A note on Chow stability of the Projectivisation of Gieseker Stable Bundles

We investigate Chow stability of projective bundles P(E) where E is a strictly Gieseker stable bundle over a base manifold that has constant scalar curvature. We show that, for suitable polarisations L, the pair (P(E),L) is Chow stable and give examples for which it is not asymptotically Chow stable.Comment: 23 pages. Theorem 2 changed to fix an error in conventions, and the Example in Section 5 rewritten to accommodate. Other minor changes, mostly expositiona

UNEXPECTED TRANSITION FROM VFR TO IMC: AN EXAMINATION OF TRAINING PROTOCOLS TO MITIGATE PILOT GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND PERFORMANCE

During the past ten years, there have been 264 aircraft accidents identified as Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). These accidents have a nearly 90% fatality rate and hundreds of people have been fatally injured (ASI, 2014a). The general aviation community, including the Federal Aviation Administration, has called for measures to reduce the accident rate. To accomplish this goal, data analyses, education and training, and collaboration are recommended practices. This research study sought to examine the effectiveness of two training protocols as well as pilot knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to VFR into IMC. Data were collected at two sites, the William J. Hughes Technical Center (FAA Technical Center) located in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Purdue University located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Participants were recruited from the surrounding areas of each location

Understanding Collegiate Aviation Pilot Mental Performance Studies and Future Research Opportunities

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (2022), fatigue is defined as “a condition characterized by increased discomfort with lessened capacity for work, reduced efficiency of accomplishment, loss of power or capacity to respond to stimulation, and is usually accompanied by a feeling of weariness and tiredness” (p. 2). Further outcomes of fatigue include tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, depression, and lack of motivation (ICAO, 2016). Stress can release cortisol which can in turn cause sleep issues leading to fatigue (Harvard, 2021). In one study Mendonca, Keller, and Albelo (2023) found 69% (n = 192) percent of collegiate aviation pilots reported mild or severe psychological distress. There is an opportunity to help students improve the quality of their educational experience. This presentation will provide recent research results from studies focused on fatigue and stress among collegiate aviation pilots. Practical implications such as improved fatigue training, successful mental health initiatives, and linkage to safety programs will be discussed. Lastly, the authors will discuss future research opportunities which utilize technology to obtain objective measures to enhance existing programs

Dimensionality Assessment of Fatigue in Collegiate Aviation Operations: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

There have been recommendations for evidence-based studies into the safety risk posed by fatigue in the flight training environment from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Extant research suggests a paucity of studies on the dimensionality of fatigue in collegiate aviation when compared to scheduled service and military flight operations. As a unique population, collegiate aviation pilots have rigorous course schedules that require intensive studying. Many pilots in this population are active in campus student organization activities and often have part time jobs. These conditions may exacerbate fatigue risks. Research suggests relationships between fatigue and judgment errors, aircraft accidents and incidents, poor academic performance, and undesirable health metrics. An assessment of explanatory factors underlying fatigue in collegiate aviation is essential to better understand fatigue in a flight training environment as well as to develop effective controls. The Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory-II (CAFI-II) was distributed to eight accredited 14 CFR Part 141 four-year degree-awarding universities (n = 422). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the data provided evidence that there are significant predictive relationships between all the factors examined and fatigue. Results provided a good fit model of the validated CAFI-II inventory for assessing fatigue in collegiate flight operations. Presenters will also engage with the audience and discuss improved fatigue training opportunities and fatigue management efforts

Understanding Fatigue Within a Collegiate Aviation Program

Objective: The purpose of this study was fivefold: to investigate the symptoms that would prompt collegiate aviation pilots perceive they are fatigued; to investigate the time of the day they are most fatigued; to investigate their academic and personal schedules; to investigate the methods collegiate aviation pilots utilize to ensure they are fit to fly; and to investigate whether they have received any academic and/or flight fatigue identification and management training. Background: Fatigue is a pervasive safety hazard in aviation affecting several aspects of flight crew members’ ability to perform their job. Fatigue in aviation and its consequences has been researched across military and commercial operations, but until now Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots have been neglected. Method: Data were collected using an online survey questionnaire self-report questionnaire (N = 122) consisting of items investigating fatigue identification and management by Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots. Results: Sixty percent of the participants usually experience the mental and physical symptoms of fatigue during flight activities. A finding of concern was that 43% of the participants indicated they had not received any training in fatigue identification and management during ground and flight activities. Conclusion: The safety management of fatigue in a Part 141 collegiate aviation environment is a safety issue that warrants further research, and training and education

Fatigue Identification and Management in Flight Training: An Investigation of Collegiate Aviation Pilots

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate collegiate aviation students’ self-awareness of their fatigue issues; to investigate possible causes of fatigue afflicting collegiate aviation students; and to investigate the collegiate aviation students’ lifestyle and perceptions of personal solutions to fatigue. Background: Pilot fatigue is a significant safety hazard in aviation operations. Several factors can contribute to fatigue, including inadequate sleep, long work hours, and inadequate nutritional habits. Some factors, such as social and academic activities, could be unique for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots. Previous studies have addressed fatigue in commercial and military aviation. However, few studies have targeted collegiate aviation students. Method: An online survey questionnaire was utilized to investigate collegiate aviation students’ self-awareness of their fatigue issues; the possible causes of fatigue afflicting those students; their lifestyle as well as their perceptions of personal solutions to fatigue. The population for this study consisted of a subset of the GA community, flight instructors and students from an accredited 14 CFR Part 141 four-year degree-awarding university in the Midwestern region of the United States. Additionally, participants were recruited from a local fixed based operator. Results: Findings indicated that fatigue has played a role during flight training. Pilots had, for example overlooked mistakes because of fatigue. Responses also suggested decrements in alertness and cognitive functions as a result of fatigue. Conclusion: Fatigue is a safety hazard in a collegiate environment that needs addressing. Systematic fatigue education and training, better lifestyle practices, effective workload management, and even a prescriptive approach could significantly enhance aviation safety and the well-being of student pilots

Competency-Based Education: A Framework for a More Efficient and Safer Aviation Industry

Aircraft design and reliability as well as pilots’ education and training have steadily and significantly improved in the last 20 years. Nevertheless, high-profile accidents still occur, even when the aircraft and related systems are operating adequately. Controlled flight into terrain, runway incursion accidents, and loss of control in flight are examples of mishaps in which inadequate decision-making, poor leadership, and ineffective communication are frequently cited as contributing factors. Conversely, the investigation of accidents (e.g., US Airways Flight 1549, in the U.S. on Jan. 15, 2009) and serious incidents (e.g., TAM Linhas Aereas Flight 3756 in Brazil on June 17, 2011) have shown that flight crews must be flexible and adaptable, think outside the box, and communicate effectively to cope with situations well beyond their individual expertise

Collegiate Aviation Pilots: Analyses of Fatigue Related Decision-Making Scenarios

According to Dawson and McCulloch (2005), indicating factors for pilot fatigue may be difficult to ascertain. However, fatigue is a probable cause in 15%-20% of all aircraft accidents (Akerstedt, 2000). It may be assumed fatigue has been important latent condition for many of the general aviation incidents and or accidents but not necessarily identified as a probable cause. Events that barely missed a detrimental situation due to fatigue, often go unnoticed and or unreported. Furthermore, fatigue can influence the quality of flight instruction and flight operations overall. The purpose of the current paper was to examine fatigue related decision-making responses from collegiate aviation pilots. These scenarios were designed to understand mitigation strategies, external pressures, and reasons for go-no-go decisions. Results of the qualitative analysis indicated some pilots were susceptible to organizational pressures, hazardous attitudes, and expressed over reliance on another pilot i.e. a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). On the contrary, several responses indicated Positive Threat Assessment while Seeking Alternative Solutions. Researchers provided recommended practices, suggested future research, and provided a model to simplify the decision-making process

Contributory Factors of Fatigue Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots: An Ordinal Regression Analysis

Fatigue is a pervasive safety hazard in aviation affecting several aspects of a pilot\u27s’ ability to safely perform their jobs. Several factors can contribute to fatigue, including inadequate sleep, stress, long work hours, excessive workload, and inadequate nutritional habits. In addition to flight training, some factors including academic, social, part-time work, and emerging time management skills are unique for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots. By utilizing the Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory (CAFI-II) at eight flight programs (n = 422), the current study examined factors such as fatigue training received, time spent working/studying and socializing, and enrollment level. Ordinal regression was used to assess the odds ratios of fatigue among demographic study groups. Notable results indicated approximately fifty percent of respondents reported not having fatigue training, Juniors and Seniors reported a less frequency of fatigue training when compared to the other two enrollment levels, and they also had a higher probability of flying while fatigued. The researchers suggested improved targeted training as well as recommendations for fatigue risk management strategies