Publications

ACRP 2019: Augmented Reality Training Systems

Executive Summary

This report presents an innovative design solution for Airport Operation and Maintenance for the 2018-2019 ACRP University Design Challenge. We present a solution to Airport Operation and Maintenance Challenge E: “Innovative applications including web-based solutions, for airport operations and maintenance”. Airport operations training is facing a potential succession crisis as mid-level and senior operations personnel prepare to retire. Many airports do not have employees prepared to assume these positions, and institutional knowledge is in danger of being lost. This problem is especially severe in airport operations where most training is based on job shadowing, and institutional knowledge is often not written down but passed on during this training. Current training methods and training software have gaps in meeting the needs of airport managers. Insights gained from interactions with industry experts and literature review on potential improvements, helped us better understand the needs of the airport managers. These interactions provided us with information for multiple iterations during the conceptual design phase for this proposed training system. From our risk analysis and cost/benefit analysis, we show that Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) solutions have a large positive potential impact to improve airport operations training. 

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ISAP 2019: Investigating the Effect of Micro-Quadcopter Flight on UAS Instruction

Abstract

This paper examines student perceptions of micro-quadcopter flights in a higher education setting through a case study format. The purpose of the flight activity discussed is to allow students to familiarize themselves with quadcopter flight characteristics, as early as possible, at their own pace in a low stress environment. Through a series of interviews with students who had taken a course where this activity was performed it was found that students enjoyed the activity and found it engaging. Some students felt that the activity provided them confidence for later courses, and many felt that it helped teach basic quadcopter control. It was also found that if the activity is repeated in later courses it should include some form of directed activity, instead of focusing on “free flight”. Several students brought up another activity in the course, simulator flights, and these are briefly discussed. Future work should look to find if these activities have a positive effect on student flight performance.

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Master's Thesis: Leveraging UAS for 3D Orthomosaic Aircraft Images to Support Maintenance Activities

 Abstract

As ultra-high resolution aerial imaging becomes inexpensive and easily acquired through unmanned aerial systems, UAS, inspection industries are presented with the opportunity to reduce cost without reducing inspection quality. UAS technology allows for images to be taken at a relatively low cost with accuracy equivalent to laser scanning systems. A UAS equipped with a camera can be used to create a three dimensional orthomosaic model of an aircraft. This model has the potential to: increase
the speed of visual inspections, increase the safety of visual inspections, improve maintenance training practices, and allow for aircraft condition tracking. The creation of this model is the goal of this research. The researcher will use a readily available UAS as well as a readily available camera. These are chosen to determine if these models can be created without specialized equipment. The research performed in this thesis suggests that specialized equipment will be required to create a model accurate enough for aircraft maintenance use. 

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ACRP 2017: Leveraging Existing Technologies in Order to Create a Resilient Autonomous FOD Detection System

Executive Summary

This report presents an innovative design solution for Technical Design Challenge 1, Airport Operation and Maintenance, for the 2017-2018 ACRP University Design Challenge. The project focuses one of the design challenges from the competition guidelines in Section B, “Improved methods for foreign object detection and removal from runway surfaces”.This system design approach uses three main elements: using proven technologies, augmenting current practices, and creating a system with a robust safety net. This system will work in concert with airport operations personnel for FOD detection and collection, where the vehicle detects FOD and a human collects it. This cooperation will increase the FOD detection rates at airports, and reduce runway closure times while allowing human oversight of the autonomous operations. Increasing FOD detection rates will allow airports to reduce the frequency of FOD events and increase the safety of air travel while reducing airline maintenance costs. 

 

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ISAP 2017: Effects of Simulator Training for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Undergraduate Education

Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are being added to the national airspace (NAS) in very large numbers. Many universities have seen this demand for UAS operators and begun to create programs in order to train undergraduate students in their use. The UAS industry currently lacks adequate training requirements for beginning operators. This fact makes university training important, because universities are one of the few places that offer structured training. While the UAS industry in the US is in its infancy it is possible to draw parallelisms the training history of manned flight in order to avoid pitfalls and offer training in the most efficient way possible. This study utilizes a mid-fidelity UAS simulation program in order to test the application of this technology. Preliminary results show that simulator technology is helpful in teaching UAS flight in an undergraduate setting. 

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