November is National Aviation History Month, when the accomplishments and milestone achievements of men and women aviators are recognized. In honor of this celebration, Vaughn College has chronicled some of the industry’s most momentous first flights in the history of aviation. Test your knowledge to see how many you know.
1783—First Hot-Air Balloon Flight
Inspired by a paper bag rising on the flow of heated air, French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier launched their first hot air balloon, which carried a sheep, a duck and a rooster.
1852—First Powered Flight
Jules Henri Giffard, a French engineer and inventor, built the first full-size steam-powered airship. This first powered flight took off 51 years before that of the famous Wright Brothers.
1884—First Roundtrip Flight
French Army Corps of Engineers Charles Renard and Arthur C. Krebs were the inventors and military officers who became credited with building an elongated balloon that successfully took off―flew five miles―and landed at the same location.
1903—The Wright Brothers and the First Flight
Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneered the principles for the first powered airplane when they flew their Wright Flyer on a 12-second test flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
1911—First United States (US) Woman Pilot
Harriet Quimby, an early American aviator and movie screenwriter, was the first woman to be awarded a US pilot’s certificate in the United States. She was also the first woman to fly across the English Channel. As a result of these accomplishments, she is credited for influencing the role of women in aviation.
1914—World’s First Commercial Airline
Passengers aboard The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line made history on the world’s first commercial airline service between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida—in just 20 minutes.
1927—Charles Lindbergh and the First Solo Transatlantic Flight
Charles Lindbergh―American aviator, military officer, author, inventor and activist―made history as he piloted the Spirit of St. Louis down the dirt runway of Roosevelt Field in New York and landed in Paris 34 hours later, making him the first pilot to solo a nonstop trans-Atlantic flight.
1947—Breaking the Sound Barrier
Aboard the US Air Force experimental rocket Bell X-1, renowned United States Air Force officer and flying ace Chuck Yeager was the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound.
1958—First Domestic Jet Passenger Service
National Airlines is credited with the inaugural jet passenger service between New York and Miami.
1961—The First Man in Space
Aboard the Soviet Vostok 1 spacecraft, Yuri Gagarin was the first human to travel in space. His 108- minute orbit of the Earth launched the era of manned spaceflight and escalated the race between the US and the Soviet Union, which ultimately led to the first manned moon mission.
1969—Apollo 11: First Men on the Moon
US astronauts Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin were the first men to set foot on the moon, where they left behind their footprints, part of the spacecraft and an American flag.
1971—Salyut 1: The First Space Station
The Salyut 1 was the world’s first space station that helped develop methods for living and working in space over long periods of time.
1981—Space Shuttle Exploration
Exactly 20 years after Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, the space shuttle Columbia blasted into space on its first historic flight. Over the next 30 years, this space shuttle and its four sister ships carried more than 850 astronauts into space, despite the tragedies that would befall the Challenger, and in time, Columbia itself.
1993—First Woman Co-pilot on Commercial Supersonic Plane
British Airways pilot Barbara Harmer was the first woman to fly as first officer on the Concorde from London to New York City.
2005—First Non-stop Solo Flight Around the World Without Refueling
Steve Fossett―American businessman, adventurer and record-setting aviator―set the record for the first non-stop solo flight around the world without refueling. Flying aboard the Virgin Atlantic “Globalflyer,” Fossett travelled almost 23,000 miles around the world, beginning at Salina, Kansas and arriving back 67 hours later.
2017—First All-Female Flight Crew
Southwest Airlines celebrated its first all-female flight crew of two pilots and four flight attendants.
2018—First Space Mission Where US Astronauts Were Women
NASA flight engineer Serena Auñón-Chancellor and NASA astronaut Anne McClain made history in Expedition 57―the first space mission where the only two astronauts representing the United States were both female.
2019—First All-Female Spacewalk
Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir floated into the history books when they became NASA’s first all-female spacewalk. Koch and Meir were the first US female astronauts to venture outside of the International Space Station.
First experiences leave lasting impressions that can pave the way to future endeavors. Are you ready to take the first step toward a career in aviation? See all that’s possible with an aviation degree from Vaughn College.
Drone enthusiasts are flying high in the month of November as the first-ever National Drone Safety Awareness Week kicked off on Monday, November 4, 2019. This week-long event was promoted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help educate the public about drone safety and spread awareness by providing support to the drone community.
Are you interested in earning your drone pilot license or do you just want to learn more about the exciting world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)? Check out how Vaughn College celebrated this inaugural event to peak your passion in becoming a drone pilot.
Vaughn Celebrated National Drone Safety Awareness Week
In honor of the FAA’s Drone Safety Awareness Week, Vaughn invites you to be a part of the drone community by:
Enrolling in a drone course: Drone Laws and Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems
FAA Eastern Region Regional Administrator, Jennifer Solomon, was on campus on Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to discuss drone safety and the need for young talent at the FAA
Whether someone is currently a drone pilot, is thinking about becoming one, or just wants to learn the latest about safe drone operations for recreational use, there’s something for everyone. Some of the topics explored included how public safety agencies are using drones to create safer communities; how drones are instrumental in infrastructure and agriculture; how drones are revolutionizing commercial and medical package delivery; and how drone photography helps the real estate and insurance business.
Why Drone Safety is Important
Operating a drone is a privilege. It comes with great responsibility, along with the education and understanding of operation within the FAA guidelines. Keeping the world’s safest and most efficient aerospace is the FAA’s primary mission—and drones are part of that responsibility.
Today, drones are being used more than ever before, making communities safer while providing enhanced career opportunities to pilots. So, how does one become a drone pilot? If this is a career possibility that interests you, learn how Vaughn sets the pace to help you earn your Remote Pilot Certificate.
Staying the Course
Flying a commercial drone requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. “At Vaughn, we offer the courses you need that lead to certification so you can start working in your field sooner than later,” said Loretta Alkalay, adjunct professor at Vaughn College. “Enrolling in our Drone Law course is a great place to start. It’s one of the key safety benefits to becoming a drone pilot.” Alkalay teaches drone law at Vaughn and brings years of experience as an aviation attorney and former regional counsel for the FAA. Her personal passion of taking photographs with drones earned her a two-page spread in UAS Magazine.
A few reasons students are encouraged to take this course include:
Acquiring a better understanding of controlled and uncontrolled airspace
Understanding weather patterns and how it impacts flying
Learning about aerodynamic issues
Gaining the power of professionalism
In August 2016, the FAA released Part 107, which provides information to individuals who are interested in obtaining their Remote Pilot Certificate.
Current recreational drone safety rules at a glance
The FAA is committed to drone safety. Here’s a quick glance of the current recreational rules to keep in mind:
Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people
Never fly near emergencies such as fires or hurricane recovery efforts
Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Are you interested in the aviation industry or becoming a drone pilot? Discover all that’s possible with an aviation degree from Vaughn College.
RoboBee is all the buzz this year. This insect-inspired microrobot drone which is half the size of a paperclip “flew” its way into the history books in August 2019 as the lightest vehicle to take a sustained, untethered solo flight. With the help of a second pair of wings and other modifications, Harvard researchers nicknamed the bot RoboBee “X-Wing,” after the four-winged starfighters from “Star Wars,” cutting its power cord for the first time as it achieved this groundbreaking flight.
Vaughn College is spotlighting this exciting advancement in robotics and electrical engineering to show how groups of tiny robots like RoboBee may someday be invaluable in search and rescue missions, surveillance, environmental monitoring and even crop pollination; similar to how experts see the larger purpose of drones in the future. (Read about Vaughn’s robotics team, former winners of the VEX Worlds Robotics Competition and how the team continues to up its game each year at the competition.)
Busy as a bee
With decades of research under its belt, a research robotics team at Harvard’s Wyss Institute is credited with revolutionary breakthroughs in manufacturing, materials and design to make this untethered flight happen. They developed a flapping wing system made of a composite material and constructed it through a process called laser machining. For nearly a decade, RoboBee remained tethered. Adding another set of wings to RoboBee and less visible changes to the actuators and transmission ratio gave the microrobot enough lift for researchers to attach solar cells to an electronics panel located under the bee.
Inspired by nature
For centuries, animal flight has fascinated and inspired scientists to develop machines that can fly with the use of flapping wings. Nature and bees were the motivation behind RoboBee to simulate the way bees fly―working both independently and collectively and even pollenating flowers. The vision was to develop autonomous micro aerial vehicles capable of self-contained, self-directed flight, and to achieve coordinated behavior in large groups―just like natural bees. As mentioned before, these lightweight, tiny robots measure about half the size of a paper clip and weigh less than one-tenth of a gram. So, how did they do it?
Simulating a real bee, researchers designed the RoboBee into three main components, consisting of the Body, Brain and Colony. This is how each component was developed:
Body—Fly on its own aided by a compact and integrated power source
Brain—“Smart” sensors and control electronics mimic the eyes and antennae of a bee and can sense and respond to the environment
Colony—Coordinate the behavior of several independent robots to work together as an effective unit
Outdoor flight out of reach―for now
The latest advancements may have the RoboBee X-Wing flying solo in the lab, but more work is needed to make outdoor flight possible. The reason lies with the amount of solar power needed to fuel the solar cells which will enable the microrobots to fly outside. Currently, the RoboBee X-Wing requires the power of approximately three Earth suns to fly. Wow! That’s a lot of energy. With the help of halogen lights, researchers can simulate this enormous level of sunlight in the lab to keep the RoboBees in a state of sustained untethered flight.
Are you interested in robotics and mechatronic engineering? Discover all that’s possible with an engineering and technology degree from Vaughn College.
Photo credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University
What do you think of when you hear the term, “flying cars”? Maybe a sci-fi movie or even a throwback to an old cartoon comes to mind, where a futuristic object would transport passengers in the air instead of on the ground. How cool was that, right? The reality, however, is that the future is in the making. Wondering how this could be possible? Remember these three words: “urban air mobility.”
What is urban air mobility?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines urban air mobility as a “system for air passenger and cargo transportation within an urban area, inclusive of small package delivery and other urban unmanned aircraft systems services.” In other words, NASA’s vision of this new era in air travel is ensuring safe and efficient air transportation as a revolutionary way of safely moving people and cargo from one place to another in congested environments.
How many times have you sat in traffic and wished you could fly over the gridlock? Urban air mobility could change that, as small air taxis are the next generation of autonomous electric passenger air vehicles (PAV) that could fly small groups of travelers above populated areas faster and cleaner than ground vehicles.
NASA is exploring the reality of urban air mobility, thanks to the combined efforts of new business models and transportation technology tied to both aviation―and some outside the industry―to determine what is required to make it happen. The urban air mobility subproject of NASA’s Air Traffic Management Exploration project (ATM-X) is currently in the process of exploring various use cases and testing technologies to with stakeholders in the aviation community.
Safety first
Admit it. The safety factor crossed your mind when you first read about urban air mobility. The thought of travelling in a “flying car”―as fun as that may sound―would make anyone think twice. And with good reason. Urban air mobility operations use unmanned aircraft (UA), which operate with no pilot on board. Today, small delivery drones are in operation, but when it comes to securing the acceptance of regulators and the general public for passenger use, the stakes go up. Here’s why: Without a pilot on board, there’s nobody to “see and avoid” potential collisions with other airspace users, severe weather conditions and other dangerous situations such as flying near bridges, buildings and other man-made structures.
The good news is that even considering the challenges, NASA says they have a handle on it. They are working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other government agencies, along with airspace operators, vehicle developers and academia to identify and overcome significant barriers and challenges. On the flip side, urban air mobility comes with substantial cost advantages over traditional ground travel and air transportation which require heavy infrastructure such as roads, rail, bridges, tunnels or airports—not to mention a significant reduction in a traveler’s commute time.
Investing in the future
Recent NASA-commissioned market studies revealed that by the year 2030, as many as 500 million flights per year for package delivery services and 750 million flights per year in air metro services could catapult urban air mobility as a relevant and lucrative enterprise.
According to the groundbreaking study, “Urban Air Mobility―Economics and Global Markets,” published by Nexa Advisors and the Vertical Flight Society, $318 billion could be invested over the next 20 years to transform urban air mobility in 74 cities around the world. This anticipated value of the urban air mobility market includes the infrastructure of vertiports and air traffic management, along with aircraft operated in-airport shuttle services, on-demand air taxis, emergency services, business aviation and regional point-to-point charters. This report is a first attempt to identify the cost of urban air mobility infrastructure―estimated at $32 billion for all 74 cities by the year 2040―and is intended to guide prospective investors about current transportation issues, congestion and population density, among other factors. Despite the hefty $32 billion price tag, the study suggests potential revenues from this infrastructure could exceed $244 billion.
Do you want to be a part of paving the way towards the adoption of urban air mobility? Check out all of the engineering and technology degrees available at Vaughn, as well as the many opportunities to participate in various engineering clubs such as Robotics Club and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Club that allow hands-on design and construction of transportation technology.
The aviation industry may have a renewed “beacon” of hope for search and rescue missions. Recently, the FAA has incorporated recommendations by NASA’s Search and Rescue (SAR) to install and maintain Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on airplanes. These NASA-designed satellite-aided search and rescue beacons―or ELTs―are instrumental in saving lives when it matters most and improving overall aviation safety.
Taking a renewed look at ELTs performance
Developed by NASA over 40 years ago, ELTs are beacons that are designed to automatically transmit distress signals to satellites in the event of a plane crash. In the past, the failure of some ELTs to work properly shed renewed light on the beacons’ safety and performance issues. As recently as 2010, a sea plane carrying nine passengers crashed in Alaska, claiming the lives of five passengers, including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. Former NASA administrator Sean O’Keefe was among the four survivors. The failure of the plane’s ELT to activate stranded the survivors for a harrowing 12 hours until they were found by search and rescue teams.
Crash course in ELT research
The 2010 Alaska accident sparked NASA’s SAR team to launch a comprehensive study of ELT nonperformance. After reviewing thousands of crash reports, the SAR office determined that ELT failure was responsible for the loss of about 58 lives each year. Such tragic news set the wheels in motion for SAR to use NASA aeronautics expertise to study ELTs in simulated crash conditions. Using three decommissioned Cessna 172 aircraft at the Landing and Impact Research Facility―also known as the “gantry”―at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, the SAR team hoisted the planes at varying heights and crashed them from three different configurations into a slab of dirt. With numerous ELTs installed on each plane, the SAR team studied each beacon to determine survivability and the causes of ELT failure in aviation distress.
Improving survivability and airplane safety
Imagine taking the search out of “search and rescue?” The survivability study revealed how making only a few adjustments to the installation would greatly improve ELT performance and airplane safety. Some of the ways the SAR team adjusted the installation of ELTs to improve performance included:
Mounting the ELT to a more rigid structure to decrease the likelihood of shear and cable detachment
Adding relief hooks to cabling to give the cable the slack it needed to prevent it from unplugging from the ELT
Adding an inexpensive fireproof sleeve to cabling to add vital minutes of ELT transmission in the event of a fire
Taking Next-gen SAR technology out of this world
NASA’s continuing efforts in ELT technology could take the second-generation of distress beacons to the moon. The SAR office is developing next-gen beacons that will use a new constellation of satellite-based search and rescue instruments. These new miniature beacons will offer significantly improved location accuracy and detection times. This exciting development will not only take this next generation of beacons worldwide, but out of this world―literally―as NASA is planning on using them on Artemis astronauts’ life preservers to ensure their accurate location upon splashdown from the Orion capsule.
Interested in supporting aerospace initiatives like this? An engineering and technology degree from Vaughn College will open the door to many opportunities involving the design and construction of aircraft equipment. Many Vaughn mechatronic engineering graduates become interns at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, such as Joseph Kamel. Explore all the possibilities of a futureproof career at Vaughn.
A hurricane is part of Mother Nature’s fury which can endanger thousands of people in its path. Aviation weather forecasting plays a tremendous role in the determination of flight safety. But did you ever wonder how meteorologists obtain the data they need to monitor the intensity and track of this kind of storm to keep us out of harm’s way? If you answered, “hurricane hunters,” then you’re right on track. There’s no denying that hurricane hunters are well-trained pilots. As an institution of learning that offers a wide range of aviation and flight degrees, Vaughn College sets the pace for this adventurous career path. This month, Vaughn highlights a unique area of the aviation industry by discussing the vital role hurricane hunters play in saving lives.
Who are hurricane hunters?
Hurricane hunters are aircrews that are part of the United States Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, aligned under the 403rd Wing and located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Today’s basic five-member aircrew includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight meteorologist and weather reconnaissance loadmaster. They are called upon by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida to collect and retrieve necessary storm data. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is a one-of-a-kind organization as it is the only operational military weather reconnaissance unit in the world.
Hurricane hunters are not new to the aviation industry. In fact, the first manned flight occurred in 1943―on a dare―after two military pilots challenged each other to fly into the eye of a hurricane. Little did they know then how that bet would pave the way to today’s aviation weather forecasting of tropical cyclones. Seventy-six years later, a special all-female aircrew made history as it flew into Hurricane Dorian.
Hurricane Dorian: All-female hurricane hunter flight crew makes history
Last month, the first-ever all-female hurricane hunter flight crew made history when it gathered storm data on Hurricane Dorian. Amidst the danger of a major hurricane, the three-pilot flight crew flew a mission into the dangerous storm, marking the first time in 76 years that an all-female hurricane hunter flight crew stormed an Atlantic Ocean hurricane. More women in aviation are being recognized for their impact in the field. Way to go, ladies!
So, why are hurricane hunters critical to keeping the public safe? Read on to learn about their daring missions. (Are you interested in a career as a pilot? Check out the top 10 reasons for becoming a pilot.)
What do hurricane hunters do?
The mission of the aircrews is to fly directly into a tropical cyclone to gather the necessary data required to accurately assess the intensity and track of the storm. Specially modified U.S. Air Force planes typically used to drop off troops and supplies in war zones are flown by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to maneuver through the storm. If you’ve ever tracked one of these storms―or worse―lived in the potential path of one, then you know how the track and intensity of the storm can change like the wind (pun intended). So, how do these crews gather the data?
Eye in the sky
At about 10,000 feet, the crew drops Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors while flying directly through the eye to the hurricane’s edge and repeats this pattern as often as four times. This allows the crew to gather information about the storm’s speed, direction and winds. Each mission takes eight hours and alternating crews fly continuously through the course of the storm. The data from each mission is transmitted back to the National Hurricane Center where it is compiled, analyzed and released to news and weather outlets who then relay the information to the public.
Vaughn cares
Hurricane Dorian made landfall as a “category five” hurricane earlier this month, having caused catastrophic damage to several Bahamian islands. The Vaughn community’s thoughts are with those affected by Dorian, including our students, their friends and families.
Both men and women in the field play a crucial role in the safety of flight, management of airlines and engineering of flight technology. And reports like this reinforce the contributions of women in aviation. Are you inspired to take your career to new heights? Check out all that’s possible with an aviation degree from Vaughn, where the programs offered are suited to many diverse interests in the field.
As a Vaughn aviation or engineering student, you already know you’re gearing up for an awesome career. But do you have questions about how to position yourself for the right job or how to meet the right people? If you answered “yes,” then you’re not alone. In fact, these are the exact questions you need to ask yourself and the perfect reason to consider attending one of the following conferences we’re highlighting this month. Don’t forget to ask about the financial support that may be available from your college to support your attendance.
Benefits of attending conferences include priceless job exposure, expansive networking opportunities, unparalleled learning experience in the field, chances to present your student research paper or project, and the opportunity to discover more about the companies you’ll apply to after graduation, in the industries you are interested in.
Automated Software Engineering (ASE)
This conference is billed as the “premier research forum for automated software engineering,” which brings together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to discuss foundations, techniques and tools for automating the analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance of large software systems.
ASE is held annually in November. This year, ASE 2019 will be held in San Diego, California from November 11 through November 15, 2019. This conference has added several new workshops to keep an eye on, and which offer great opportunities to present: 1) The ACM Student Research Competition; 2) Industry Showcase; 3) Late Breaking Results.
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
This conference draws thousands of attendees each year who are looking to find innovative solutions that can help airports work smarter. This past June, AAAE was held in Boston, MA. The conference proved successful for Vaughn graduate students as they entered the poster competition for the first time and took third place with their first-of-its-kind partnership research project. Keep this one on your radar for next year.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
This is the only conference dedicated to all disciplines of engineering education. The 126th annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference, which was held in Tampa this past June, was an exciting time for Vaughn engineering students and faculty. Both students and faculty were commended for their participation at this historic conference, and presented research on braille block language design concept, working mechanism of design, manufacturing process using 3D printing, and electrical construction and Arduino software design of the braille block. You may want to consider putting this conference on your list for next year, too!
Association for Equality and Excellence in Education (AEEE)
This conference is geared toward professional development. In an intimate setting, attendees have direct access to presenters, and they can also share best practices with peers. This conference offers priceless opportunities for networking, product and software innovations, and the chance to participate in open discussions. AEEE is typically held in the spring and is a great one to put on your bucket list for next year.
Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI)
This non-profit organization of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) institutions is geared toward raising the awareness level and importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), as well as education, research, and development and engineering.
This annual conference encompasses all areas of research and applications relating to a broad focus on experimental mechanics. Topics covered include digital image and digital volume correlations techniques, in addition to several of the latest technologies. This is a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge in the field of experimental mechanics.
Vaughn engineering students attended the SEM conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017, where they presented their paper, “The Effect of the 3D Printing Process on the Mechanical Properties of Materials.” Read about these students and others at Vaughn who presented at various conferences.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Known as one of the largest air shows of its kind, the EAA AirVenture features aviation enthusiasts in the fields of homemade flying craft, as well as designers of more serious craft, and an expansive list of government agencies and companies involved in the aviation and aeronautics industries. This is the go-to event for aviation enthusiasts and qualifying aviation students. Read about two Vaughn students who had the privilege of attending past EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and their priceless experiences.
Vaughn’s take
Vaughn is committed to providing its students a futureproof education. Part of that commitment is guiding these students to various paths of success. Supporting student attendance and participation in conferences like the ones spotlighted above is just another way students can up their game for a successful future.
Dr. Hossein Rahemi, chair of the engineering and technology department at Vaughn stated, “These conferences improve students’ presentation and networking skills and provide them with exposure to companies who attend, to ultimately help them secure a position post-graduation.”
You may have heard that air travel is considered one of the safest forms of transportation—and for good reason. In addition to a checklist of precautionary measures taken to ensure passenger safety, air travel is also the most maintained public transportation system for mass travel. Airplane safety precautions go way beyond the fastening of seat belts and listening to the pre-flight safety drill. As important as these measures are, did you know of the interesting and little-known safety features on airplanes that even the most seasoned air traveler may not be aware of?
This month, we caught up with Fred Parham, associate director of the Aviation Technology Institute (ATI) at Vaughn College, for his take on the subject. So, sit back and relax as we reveal some cool and interesting airplane safety features that just might surprise you. (Oh, tray tables and seats in an upright position do not apply here.)
Emergency Backup Systems
We don’t want to think about this, but even the best systems need a backup system―or two. Today’s aircraft are equipped with backup systems in the event of a catastrophic failure.
Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—Commonly known as RAT in the aviation industry, this small turbine is used as an alternate emergency hydraulic or electrical power source in the event of a catastrophic failure. A propeller-like turbine, which is stowed in a compartment in the fuselage or wing, drops down beneath the plane and generates power from the airstream while being connected to an electrical generator or hydraulic pump. The RAT provides power to vital systems that include flight controls and instrumentation, as well as navigation and communication equipment which aids the pilot to land the plane safely in an emergency.
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)—Did you ever wonder how the air conditioning and electricity operate on the airplane when the engines aren’t running? If so, you can be thankful for the APU should you ever find yourself sitting in an airplane while it’s being serviced or prepared for flight. This small turbine is in the rear of the aircraft and supplies electric power, compressed air and hydraulic pressure to the aircraft systems.
Interesting airplane safety features
Here are some other interesting airplane safety features passengers may be curious about:
Floor Proximity Emergence Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS)—Do you recall the flight attendant explaining how arrows will illuminate the floor of the cabin in an emergency, serving as a guide to the exit doors? In case you missed it, this system is in place in the event of a fire in the cabin. Thick smoke can make it impossible to find the way to safety. Since smoke rises, passengers can crawl to avoid smoke as they follow the arrows to the exit doors.
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)—These life-saving systems within aircrafts detect, warn and issue instructions to pilots of two aircrafts in the event of an impending collision.
Terminal Control Area (TCA) or Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA)—In order to reduce the risk of midair collisions, there is a designated area of controlled airspace around major airports where there is a high volume of air traffic. These areas are called terminal control areas (TCA) or terminal maneuvering areas (TMA). Air traffic control ensures aircrafts flying within these areas are safe.
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning (EGPWS)—This electronic system alerts pilots if their aircraft is in immediate danger of flying into an obstacle, approaching terrain or the ground.
Air travel can be an exciting experience. Whether it’s flying off to unexplored destinations, visiting with friends and family or for business, the exhilaration of flying is truly a wonder. We hope these little-known airplane safety features make you feel even more comfortable whenever you fly the friendly skies.
Keeping an Eye on the Sky: The Need for Air Traffic Controllers
Has a career as an air traffic controller been on your radar? Now may be the best time to train for one of the most sought-after and important positions in the industry. See why attending an institution like Vaughn College can give you a competitive edge to landing a job as an air traffic controller.
Vaughn can prepare you for this exciting career as an air traffic controller in less time than you might have imagined. Vaughn partners with the FAA to offer the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). Why is that important? By attending a college like Vaughn, which offers the AT-CTI, you get to bypass the FAA biometric screening exam―which many do not pass. Vaughn is one of only 30 colleges in the country to offer this program, and the only program of its kind in the Northeast.
Unique job benefits
The steady demand for air traffic controllers and the unique benefits of this position are catching the attention of aviation enthusiasts from all walks of life. With the following standard benefits, it’s no wonder air traffic controllers will be in steady demand for years to come:
Potential to earn six-figure salary after first few years of service
Consistent work schedule
Scheduled breaks throughout your shift
Mandatory retirement age at 56, with full federal pension benefits
Student Success Story
Vaughn graduates like Jessenia Diaz ’10 have landed successful careers as air traffic controllers―right here in New York City. Diaz is just one example of how passion and dedication can lead to attaining a dream job.
When you think of aviation, you can’t help but think “up”—airplanes flying overhead, rockets launching into space. But did you know the world of aviation is so much more than that? To keep aircrafts safe in the air, we need experts on the ground to make it all happen.
For over 80 years, Vaughn College has been the cornerstone of education for students who choose to pursue careers in aviation. With a vast curriculum encompassing all aspects of aviation, it’s no wonder Vaughn graduates are succeeding at every level and landing their dream aviation jobs in a soaring industry. Want proof? Check out the recent success stories of Alexa Cruz ’22, Kirei Watson ’18, and Jade Kukula ’07.
We’ve narrowed down the top five aviation jobs and salaries in the industry today. See all the opportunities you have with your aviation degree:
1. Director of Aerospace Program Management
Annual Salary: $183,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field; graduate degree may be required.
This leadership position is one to aspire to as it requires experience and expertise in the field. Directors of aerospace program management lead product and project-development programs and are involved in creating a company’s business strategies, negotiating contracts to build aircrafts, and ensuring budgets and timetables are met. They are typically hired by aircraft or engine manufacturers, or defense, telecommunications or other aerospace-related employers. Other tasks include:
2.CommercialPilot, Co–Pilot,orFlightEngineer
AnnualSalary: $113,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Education: Bachelor’s degree in aviation. Certifications: Commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the FAA-issued Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
If you ever needed a reason―aside from your passion―to become an airline pilot, here’s one you can’t ignore: According to a recent report from Boeing projects, the airline industry will need more than 637,000 pilots by 2036. There’s never been a better time to pursue your dream and train to become a pilot amidst this staggering pilot shortage. Additionally, pilots have the potential to earn excellent salaries as their careers advance. Airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers are on board to perform the same duties, ensuring the safe flight of aircraft from one place to another. Other tasks include:
Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are a pilot’s eyes and ears on the ground, assisting with landing and take-off instructions. ATCs are also responsible for rerouting in-flight aircraft when inclement weather strikes. A unique characteristic of working as an ATC is the mandatory retirement age of 56, with full federal pension benefits. Other tasks include:
4. Aerospace/Aviation Project Engineer
Annual Salary: $83,000. Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation engineering or another field of engineering or science that is related to aerospace systems.
Aerospace/aviation project engineers have the exciting task of designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are employed in various fields which include manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government. Note that aerospace engineers working in national defense may need a security clearance. Other tasks include:
Aircraft maintenance managers play a leading role of overseeing their team to ensure work is completed and performed according to quality control guidelines. These professionals must possess both technical and leadership skills to efficiently perform maintenance jobs in addition to supervising maintenance operations. Other tasks include:
Are you setting your sights on a career in aviation? Vaughn’s career services offer aviation enthusiasts a wide range of options where they can find the perfect career fit with certificate, associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs.
