Flight Students and FAA Knowledge Exams: A Review of Existing Literature and Recommendations for Future Research

To become a certificated pilot in the United States, there are certain requirements that must be met. One of these requirements is for applicants to pass a knowledge exam (commonly referred to as a “written exam”). These exams are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% to pass the exam. While this all seems simple enough, existing literature has identified potential issues with this process, such as deliberate student memorization of questions and outdated exam questions. Still, student performance on FAA knowledge exams remains a relatively underexplored area of study within the aviation education literature. Stemming from a seminar presentation delivered in October 2022 at the Collegiate Aviation Conference and Expo, hosted by the University Aviation Association, this poster presentation highlights a forthcoming essay that thoroughly reviews the existing literature concerning the performance of students on FAA knowledge tests, and related issues. While this project does not specifically focus on data collection, based on the literature reviewed, the essay will propose recommendations for future research, including studies examining how students prepare for these exams and effective pedagogical methods for flight instructors or professors to employ in preparing students for FAA knowledge exams

Causes & Consequences: An Analysis of FAA Enforcement Actions Against UAS Remote Pilots

The continued integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to the National Airspace System (NAS) has caused a myriad of challenges to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UAS manufacturers, and operators. One of these challenges is maintaining the safety of the NAS. To accomplish this critical task, the need for a codified set of rules to govern UAS operations became clear to Congress and the public. Thus, in accordance with the informal rulemaking process prescribed by the Administrative Procedure Act, the final rules governing UAS operations went into effect August 29, 2016, enshrined within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107. Consequently, certificated remote pilots are now required to abide by these new regulations (or other acceptable means of compliance). If they fail to do so, the FAA has enforcement power, derived from its enabling statute, to bring civil penalty and certificate actions against these pilots. Expanding upon work initially commenced by UAS attorney Jonathan Rupprecht, this study analyzes 78 FAA enforcement action cases against remote pilots from 2012 – 2020. The purpose of the study is to determine the frequency of specific regulatory violations, the overall nature of violations the FAA is prosecuting, and identify any emerging trends. Preliminary results have found that there are three key violations the FAA frequently prosecutes, with respect to remote pilot operations: airspace violations, flying over people, and loss of control. The research team further provides recommendations for additional policymaking to mitigate regulatory noncompliance by remote pilots

Airspace Ownership Controversies in the United States: A Concise History

Ownership and control of airspace has long been a controversial, confusing, and difficult area of study within aviation law. Throughout the twentieth century, there was copious debate surrounding the rights of property owners and the authority of aviation regulatory agencies to govern airspace. The invention of the airplane and a burgeoning concern about aerial trespass vigorously fueled that debate. In the contemporary context, airspace ownership questions center primarily on debates over low-altitude airspace and subsequent legal remedies available for improper use, illegal entrance, or unwanted occupation of that airspace. This review examines the history of airspace ownership controversies in the United States (U.S.) through an analysis of legal cases, scholarly debate, academic journal articles, and primary sources. The purpose of this paper is to assist aviation scholarly and industry personnel in forming a better understanding of the historic and contemporary debates that have surrounded the question of airspace rights. It is a particularly meaningful time to review this area of aviation legal history because the advent of novel aviation technologies—namely, drones, urban air mobility (UAM), and advanced air mobility (AAM) air taxis—is creating an industry ripe for new airspace ownership and control controversies in the coming decades

Collegiate Aviation Student Perceptions of Racial Influences in Aviation Education

The U.S. aviation industry has grown significantly in the last several decades, but existing literature identifies a gap between progress for the industry and representation of minorities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, out of the 141,000 persons employed as either “aircraft pilots” or “flight engineers”, 2.6% were Black, 3.4% were Asian, and 2.2% were Hispanic or Latino, while 93.7% were White (BLS, 2019). What has yet to be investigated, however, is how that gap is perceived by students preparing to enter the aviation industry. This exploratory study examines the perceptions of collegiate aviation students, who represent the next generation of the aviation industry, and the impact race may have had on their choice to pursue an aeronautics or aeronautical science degree. Through interviews with students currently enrolled in aviation career degree programs, this case study provides insight into their perceptions of how race, if at all, plays a role in aviation education. Additionally, the authors consider the significance of these perceptions within the broader context of diversity in aviation education

An Analysis of Federal Aviation Administration Enforcement Actions Against sUAS Operators

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has promulgated regulations to govern the commercial operation of small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS). Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining safety in the National Airspace System. And if sUAS operators fail to comply with applicable federal aviation regulations, the FAA has been granted the authority to enforce these regulations. This study explores how the FAA has been exercising its enforcement power in the context of sUAS operator regulatory noncompliance. Using data obtained from a Freedom of Information Act request, this study examines 62 FAA enforcement actions levied against sUAS operators from 2012 until 2020. Key findings include trends in enforcement activity following the promulgation of Part 107 regulations; timelines associated with civil penalty and certificate action cases; and the specific regulations most frequently prosecuted by the FAA in sUAS enforcement cases

From a Chicken Farm to Air Taxis: The Unresolved Question Facing Urban and Advanced Air Mobility

The advent of urban air mobility (UAM) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology are creating a myriad of regulatory challenges that must be addressed if this technology is to be successfully integrated to the National Airspace System. Thus far, much discussion within this burgeoning sector of the aviation industry has centered around developing UAM/AAM aerial vehicle certification requirements, infrastructure, and operational frameworks, as well as ancillary issues of sustainability, cost, and community acceptance. Meanwhile, issues associated with low-altitude airspace ownership and usage remain unresolved. This presentation explores the challenge of how exactly airspace, and airspace ownership rights, should be allocated in the UAM/AAM air taxi era. It is paramount for UAM/AAM stakeholders to be familiar with the property rights issues affecting low-altitude airspace operations and the history of these legal controversies. Citing case law, primary sources, and the work of prominent legal scholars, this presentation provides that historical context: a story beginning from the birth of an ancient doctrine to a chicken farm in North Carolina and now to tomorrow’s new airspace policy challenges

Engaging Students with Aviation Governance Issues: The Airspace and Chicken Farm Example

This presentation explores how teachers can effectively use foundational law and policy concepts, and research, to examine and analyze future challenges in the aviation industry with students. Through an entertaining story about the history of airspace ownership controversies, the presentation highlights how to engage students and teach foundational governance concepts through the lens of current aerospace issues. The presentation provides an example of a unique way to engage students in discussions about the various governance challenges created by the advent of novel aviation technologies

Engaging Students with Aviation Governance Issues: The Airspace and Chicken Farm Example

This presentation explores how teachers can effectively use foundational law and policy concepts, and research, to examine and analyze future challenges in the aviation industry with students. Through an entertaining story about the history of airspace ownership controversies, the presentation highlights how to engage students and teach foundational governance concepts through the lens of current aerospace issues. The presentation provides an example of a unique way to engage students in discussions about the various governance challenges created by the advent of novel aviation technologies

Establishing Sustainable Aviation Policies: Challenges and Opportunities

As the U.S. aviation industry undergoes a sustainability-focused transformation, the need for changes to occur within the industry’s existing regulatory framework is becoming clear. Historically, the laws and policies surrounding the aviation industry have been reactive. To meet the demands of a sustainability-oriented aviation industry, these laws and policies must be proactive. This presentation explores the myriad of challenges and opportunities that may result from the inevitable regulatory questions that will emerge as the aviation industry works towards achieving sustainable operations

Sustainable Flying Cars, Governance Challenges, and Public Participation

This engaging presentation explores the world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations and associated governance issues. It provides a short overview of the regulatory and policy landscape in the United States thus far, including the 2022 Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act and recent rulemaking actions by the Federal Aviation Administration. And with the aim of bringing awareness to a host of policy issues, this presentation further explores burgeoning challenges facing the emerging AAM industry and emphasizes the role of the public—students, industry leaders, and everyday citizens alike—in shaping the future of AAM operations through participation in the rulemaking process