Final blog, revisiting UAVs

The blog topic I am revisiting is the topic on UAS, UAS is such a huge and wide range topic and I believe we only covered a small portion in the blog. I was helping my girlfriend with her NPRM assignment and going over the NPRM, I realized that there was more to the UAS then what I originally wrote. You have the Drone regulations that fall under part 107(knowbeforeyoufly) which originally was under the 333 exemption. In class we talked about integrating drones into the NAS, The FAA has been trying to incorporate drones into the NAS but we believe it will be a long time because the whole process of being able to have it connected to ADS-B, transponder, or radios. We are sure that the technology will be there one day, just not today. ‘The FAA has a dream to incorporate UAS with the NAS. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a comprehensive plan and subsequently the FAA issued a roadmap of its efforts to achieve safe integration of UAS operations into the NAS. To determine under section 333, we must assess “which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security.” (Operations and certification of a small UAS)

 Now in my blog I was saying how it will not be integrated but I believe that with the upcoming technology that it will be and right now a lot of people see it as a risk and there are dangers with incorporating UAS into the NAS.  We talked about the pros and cons, but even after talking about all this, did we ever stop and ask ourselves, “Is this right? Do we really need to regulate another thing? Do we have to stop young kids from having fun with remote control helicopters or drones? Do we have the right to tell them how to fly their drones around their houses? What happens to people and privacy? Can we shoot down drones if we think they are invading our privacy?”

I believe that everyone has the right to do what they want on their property, if they want to fly UAS then that should be their right, but I also believe that you also have the right to shoot down a drone that is over your property because of privacy and you should not be in trouble due to the fact of shooting down a drone such as a case in 2015 when a man in Kentucky shoots down a drone that was flying over his property. William Merideth in July shot down a drone that was flying over his house, he thought the drone was spying on his 16-year-old daughter who was sunbathing in their garden so he took out his shotgun and blasted the drone out of the sky. (Matyszczyk,2015) so this right here is an example of something you should not do with your drone but if it is over your own property then you should have every right to fly a drone at your own will.

Now I do think that with operating a UAS you should think of the potential risk and dangers that come from operating UAS and should state it on the box or something. There is a risk to the public associated with UAS operations. Small UAS operations pose risk considerations that are different from the risk considerations associated with manned-aircraft operations. The potential to prevent significantly less risk to persons and property than comparable operations of a manned aircraft. The typical total takeoff weight of a general aviation aircraft is between 1,300 and 6,000 pounds. The total takeoff weight of a small unmanned aircraft is less than 55 pounds. Since a small unmanned aircraft is significantly lighter than a manned aircraft, in the event of a mishap, the small unmanned aircraft would pose significantly less risk to persons and property on the ground. There are so many risks when it comes to operating anything that flies. (WilleyRin,llp, 2015)

Resources

Matyszczyk October 28, 2015 11:13 AM PDT @ChrisMatyszczyk, C. (2015). Judge rules man had right to shoot down drone over his house. Retrieved December 13, 2016, from https://www.cnet.com/news/judge-rules-man-had-right-to-shoot-down-drone-over-his-house/

Regulations.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2016, from https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2015-0150-4721

Summary of NPRM on Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2016, from http://www.wileyrein.com/newsroom-newsletters-item-5247.html

RECREATIONAL USERS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/for-recreational-users/

Job Plan

1) What were your  job plans at the beginning of the course? Have they changed? Why or why not?

    My job plans were to work probably as a dispatcher, maybe a flight instructor on the side. i never had any real desire to be an airline pilot. The more class went by and school I still do not really see what lies ahead but I'm still sticking to dispatch and operations. If being a pilot is what is meant to be then life will lead me in that direction.

2) What is your action plan upon graduation?

   After I graduate I plan to start working, start saving for a house. Go to Italy with my girlfriend and possibly do the whole get married thing after school. Go home to Arizona for awhile and spend time Ive missed with my family. I have not thought much on it, but since I will graduate in the summer time, it is something I really need to start focusing on.

3) What was the most useful topic that we discussed and why?

 

   To me I really think the Topic on professionalism was the best topic we went over, for pilots and even if you're not flying for a living you still need to maintain that professionalism in any work environment you are placed in. 

4) What was the least useful topic that we discussed and why?

   I think the topic on space was the least useful topic, it was an entertaining blog topic but that is all it was, I do not think it was really valuable that much.

Aviation Organizations

Two Aviation Organizations that I believe are beneficial for those in the Aviation industry to belong too are AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Air Line Pilots Association) and the second would be to the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association.)

AOPA is an organization that deals around General Aviation, their mission statement is, "We protect your freedom to fly." They accomplish this by:

1. ·         advocating on behalf of our members,
2. ·         educating pilots, nonpilots, and policy makers alike,
3. ·         supporting activities that ensure the long-term health of General Aviation,
4. ·         fighting to keep General Aviation accessible to all, and
5. ·         securing sufficient resources to ensure our success.(“AOPA’s Mission”, n.d.)

AOPA offers a variety of services to members including insurance and financing options, as well as both legal and medical services. You can get anything from scholarships to loans.

The EAA is the Experimental Aircraft Association and is a community of aviation enthusiasts who promote and support recreational flying. More than 180,000 members worldwide share a common passion for all things aviation. EAA is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and hosts the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In & Convention every July. Their mission is to grow participation in aviation by promoting the “Spirit of Aviation.” (“EAA, Who we are,”n.d.) They serve the community by:

1.       Inspiring new participants in aviation
2. ·         Inviting the public to experience flight
3. ·         Providing a compelling view of possibilities
4. ·         Nurturing interest in aviation
5. ·         Supporting clear pathways to participation
6. ·         Enriching the participation experience
7.       Protecting rights and the freedom to fly
8. ·         Encouraging affordable flying in a local environment
9. ·         Cultivating and providing knowledge, information, and resources
10. ·         Embracing diverse interests, camaraderie, and fun
11. ·         Supporting and promoting aviation events and activities.(“EAA, Who we are,”n.d.)

I believe in the aviation industry is it nice to know that you have organizations to have your back and I am a member of both organizations. AOPA is free for military personal and veterans and EAA is $40.  

References:

AOPA's Mission, Vision and Values. (n.d.). Retrieved from

            https://www.aopa.org/about/mission-vision-and-values

Aviation Admissions

Carbon dioxide emissions is a hot topic and the impact it has on the environment. According to Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) flights worldwide produce 781 tonnes of CO2 in 2015, and globally humans produced over 36 billion in CO2. 2% all human induced CO2 is produced in the aviation industry. 12% is responsible from all transports sources, 35% of the CO2 is thanks to companies wanting value commodities being shipped by air. 70% of jets now are more fuel efficient. 80% is by alternative fuels, and if commercial aviation were to get 6% of its fuel supply from bio fuels by 2020, this would reduce the carbon footprint by 5% the aviation industry has invested nearly over $1.3 trillion dollars to improve fuel efficiency and to improve overall emissions. (Facts and Figures, 2016)

The UNs agreement that we read states that ‘it sets carbon emissions limits on international flights’ according to Joan Lowy. She also says that, “Airlines that exceed that limit in future years, as most are expected to do, will have to offset their emissions growth by buying credits from other industries and projects that limit greenhouse gas emissions” (2016) I believe this will motivate Airline companies to make sure to keep their emissions low and not waste their money and keep spending money on emission credits.

President-Elect Donald Trump has spoken against the Paris agreement; he intends to cancel the Paris Agreement because he feels that it would be bad for business. He stated, “he would ‘renegotiate’ the global agreement involving nearly all countries” the President-Elect Trump has made it pretty clear that he would pull out of Paris Agreement. (“Donald Trump would cancel”, 2016)

Are these laws necessary? I would have to say yes I agree with the laws to an extent because we have to do all we can with our carbon footprint. No we may not release as much CO2 as road transportation which is 74% more of CO2 emissions and I think that even though they focus on Aviation, they need to work on the other industries that release a lot more.

References:

Facts & Figures - Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). (2016, May). Retrieved from

            http://www.atag.org/facts-and-figures.html

Lowy, J. (2016, October 06). UN agreement reached on aircraft climate-change emissions.

            Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2016-10-06/un-

            agreement-reached-on-aircraft-climate-change-emissions

Donald Trump would 'cancel' Paris climate deal. (2016, May 27). Retrieved from

            http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-36401174

Global Airlines and the unfair playground

The US Department of State defines the open skies agreement as, “Open Skies agreements have vastly expanded international passenger and cargo flights to and from the United States, promoting increased travel and trade, enhancing productivity, and spurring high-quality job opportunities and economic growth.  Open Skies agreements do this by eliminating government interference in the commercial decisions of air carriers about routes, capacity, and pricing, freeing carriers to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air service for consumers.” (US State Dept.) It basically allows the airlines of both countries to freely serve the other country’s airports without having to get individual permission for each and every airport. The United States and The United Arab Emirates have this agreement. The Open Skies Agreement between the United States, and the United Arab Emirates is currently experiencing issues. The three big US airlines, (Delta, American and United) complained that the Gulf carriers are at an unfair advantage due to the fact that they are supported by the government. They also argued that (Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar) all combined have received over $42 billion in subsidies since 2004. (Sumers, 2016) Emirates and Etihad deny receiving any unfair subsidies, due to the fact that American companies receive government subsidies as well. The government subsidizes the airlines is trough Essential Air Service, which is a Federal program that provides airlines subsidizes to fly less profitable routes to prevent a certain location from losing air travel all together. (U.S Department of Transportation, 2016)

The Import-Export Bank allows foreign carriers to purchase US aircraft at favorable interest rates that are lower than the rates that US carriers can obtain.  The reason for this is to encourage foreign companies to purchase American products. Since the Import-Export Bank came to be, it basically allows a foreign carrier to purchase an American aircraft like any Boeing aircraft for example below what the markets interest rates are, which allows them to save millions of more dollars then the domestic carriers. (Weisman & Lipton, 2015)

After reading many articles, I think that the playing field is fair. I believe that with the Export-Import Bank that it helps with the US Economy. It is cheaper for the foreign carrier to purchase the aircraft and since they can, they are able to purchase more. So more money for us, “YEY” I think that since there is more competition out there the big airlines are just being selfish because now people have many more options to go now. I think though, one thing the major airlines want to do is to shut down the Export-Import bank so that the foreign carriers have to pay more. Although in the end, both the US Airlines and the Middle Eastern Airlines are very successful businesses. I think everyone just needs to get along and help each other out because we all fly the same sky.

Refrences:

U.S Department of Transportation. (2016, May 17). Essential Air Service . In Department of Transportation. Retrieved November 4, 2016, from https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/essential-air-service

Weisman, J., & Lipton, E. (2015, April 6). Boeing and Delta Spend Millions in Fight Over Export-Import Bank’s Existence. In New York Times. Retrieved November 4, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/07/business/boeing-delta-air-lines-export-import-bank.html?_r=1

Sumers, B. (2016, June 28). U.S. Airlines Set to Lose Major Battle Against Gulf Carriers in Open Skies Debate. Retrieved November 4, 2016, from https://skift.com/2016/06/28/u-s-airlines-set-to-lose-major-battle-against-gulf-carriers-in-open-skies-debate/

Kane, F. (2016, January 30). Open skies dispute between US and Gulf airlines escalates.
Retrieved from http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/open-skies-dispute-between-us-and-gulf-airlines-escalates

Open Skies Agreements. (n.d.). Retrieved November 04, 2016, from

http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/

China taking flight: COMAC C919

I honestly do not believe that the C919 will get FAA certified anytime soon. Maybe in the future it could be possible but if you look back at COMAC's (commercial aircraft corporation of China) earlier aircraft you will see that it is highly unlikely unless they really put forth the work. In a bid to challenge aviation giants Airbus and Boeing, China embarked on an ambitious mission to build their own aircraft, the COMAC C919 for civilian service. The COMAC C919 is the second aircraft model that is being built by the company with the first being the ARJ21 Advanced Regional Jet. (Powell, 2015) Currently, the Chinese are having difficulty with the certification of their regional jet, the ARJ21-700 which entered service this past June and has not received any FAA certifications. With its current specifications, the ARJ-21 failed to receive FAA certification which severely limits its markets as it can't be flown in the U.S. Some believe that the FAA is taking their time in the certification process because of political and economic issues between the FAA and the CAAC (Gavindasamy & Miller, 2015). Although there has been setbacks, according to some emails the FAA was reported to have said that, “The FAA enjoys a good working relationship with CAAC and will continue to work together to develop a path to work towards certification of the derivative model of the ARJ-21 and, possibly, the C919.” (Govindasamy and Miller, 2015) Even though there are difficulties with the manufacturing process, the FAA, “Could certify an airplane after it enters service if it can be shown to comply with all relevant airworthiness and manufacturing standards.” (Govindasamy and Miller, 2015) So it will not be anytime soon, if they do get FAA certified, it will be down the road in a few more years possibly.

Let’s say that by chance China is able to get certified by the FAA, I do not think that it will take off with the major airlines right away. According to a report by China National Radio in June predicted that C919 was likely to be priced at £32 million (US$50 million), which was up to 30 per cent cheaper than a Boeing 737 or an Airbus 320. (Mailonline, 2015) Now with the price of the aircraft I can see it being desirable for regional carriers or a company interested in starting up a 121 operation. I think the majors will hold off due to the fact that they would have to send their pilots to china, they would have to get all systems and the ops specs and MELS in English, it would be more pain then it is worth since already having Boeing and Airbus aircraft at their disposal. Now when you think of China, or things that are “Made in China,” you automatically think cheap, a knock off from the real deal. You go to china and spend 100 on a Rolex and then you think, “oh wait a minute? How does a Rolex cost so little?” Next thing you know it breaks in a week. So I think when the American population realize that our aircraft are coming from China they may hesitate in purchasing a ticket. So I think that Major airlines will wait and see how the airplane is for a certain number of years see how regional carriers operate it, if it is used in the US at all. 135 carriers might even try to get in on the aircraft and try and convert them into cargo planes to save cost on purchasing any 737s or 747s. So if they are introduced into the market with Airbus or Boeing then they are going to really step up their game.

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is a state-owned limited liability company, which is formed with the approval of the State Council and jointly invested by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and was established on May 11, 2008 in Shanghai, China. Since they are owned by the government it means also that COMAC is all funded by China and so is the rest of the Chinese airlines so I believe there is a good relationship there. COMAC has the ARJ-21 which is a 90 passenger jet that made its' first flight commercial flight on June 28, 2016.

In my search through Google I have not really found anything on Airbus or Boeing responding about COMAC’s aircraft. I believe that is due to the fact that they know that it will not be much of a threat.

Refrences:

Govindasamy, S., Miller, M. (2015, October 21). Exclusive: china-made regional jet set for delivery, but no U.S. certification. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-aircraft-arj21-exclusive-idUSKCN0SF2XN20151021

COMAC. (n.d.). Company profile Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://english.comac.cc/aboutus/introduction/

Powell, S. (2015, November 9). China’s COMAC C919 aircraft running behind schedule – First commercial flight not before 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://loyaltylobby.com/2015/11/09/chinas-comac-c919-aircraft-running-behind-schedule-first-commercial-flight-not-before-2019/#disqus_thread

Commercial Space Industry

April 12th, 1961 was the biggest day in the space race. Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space after making a 108-minute orbital flight in the Vostok 1 Spacecraft. (Jim Wilson, NASA) Shortly after this and two months later an American went up into space, Pam Am Airlines decides to start selling tickets for a trip to space. Customers were placed on a waiting list and the ‘First Moon Flights’ Club was born – attracting more than 93,000 members over the next two decades” (Pan Am and the waiting list). Most space travel that has been done so far has been by the wealthy and private companies who would take Russian rockets to the International Space Station. The last private trip was in 2009 by a wealthy Canadian name Guy Laliberte, who went to space by the company SpaceAdventures. (Taylor Dinerma, Observer. 2015) The most promising I woud have to say would be the work that Virgin Galactic is doing, who is working pretty hard to make the dream a reality. Only 557 people have been to space and Virgin Galactic has been working to make it a reality; well for $250,000 a seat that is.  (Virgin Galactic, Fly with us.)

The U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, was passed November 16, 2015.  Which later got renamed to Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship Act of 2015. Which allows The US citizens to engage in the commercial exploration and exploitation of space resources. (SPACE Act of 2015.) This rule gives the companies conducting these space flights time to learn and if they do go up into space that it’s their own risk and that the government is not responsible.

I can see the Commercial space industry becoming more accessible to the public in about 20 years. We have come a long way since 1961, but even with the technology we have now and the test flights that are being done. I believe that companies still need to keep studying and understand as much as possible. It would be nice to one day to be able to go up to a ticket counter like you would do for any Airline and be able to purchase a ticket to go into space.

So in order to be qualified to be a pilot or to work in this field there are some pretty strict rules. For Virgin Galactic these requirements are as follow:

• U.S. citizenship.
• A current FAA commercial  pilot license and FAA medical clearance.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school, with at least two and a half years of postgraduate flight test experience.
• Diverse flying background with a minimum of 3,000 hours flying, to include considerable experience of large multi-engine aircraft and high-performance fast jet aircraft and low lift-to-drag experience in complex aircraft.
• Operational experience in an aerospace aviation project or business.
• Preference given to those with experience in spaceflight, commercial flight operations or flight instruction(“Dozens apply for space pilot jobs”, 2011).

If you are not a pilot and wish to do something else, if you are an A&P, or mechanical Engineer, Electrician, Avionics, any metal or material expert you could probably find a job.

Refrences:

Dozens apply for space pilot jobs. (2011, April 13). Retrieved from

            http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2011/04/13/6466987-dozens-apply-for-space-pilot-

            jobs

Pan Am and the waiting list for the moon…. (n.d.). Retrieved from

            http://backstoryradio.org/2013/08/19/pan-am-and-the-waiting-list-for-the-moon/

Fly with Us. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.virgingalactic.com/human-spaceflight/

            fly-with-us/

Yuri Gagarin: First Man in Space ((2011, April 13). Retrieved from

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/sts1/gagarin_anniversary.html

2016 Could Be the Year Space Tourism Takes Off: Taylor Dinerman (2015, September 22) Retrieved from

                http://observer.com/2015/09/2016-could-be-the-year-space-tourism-takes-off/