Mountainous regions have more convection and convection initiation in their vicinity than regions without. However, the area occupied by the cells tends to be larger over the adjacent valleys. This research provides meteorologists with a clearer understanding of thunderstorm behavior in complex terrain.
Fatigue Risk Management: Sleep and Mental Health STUDENTS Jordan Shaw, Aeronautics Bradley Riedle, Aeronautics
MENTOR Assistant Professor Stacey McIntire, Aeronautical Science
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulated Flight Into Inadvertent IMC STUDENT Elizabeth Mitchell, Aeronautical Science – Helicopter MENTOR Associate Professor Dawn Groh , Aeronautical Science Within the realm of aviation, specifically helicopters, there is a clear abundance of accidental flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This issue is much more catastrophic when compared to the airplane counter piece of aviation since helicopters, on average, have 56 seconds to recover after inadvertent IMC entry compared to airplanes' 176 seconds (about three minutes). This matter is also one of the top three causes of fatal helicopter accidents. To decrease that number, a short course using a virtual reality (VR) simulator was featured at the HAI Heli-Expo 2022. Pilot currency, flight hours, certification, scenario reaction and flight outcome data were collected during the use of this course. This data will be forwarded to the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and HAI for further improvement and increased awareness.
The development of risk management systems in aviation has accrued countless research that delivered heaps of data points to be observed. Air Methods, one of the largest air medevac companies in the country, has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to redevelop a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). This system addresses a sleep efficiency evaluation tool and the importance of mental health and resiliency education to combat fatigue. For the sleep component in this FRMS, the creation of a sleep evaluation tool required qualitative research into industry best practices and standards of sleep. The quantitative research is still in progress and will be utilized by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s future students to analyze a percentile change in sleep-induced fatigue. Recognizing pilot mental health as a priority, Air Methods also requested the identification of best practice tools and techniques to improve pilot mental resiliency. Various techniques employed by first responders utilized to handle distressing situations could also be helpful to Air Method's pilots and clinicians. Additionally, mental health scholars and professionals were interviewed to get a better understanding of how to effectively implement mental health techniques in the Air Methods company. Over the next few years, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University capstone teams will continue to adjust and improve upon this research.
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