounding areas. Other useful features on the app include paying for parking and live chat support.
Automated Passport Process
With sporting enthusiasts traveling to Rio from all corners of the world, Galeao anticipated the immigration crunch and planned ahead by installing electronic eGates to automate the passport process. They even built a new Welcome Center in Terminal 2 with a friendly multi-lingual staff to provide visitors with city and transportation information.
More Room for Aircraft Parking
On the ground, the airport has increased its number of physical aircraft parking spaces. Galeao now has 97 certified, full-time parking spaces (24 of which are E-class), and has increased its capacity to receive business jets. With hundreds of heads of state expected to attend the games, the Galeao Air Base will receive head-of-state flights and will have the ability to handle three airplanes every 20 minutes. Security measures are in place at Galeao that allow business jets to land only between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Rio’s domestic airport, Santos Dumont (which is located in the heart of downtown), will be operating 24 hours a day during the Olympic games allowing for an additional 180 business aviation flights during the hours between midnight and 6 a.m.
Increased Security for Visitors
Rio de Janeiro is currently on high-alert with a full-scale mobilization of military units which began late last month ahead of the Olympic games. Soldiers have been deployed to Galeao, the famous Copacabana Beach and throughout the city. The Brazilian government said it plans to mobilize more than 85,000 personnel including approximately 22,000 soldiers.
We often hear the expression “blind as a bat,” but new data from a recent study by Lund University in Sweden?on the flying techniques of the long-eared bat?is opening the eyes of the drone community with significant findings that could improve the future development of drone technology.
Researchers observed trained bats as they flew through thin smoke in a wind tunnel while trying to reach food attached to a stick. While the bats flew, the researchers aimed a laser beam at the smoke behind the bats and took pictures of the illuminated smoke particles. This process allowed researchers to calculate the forces generated by each beat of the bat’s wings, based on the movement of the smoke.
“We show how the air behind the body of a long-eared bat accelerates downward, which means that the body and ears provide lift. This distinguishes the long-eared bats from other species that have been studied and indicates that the large ears do not merely create strong resistance, but also assist the animal in staying aloft,” said Christoffer Johansson Westheim.
The findings were significant, contrary to what researchers previously assumed. Westheim and his colleagues discovered that long-eared bats are aided in flight by their long ears. This data revealed how the flight techniques of bats shed light on the evolutionary conflict between flying efficiently and eco-locating. Even more interesting was an additional discovery that showed how bats generate forward motion when they fly slowly. When bats fly slowly, their wings are held high and away from their bodies at the end of each beat.
“This specific way of generating power could lead to new aerodynamic control mechanisms for drones in the future, inspired by flying animals,” said Westheim.
Students at Vaughn College study the science behind drone technology and are building their own drones. “Our students are amazing,” said Loretta Alkalay, a professor of aviation safety at Vaughn College. With 30 years of experience in aviation law as legal counsel for the FAA (as well as being a drone enthusiast), Alkalay is well-versed in aviation. “Drones or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are like flying robots,” said Alkalay. “Throughout my six years of teaching at Vaughn, I’m always thrilled to learn about new research to pass along to my students for discussion. This new data released is a perfect example of the exciting research going on in the field and how it relates to animal-inspired technology.”
Aviation safety applies to drones as well as to airplanes and helicopters, so it comes as no surprise that this research is being seen as way to not only make drones fly more efficiently, but more safely.
“The latest bat research can help engineers improve the safety and aerodynamics of future drone technology by applying the way bats sense and avoid obstacles and moving objects,” said Dr. Maxine Lubner, professor and department chair of Vaughn’s management department. She explains how the discoveries can help engineers design drones with more efficient lift, aiding in drone performance and safety.
“We are proud of our mechatronic engineering, management and aviation students as they apply new research to their studies,” said Dr. Lubner. “The students clearly see the numerous applications of their current interests and future career goals within the emerging drone field.” Dr. Lubner states the industry is building upon scientists’ long-standing tradition of examining convergent evolution principles to understand and apply the behavior of animals as a way to solve technological challenges.
“We are hopeful to someday apply the same evolutionary principles of bats’ flying techniques to drone capabilities by applying the laws of physics relating to varying flight speeds,” Dr. Lubner said. “It is an exciting time for our students to apply these principles when constructing future drones. This research is a great example of how students could encompass safety applications and technological advances to make future drones safer.”
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