Thursday, December 8, 2016
Job Plans and Topic Review
My job plans at the beginning of this course were wavering from option to option with cargo operations having the strongest pull. At this time, my plan has remained mostly the same with a little more interest in the airlines. Thankfully, I will have more than enough time to think about it more as I build more hours. My plan upon graduation is to find a job doing something like aerial surveying or instructing to continue building hours and moving up in the industry. I feel that the most useful topic for me was the flight duty regulations for cargo operations because that is what I am leaning more towards and what could affect me the most. The least useful topic in my opinion was the commercial airspace. While the idea of the program is very cool, I just don't see it being a prime subject in my future and having the need to know all about it.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Aviation Organizations
Joining aviation organizations is beneficial because they give you the opportunity to meet others who share the same interests and goals. Also, creating these relationships with other professionals can potentially open doors into other careers. A couple of important ones are AOPA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, ALPA, Air Line Pilots Association. I am already a member of AOPA.
"The mission of AOPA is to protect our freedom to fly by
advocating on behalf of our members,
educating pilots, nonpilots, and policy makers alike,
supporting activities that ensure the long-term health of General Aviation,
fighting to keep General Aviation accessible to all, and
securing sufficient resources to ensure our success." (AOPA, n.d.)
They offer many services such as information centers, flight planning tools, insurance/ financing options and also keep you in the loop of current events in the industry with their monthly magazine. They offer courses to promote safety and keep your skill levels up to par.
ALPA's mission is to
"promote and champion all aspects of aviation safety throughout all segments of the aviation community; to represent, in both specific and general respects, the collective interests of all pilots in commercial aviation; to assist in collective bargaining activities on behalf of all pilots represented by the Association; to promote the health and welfare of the members of the Association before all governmental agencies; to be a strong, forceful advocate of the airline piloting profession, through all forms of media, and with the public at large; and to be the ultimate guardian and defender of the rights and privileges of the professional pilots who are members of the Association." (ALPA, n.d.)
The three critical services they offer are airline safety and security, representation and advocacy. They assist the NTSB in investigations and public hearings, they help maintain salary, benefits and working conditions and they also represent pilot views and promote legislation in favor of the union members.
"The mission of AOPA is to protect our freedom to fly by
ALPA's mission is to
"promote and champion all aspects of aviation safety throughout all segments of the aviation community; to represent, in both specific and general respects, the collective interests of all pilots in commercial aviation; to assist in collective bargaining activities on behalf of all pilots represented by the Association; to promote the health and welfare of the members of the Association before all governmental agencies; to be a strong, forceful advocate of the airline piloting profession, through all forms of media, and with the public at large; and to be the ultimate guardian and defender of the rights and privileges of the professional pilots who are members of the Association." (ALPA, n.d.)
The three critical services they offer are airline safety and security, representation and advocacy. They assist the NTSB in investigations and public hearings, they help maintain salary, benefits and working conditions and they also represent pilot views and promote legislation in favor of the union members.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.aopa.org/
Air Line Pilots Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from https://www.alpa.org
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Global Airlines
The Open Skies Agreement can be accredited with expanding international passenger and cargo flights to and from the United States. This promotes more travel and trade, productivity, creates many job opportunities and economic growth. These agreements eliminate government interference in commercial air decisions about routes, capacity and pricing allowing the carriers to provide more affordable, convenient and efficient service. (Open Skies, n.d.) The United States and The United Arab Emirates have an open skies agreement however are in a bit of a discrepancy. The three biggest US carriers, American, United and Delta Air Lines, claim that the Gulf airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, were being heavily subsidized by their host governments creating an unfair advantage, This was countered by a report from Etihad showing that the three US carriers have received more than $70 billion in government a court sanctioned benefits over the past 15 years. (McCauley, 2016) While some US carriers are in support of the Big Three's claims, others such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Airways support the Gulf carriers.
The Export-Import Bank is "the official export credit agency of the United States." Their mission is to support American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services. They fill the gap for American businesses by equipping lenders with the financials necessary to compete for global sales. Thus "increasing the playing field for US goods and services against the overseas markets, so American companies can create more good-paying American jobs." (About Us, n.d.)
So in terms of Boeing, yes, the foreign carriers are making purchases that differ from what the US carriers are offered. All that being said, I feel that the global playing field is overall fair. They were obviously all for it in the beginning and it wasn't until the competition got heated that they started throwing a fit. In the end, the Gulf carriers are still helping out our economy by purchasing aircraft through Boeing.
About Us | EXIM.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2016, from http://www.exim.gov/about/
The Export-Import Bank is "the official export credit agency of the United States." Their mission is to support American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services. They fill the gap for American businesses by equipping lenders with the financials necessary to compete for global sales. Thus "increasing the playing field for US goods and services against the overseas markets, so American companies can create more good-paying American jobs." (About Us, n.d.)
So in terms of Boeing, yes, the foreign carriers are making purchases that differ from what the US carriers are offered. All that being said, I feel that the global playing field is overall fair. They were obviously all for it in the beginning and it wasn't until the competition got heated that they started throwing a fit. In the end, the Gulf carriers are still helping out our economy by purchasing aircraft through Boeing.
About Us | EXIM.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2016, from http://www.exim.gov/about/
Open Skies Agreements. (n.d.). Retrieved November 06, 2016, from http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/
McCauley, A. (2016, July 27). Victory for Gulf airlines as US government ends Open Skies row with no further action | The National. Retrieved November 06, 2016, from http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/victory-for-gulf-airlines-as-us-government-ends-open-skies-row-with-no-further-action
Friday, October 21, 2016
Commercial Space Industry
The idea of space tourism has been in our minds for decades, however it was not until 1984 that a person other than military or government employed traveled into space. Charles D. Walker's expedition marks the infusion of private capital and space exploration. (Blum, 2016) Later, in 1998, Space Adventures was founded becoming the first company to send citizens into space. The passengers of these adventures were wealthy as it charged anywhere from $20 million to $40 million, a 10 day trip in zero gravity at the International Space Station was included. Two of the biggest hurdles in this industry are money and safety. It is a no-brainer that money would be an issue here since most people do not just have $20 million lying around to be spent. I bring up safety as a second issue because there have been accidents resulting in death. NASA use to have Space Flight Participant program where citizens could partake in missions without scientific or government means. One of their shuttles, Challenger, disintegrated not long after takeoff killing all seven crew members. NASA cancelled all programs afterwards. As of now, the first reusable rocket ship was landed making history on November 23, 2015 as an economic game changer. (Blum, 2016)
The commercial space industry is regulated by the Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984. It authorizes the Department of Transportation along with the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation to oversee, authorize and regulate launches and reentries. (Regulations, n.d.)They are mainly to protect the general public and property on the ground. I do feel that these rules are appropriate for where the industry stands today but as it progresses further the regs will have to change.
Technology is increasing at such a rapid pace that I definitely think it will be accessible to the general public, school field trips and all. However, it is going to be a decently long road. Slowly but surely the price will go down and more and more people will have access but until there is a real demand for it, it is going to remain an option for few people.
The basic requirements to work in the space tourism industry are similar to those of a civilian pilot. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, at least 1,000 hours pilot in command time in a jet aircraft and the ability to pass a NASA space physical, like our medicals. Some of the specific items are corrected 20/20 in each eye, blood pressure of 140/90 measured in a sitting position and a height between 62 and 75 inches. (NASA, 2004)
Blum, S. (2015, November 25). The Space Tourism Timeline. Retrieved October 21, 2016, from https://www.inverse.com/article/8528-the-space-tourism-timeline
NASA. (2004, January 29). Astronaut Requirements: Commander and Pilot Astronaut Duties. NASA. Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html
Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2016, from http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/regulations/
The commercial space industry is regulated by the Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984. It authorizes the Department of Transportation along with the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation to oversee, authorize and regulate launches and reentries. (Regulations, n.d.)They are mainly to protect the general public and property on the ground. I do feel that these rules are appropriate for where the industry stands today but as it progresses further the regs will have to change.
Technology is increasing at such a rapid pace that I definitely think it will be accessible to the general public, school field trips and all. However, it is going to be a decently long road. Slowly but surely the price will go down and more and more people will have access but until there is a real demand for it, it is going to remain an option for few people.
The basic requirements to work in the space tourism industry are similar to those of a civilian pilot. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, at least 1,000 hours pilot in command time in a jet aircraft and the ability to pass a NASA space physical, like our medicals. Some of the specific items are corrected 20/20 in each eye, blood pressure of 140/90 measured in a sitting position and a height between 62 and 75 inches. (NASA, 2004)
Blum, S. (2015, November 25). The Space Tourism Timeline. Retrieved October 21, 2016, from https://www.inverse.com/article/8528-the-space-tourism-timeline
NASA. (2004, January 29). Astronaut Requirements: Commander and Pilot Astronaut Duties. NASA. Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html
Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2016, from http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/regulations/
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Cargo Industry and the new Flight Rules/Duties
On February 12, 2009 Colgan Air flight 3407 crashed in Buffalo, New York killing 50 people. The main cause of this accident was fatigue and as a result, new and improved rules were implemented by the FAA. One of the old rules was that requirements for domestic, international and unscheduled flights were all different and now there is no difference between the types of operations, the new rules apply to all. Pilots must now sign a document confirming that they are "fit for duty" and are not allowed to fly if any sign of fatigue is reported. The flight duty period has more strict limits based around the number of flight segments along with the start of the duty day. One of the most important changes was the rest period which was at least 9 hours, minimum 8. The new rule states that the rest period is 10 hours, with the opportunity for at least 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep. (Houston, 2016) Also, the maximum flight time during the day is 9 hours and 8 for night flying.
Cargo operations are exempt from these new rules. They currently fly under old rules not requiring as much rest, permitting longer duty times and flying beyond 8 hours. I feel that the main reason for these rules not being implemented into cargo carriers is money. The FAA said it would cost the industry $550 million to implement them all around, outweighing safety benefits. However, Bill Trent, general counsel for the Independent Pilots Association, says that they overstated by at least $235 million. (Carroll, 2014) Another reason for this I feel is public perception. The public sees no need to alter the rules because there are not nearly as many people whose lives can be endangered should an accident occur.
I do think that cargo carriers should be under these new regulations. Fatigue is still an issue with those pilots as well as passenger pilots. There was an accident of a UPS Airbus A300-600 at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama where both pilots were killed. At the NTSB hearing, the transcript of conversation showed that both pilots complained of being fatigued. One of them even said "It should be one level of safety for everybody," (Carroll, 2014) and I couldn't agree more. I realize that money is a huge factor in this but who are we to say that just because their aircraft is full of packages and not people there lives alone are less significant.
This could impact my career in a positive way by making it much safer for me to fly, having more rest and what-not. However, it could be harmful to my career. The more money that they are spending to implement the new rules means the less money they have for employees and they may need to downsize. It could even result in some companies having to shut down.
Carroll, J. R. (2014, March 13). UPS pilots urge more rest for cargo crews. Retrieved October 08, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/13/ups-pilots-urge more-rest-for-cargo-crews/6402615
Houston, S. (2016, March 1). FAA final rule on pilot duty and rest requirements. Retrieved October 08, 2016, from https://www.thebalance.com/faa-final-rule-pilot-duty-and-rest requirements-282927
Cargo operations are exempt from these new rules. They currently fly under old rules not requiring as much rest, permitting longer duty times and flying beyond 8 hours. I feel that the main reason for these rules not being implemented into cargo carriers is money. The FAA said it would cost the industry $550 million to implement them all around, outweighing safety benefits. However, Bill Trent, general counsel for the Independent Pilots Association, says that they overstated by at least $235 million. (Carroll, 2014) Another reason for this I feel is public perception. The public sees no need to alter the rules because there are not nearly as many people whose lives can be endangered should an accident occur.
I do think that cargo carriers should be under these new regulations. Fatigue is still an issue with those pilots as well as passenger pilots. There was an accident of a UPS Airbus A300-600 at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama where both pilots were killed. At the NTSB hearing, the transcript of conversation showed that both pilots complained of being fatigued. One of them even said "It should be one level of safety for everybody," (Carroll, 2014) and I couldn't agree more. I realize that money is a huge factor in this but who are we to say that just because their aircraft is full of packages and not people there lives alone are less significant.
This could impact my career in a positive way by making it much safer for me to fly, having more rest and what-not. However, it could be harmful to my career. The more money that they are spending to implement the new rules means the less money they have for employees and they may need to downsize. It could even result in some companies having to shut down.
Carroll, J. R. (2014, March 13). UPS pilots urge more rest for cargo crews. Retrieved October 08, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/13/ups-pilots-urge more-rest-for-cargo-crews/6402615
Houston, S. (2016, March 1). FAA final rule on pilot duty and rest requirements. Retrieved October 08, 2016, from https://www.thebalance.com/faa-final-rule-pilot-duty-and-rest requirements-282927
Friday, September 30, 2016
Pilot Shortage and Professionalism
There is a major problem occurring in the aviation industry and it is in regards to the decreasing amount of pilots entering the regionals. However, is is argued that there are two possible reasons to blame for this numerical jump. The first reason is that there really is a pilot shortage and the number of retirees well exceeds the number of incoming pilots. And the second reason is the rate of pay, or lack thereof, is causing people to fly elsewhere, if they even continue to get into the industry. I feel that both of these factors go hand in hand, the lack of pay is a cause of the pilot shortage and overall money in general.
According to a study by the Univesity of North Dakota's Aviation Department, the pilot shortage will increase to 15000 by 2026 as the current captains reach the mandatory retirement age and fewer people are coming into the industry. Like I said before, this decrease in incoming pilots is due to monetary issues. The overall cost of the flight training and certification which can be up to $16,000 just for a private pilot license, the low pay at the regionals as was said before and the increase in required hours needed to become a first officer installed after the Colgan Air accident. Airlines are attempting to counteract these issues by changing hiring requirements, increasing signing bonuses and partnering with flight schools and university flight programs. (Bloomberg, n.d.)
As for the hiring pool for the regionals,they are concerned because the majors are pulling pilots to work for them without having a high enough number of incoming pilots to keep a balance. The number of hours needed is hard to achieve. I feel it would be beneficial to allow student hours but also if the regionals offer a scholarship or financial aid to students while in school with the promise to work for them after getting their degrees.
While ALPA represents the pilots, am organization that represents other aspects of the industry would be AAAE, American Association of Airport Executives. (Laws, n.d.) Founded in 1928, it is the worlds professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports.
Professionalism to me is acting or behaving to the highest standards and making sure things are done in a correct and timely manner. One lack of professionalism in the movie Flying Cheap would be that the captain of a flight falsified a record so that his aircraft would not be overweight and did not have to do any extra work or waiting while fixing the overload. Also that when it was brought into the court system, the DOA backed that captain instead of the first officer who noticed they were overweight and wanted to be professionally correct. Another example would be that the first officer of the Colgan Air flight was sick, stated that she was sick to the captain, yet they both went along with the flight,
I do feel that first year pilot pay is a contributing factor in the lack of professionalism. As I just said before, that first officer and captain went up in unsafe conditions. They are paid from the time the door shuts to the time they open. Their need for money to pay off all their loans from getting to where they are while still maintaining an average life is so great and they are not given substantial opportunity, They will do whatever it takes to get that paycheck and unfortunately that means following unsafe procedures.
I plan to be professional myself in my current and future jobs by maintaining safety at all times, it is the highest of importance. Along with making sure i keep my books up to record and following all procedures to a t.
Shrinking Pool of Future Pilots Keeps Major Airlines on Edge. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-29/shrinking-pool-of-future-pilots-keeps-major-airlines-on-edge
Laws, B. (n.d.). About AAAE. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from http://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/About_AAAE/AAAEMemberResponsive/About_AAAE/About_AAAE.aspx?hkey=17fa23bc-bfe6-4589-9c8b-c362c1e7c303
According to a study by the Univesity of North Dakota's Aviation Department, the pilot shortage will increase to 15000 by 2026 as the current captains reach the mandatory retirement age and fewer people are coming into the industry. Like I said before, this decrease in incoming pilots is due to monetary issues. The overall cost of the flight training and certification which can be up to $16,000 just for a private pilot license, the low pay at the regionals as was said before and the increase in required hours needed to become a first officer installed after the Colgan Air accident. Airlines are attempting to counteract these issues by changing hiring requirements, increasing signing bonuses and partnering with flight schools and university flight programs. (Bloomberg, n.d.)
As for the hiring pool for the regionals,they are concerned because the majors are pulling pilots to work for them without having a high enough number of incoming pilots to keep a balance. The number of hours needed is hard to achieve. I feel it would be beneficial to allow student hours but also if the regionals offer a scholarship or financial aid to students while in school with the promise to work for them after getting their degrees.
While ALPA represents the pilots, am organization that represents other aspects of the industry would be AAAE, American Association of Airport Executives. (Laws, n.d.) Founded in 1928, it is the worlds professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports.
Professionalism to me is acting or behaving to the highest standards and making sure things are done in a correct and timely manner. One lack of professionalism in the movie Flying Cheap would be that the captain of a flight falsified a record so that his aircraft would not be overweight and did not have to do any extra work or waiting while fixing the overload. Also that when it was brought into the court system, the DOA backed that captain instead of the first officer who noticed they were overweight and wanted to be professionally correct. Another example would be that the first officer of the Colgan Air flight was sick, stated that she was sick to the captain, yet they both went along with the flight,
I do feel that first year pilot pay is a contributing factor in the lack of professionalism. As I just said before, that first officer and captain went up in unsafe conditions. They are paid from the time the door shuts to the time they open. Their need for money to pay off all their loans from getting to where they are while still maintaining an average life is so great and they are not given substantial opportunity, They will do whatever it takes to get that paycheck and unfortunately that means following unsafe procedures.
I plan to be professional myself in my current and future jobs by maintaining safety at all times, it is the highest of importance. Along with making sure i keep my books up to record and following all procedures to a t.
Shrinking Pool of Future Pilots Keeps Major Airlines on Edge. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-29/shrinking-pool-of-future-pilots-keeps-major-airlines-on-edge
Laws, B. (n.d.). About AAAE. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from http://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/About_AAAE/AAAEMemberResponsive/About_AAAE/About_AAAE.aspx?hkey=17fa23bc-bfe6-4589-9c8b-c362c1e7c303
Friday, September 16, 2016
Introduction
Hello!
My interest in aviation began when I was just a child. I have always been that person to hear an airplane and stop whatever I am doing to look up and search the sky. My parents took me to almost every airshow at the Selfridge Air Base and one of my major influences was when my uncle, who served as a US Marine, took us to go see Marine One. So here i am, 10+ years later as an aviation flight technology major. When i first started out here, my expected graduation date was 2016. However, I am kind of poor so I am really hoping to be done after this next year and a half.
I originally wanted to join the Marines, be like my uncle, but due to the current political standings, I have decided to start looking at some other options, though nothing is set in stone. I suppose if I decide not to enlist, flying cargo would be my next option. I have heard good things about flying for UPS or FEDEX and I think that if my plane were to ever crash, I would be like Tom Hanks. Have a volleyball be my only companion and I would make back and hand deliver that last package.
In terms of the guest speakers, I think it would be interesting to see a military pilot and hear about their career and life. Also someone from the cargo industry. I feel like this could help me further decide my career choice.
My interest in aviation began when I was just a child. I have always been that person to hear an airplane and stop whatever I am doing to look up and search the sky. My parents took me to almost every airshow at the Selfridge Air Base and one of my major influences was when my uncle, who served as a US Marine, took us to go see Marine One. So here i am, 10+ years later as an aviation flight technology major. When i first started out here, my expected graduation date was 2016. However, I am kind of poor so I am really hoping to be done after this next year and a half.
I originally wanted to join the Marines, be like my uncle, but due to the current political standings, I have decided to start looking at some other options, though nothing is set in stone. I suppose if I decide not to enlist, flying cargo would be my next option. I have heard good things about flying for UPS or FEDEX and I think that if my plane were to ever crash, I would be like Tom Hanks. Have a volleyball be my only companion and I would make back and hand deliver that last package.
In terms of the guest speakers, I think it would be interesting to see a military pilot and hear about their career and life. Also someone from the cargo industry. I feel like this could help me further decide my career choice.
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