Aeronautical Science

  Aviation and Transportation Security Act   Terrorist hijackings were nothing new to the aviation world with countless hijackings or attempts throughout the history of aviation. Although measures were taken beforehand, September 11, 2001 would be the day that changed the aviation world forever. Many of us most likely remember where we were on that fateful day when 18 operatives from an al-Qaeda terrorist network hijacked four commercial airliners over the U.S. killing nearly 3,000 people.   In response to this, Congress would go on to pass S.1447 - Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001, establishing the TSA. Quite a few major changes came along with this new Act including federalization of the screening workforce, 100% screening of baggage for explosives, expanded list of individuals that could be denied aircraft boarding or subjected to additional screening, deploying an increased amount of air marshals, the creation of a program to arm aircraft ...

  Team-Based Human Factors Challenges        As we read from the FAA’s website about Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance, the FAA states, “Our research combines scientific understanding of human performance with applied studies conducted with industry partners. The results are solid science, psychology, and engineering delivered in plans, procedures, and software that can be immediately implemented to improve safety.” (Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance, n.d.) The last line about the software that can be implemented to improve safety brings up the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) tragedies that caused two catastrophic crashes, killing 346 people, and grounding Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 in the process.        In short, the MCAS was designed and released by Boeing for the new MAX 8. Due to the larger engines on the MAX 8, the engines were installed forward and higher than the previous positions. The engine housings...