Aviation Product Research Articles

Assessing Past Airworthiness Directives And How Safety Management Systems May Benefit Aviation Product Design And Manufacturing

Assessing Past Airworthiness Directives And How Safety Management Systems May Benefit Aviation Product Design And Manufacturing

Quality-integrated diagnostic platform for aerospace complex product assembly processes

Addressing the challenge of tracing and quantifying quality issues that emerge during the assembly process of intricate aviation products, this paper introduces a Quality-Integrated Diagnostic Platform (QIDP). The platform effectively merges machine learning algorithms with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to provide comprehensive solutions for complex aviation product quality assessment. Firstly, the viability of amalgamating assembly quality management with the random forest diagnostic algorithm is presented. Secondly, leveraging the attributes inherent to the intricate assembly process, alongside algorithmic model development and the underpinning of an information technology platform, a novel architecture is introduced for diagnosing the sources of quality issues within the aviation complex component assembly process. Then, building upon the architectural framework, this paper elucidates the design and implementation procedure of the diagnostic algorithm that amalgamates the FAHP with the random forest technique. To illustrate, the bushing assembly process within the aerospace sector is taken as an example. Finally, grounded in the model framework and fusion algorithm, the Assembly Process QIDP is conceived and actualized. The platform seamlessly integrates data provisioning and retrieval components for initial deployment within the aerospace cluster. These components encompass data acquisition, data processing, algorithmic construction, and the visualization of diagnostic outcomes. The achieved diagnostic results effectively fulfill expert evaluation criteria and offer a swift, pragmatic, and intelligent resolution for addressing quality fluctuations within the assembly process of aerospace enterprises.

When Federal Standards Crash and Burn: The Need to Distinguish Aviation Product Liability Claims from In-Air Operations Cases

If you are injured in an aviation disaster or lose a loved one in a plane crash, may you seek recovery under state law? Do federal regulations provide adequate opportunities to compensate aviation crash victims? These are questions few people think to ask themselves. A more common query is what entity regulates the more than 16 million flights that occur yearly in the U.S., and how do you know whether the aircraft you fly on are safe? The tragic Boeing 737 MAX crashes initiated a federal oversight investigation into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Industry whistleblowers revealed severe lapses in the FAA’s aircraft certification regime and a culture that promoted unsafe practices in aircraft design and manufacturing. Despite crucial reforms, the ability of uniform federal standards to protect aviation consumers is under fire. In a majority of U.S. jurisdictions, the Federal Aviation Act and associated federal regulations preempt all state law claims in aviation safety cases. The effect of this approach—few plaintiffs recover in aviation product liability suits, and the families of aviation crash victims go uncompensated. However, in Sikkelee v. Precision Airmotive Corp., the Third Circuit offered a new approach that advocates for field preemption for in-air operations claims but allows recovery under state law for aviation product liability cases. This approach adequately compensates aviation crash victims without undermining the FAA’s extensive and effective in-air regulatory scheme. This Comment addresses recent reforms to the FAA’s aircraft certification program and the ongoing circuit split regarding federal preemption of aviation safety claims. Further, this Comment seeks to analyze the fundamental differences between in-air operations regulations and rules governing aircraft design and manufacture to explain why different treatment of these claims is warranted. Ultimately, this Comment advocates for the Sikkelee methodology to provide ample opportunity for plaintiff recovery without unnecessarily undermining FAA regulatory authority.

Comparative studies of available relief for defective aircraft and grounding losses under the legal regimes in China and the U.S.: product tort liability or contractual warranty liability?

ABSTRACT Two crashes of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2019 resulted in the total grounding of all 737 MAX aircraft worldwide. The issue of grounding losses and available relief has attracted widespread attention. From a legal perspective, such losses, which include aircraft devaluation, operating losses, and added costs, constitute pure economic loss. Both Chinese and U.S. law provide for remedies for defects in a sales contract’s subject matter. Under U.S. law, pure economic losses are claimable only by way of a contractual claim. In China, however, current tort law allows for relief for losses other than those arising from aircraft devaluation/losses. Under the Chinese Civil Code, any exemptions stipulated in an aircraft sales contract on grounding losses arising from an aircraft manufacturer’s intentional or grossly negligent acts are invalid. Given the differing regimes in China and the U.S., aviation product liability insurance is an alternative relief channel for grounding losses, for which airlines, under certain circumstances, can directly file a claim with insurance companies. Consequently, characterization of grounding losses as a product tort liability or a contractual warranty liability shall impact on the determination of court jurisdiction, disputing parties and applicable law in the litigation process.

A Roadmap to Certification of Parts and Appliances in Aviation

Uçuş emniyeti, bir hava aracının uçuşu sırasındaki emniyet risklerini kontrol etmeye ve bu hava aracının uçuşu sırasında kaynaklanabilecek her türlü zarara karşı kişileri, kamu ve özel mülkiyeti ve çevreyi korumaya yönelik tüm düzenlemeleri ifade eder. Uçuş emniyetini sağlamaya yönelik yürütülen süreç ise uçuşa elverişlilik sertifikasyonu olarak adlandırılabilir. Tip ya da tamamlayıcı tip sertifikasına sahip bir havacılık ürününe (hava aracı, motor veya pervane) takılacak tüm parça ve cihazların da bu hedef doğrultusunda onaylı olması gerekmektedir. Bu da bir hava aracına takılacak tüm ekipmanların, onaylanmış bir tasarım standardına uygun olarak tasarlanıp üretilmesi gerekliliğini ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Havacılıkta parça ve cihaz sertifikasyonu, üretilen parça ve cihazların ülkelerin havacılık otoriteleri tarafından yayınlanmış teknik şartnamelere uygun olarak tasarlanıp üretildiğinin belgelenerek otoriteler tarafından resmi olarak onaylandığı bir süreçtir. Bu yazıda havacılıkta parça ve cihaz sertifikasyonu kapsamında otoritelerin yürütülmesini beklediği teknik ve süreçsel faaliyetlerin anlatılması hedeflenmektedir. Ayrıca bu çalışma ile ülkemizde parça ve cihaz sertifikasyonu gerçekleştirmek isteyen firmalara ışık tutması amacıyla eksik olan Türkçe kaynak ihtiyacına da katkı sunulması amaçlanmıştır.

Holistic approaches and advanced technologies in aviation product recycling

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze existing policies, methods and technologies, which are aimed at the rational and proper handling of decommissioned aviation transport means, determination of the world trends and substantiation of the prospects for implementation of utilization and recycling programs in the aviation industry. This research is devoted to problems of utilization and recycling of decommissioned aircraft and its components: features of proper handling of aviation industry vehicles are considered; the analysis of existing methods and technologies aimed at the rational and correct handling of the end-of-life aircraft is carried out; the necessity of the introduction of the system of complex utilization of aviation equipment is substantiated; the ecological and economic problems connected with the utilization and recycling of aviation vehicles, their units and units are considered; and the relevance and feasibility of introducing recycling programs in the field of aviation industry waste management are substantiated.Design/methodology/approachProblems of utilization and recycling of decommissioned aircraft and its components are considered in this research. The analysis of existing methods and technologies aimed at the rational and correct handling of the end-of-life aircraft is carried out. In addition to this, the ecological and economic problems connected with the utilization and recycling of aviation vehicles, their units and parts are considered. Moreover, the relevance and feasibility of introducing recycling programs in the field of aviation industry waste management are substantiated.FindingsIn this study, the life cycle of aircraft is carried out and analyzed. The existing methodologies and approaches to end-of-life aircraft recycling and utilization are presented in this paper. The experience of the leading organizations in the sphere of decommissioned aircraft recycling, such as Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association and Process for Advanced Management of End-of-Life Aircraft, are considered as well. Environmental and economical benefits to aviation and neighbor industries, arising from the introduction of aircraft recycling systems, are shown.Originality/valueThe existing experience of leading companies in the aviation and aircraft recycling industry is accumulated and analyzed to show and propose the general methodology for the development and implementation methodology of end-of-life aircraft recycling and utilization.

The potential of the materials as the economic security’s factor of innovative projects

The purpose of the study is to reveal the specifics of assessing the potential of the material’s economic safety of the aviation product. The strategic directions of the aviation materials’ development and technologies of the Russian Federation have been studied. There was mentioned the necessity for analysis and assessment of the development level of the design base involved in the development and the creation of the aviation equipment at the enterprises: from the materials of the structural elements to the service support (for the purpose of import substitution). The article offers a categorical measure of the potential of the materials analysis. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the study of the economic safety of the product in the context of the elements: material, technical and technological, personnel, service and financial potential. As a result, a new meaningful interpretation of the concept of ‘economic safety of a product’ is given, an additive-multiplicative model for analyzing the level of the potential of the materials’development of an innovative project of the aviation industry is shown and an element of methodological tools for the assessing the level of the potential of the materials’development of a product is presented.

The Seasons They Go Round and Round

When an aviation accident occurs, courts in the United States are frequently presented with a claim that an aircraft or one of its component parts should be deemed ‘defective’. In considering this type of claim, defendants almost always argue that the product met FAA certification standards and was deemed safe by that agency. Several recent US decisions as well as the fatal accidents involving the 737MAX have once again focused attention on this issue. This article addresses how some US courts have used circular reasoning in analysing the meaning of the federal statute and regulatory regime which govern product certification and aviation safety generally. The first section of this article examines the initial decision to address this issue and the flaws in the analysis that caused the court to reject this defence. The next section examines a subsequent decision which pointed out the foregoing flaws and held that the entire field of aviation safety was preempted. The following sections address how the first court recognized the flaw in its initial rationale while another panel of the court which first recognized that flaw issued a decision which hearkened back to the rationale of the initial court’s decision. Although Supreme Court review of the latter was requested, the FAA urged that Court to wait until the 737Max issues played out before addressing this subject and that is what the Supreme Court agreed to do. While final resolution of this issue will require a Supreme Court determination, a review of the decisions issued to date provides useful context for analysing how this issue will ultimately be resolved. It is the author’s belief that federal standards will ultimately be recognized to control and that FAA certification will either conclusively establish that the product is safe or create a presumption regarding that fact. aviation product preemption, aviation product certification, FAA aircraft certification, aviation safety, US case law

Inferring the Presence of Freezing Drizzle Using Archived Data from the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)

AbstractIn its current form, the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) provides automated precipitation type reports of rain, snow, and freezing rain. Unknown precipitation can also be reported when the system recognizes precipitation is occurring but cannot classify it. A new method has been developed that can reprocess the raw ASOS 1-min-observation (OMO) data to infer the presence of freezing drizzle. This freezing drizzle derivation algorithm (FDDA) was designed to identify past freezing drizzle events that could be used for aviation product development and evaluation (e.g., Doppler radar hydrometeor classification algorithms, and improved numerical modeling methods) and impact studies that utilize archived datasets [e.g., National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations of transportation accidents in which freezing drizzle may have played a role]. Ten years of archived OMO data (2005–14) from all ASOS sites across the conterminous United States were reprocessed using the FDDA. Aviation routine weather reports (METARs) from human-augmented ASOS observations were used to evaluate and quantify the FDDA’s ability to infer freezing drizzle conditions. Advantages and drawbacks to the method are discussed. This method is not intended to be used as a real-time situational awareness tool for detecting freezing drizzle conditions at the ASOS but rather to determine periods for which freezing drizzle may have impacted transportation, with an emphasis on aviation, and to highlight the need for improved observations from the ASOS.

Assurance and Evaluation Method for Reliability Requirements Completion of Aviation Product Based on CMM

Modern aviation product needs to meet the reliability requirements during the development process. In this paper, a comprehensive assurance system of reliability requirements completion is established and a method to evaluate the assurance system capabilities of reliability requirements completion based on CMM (Capability Maturity Model) is proposed. The evaluate index system in each level is described and AHP method is applied to determine the weight of each index factor in maturity. The evaluation results can comprehensively and effectively direct the aviation product reliability work during the development process and ultimately ensure the reliability of aviation product meets the requirements.

Sequential Inspection Model for Aviation Product Based on Real-time Reliability Evaluation

Sequential Inspection Model for Aviation Product Based on Real-time Reliability Evaluation

Sustainable flight test project tools

One of the most important aspects of the development of a new aviation product is the testing and verification phase. This paper identifies procedures to optimise certification flight test campaigns as one troublesome and unpredictable aspect of aircraft development. Considering a large market historical sample from key aircraft manufacturers for the certification of their products, we conclude that a sustainable approach with flight hour reduction, selected engineering tools and management tools will result in a considerable reduction in fossil fuel expenses and overall product certification time and cost.

Development in Aviation Product Liability and Its Implication to China

The victims of aviation accidents often bring a case to litigation on the account of product defect under the aviation product liability, other than transportation liability, in order to obtain highamount compensation. Aviation product liability has a strong international character, and a combination of both transportation and product liability. In judicial practice, this kind of liability is related to a lot of confusing complexities: legal relationship, legal subject, the principle of liability, exemption of liability, jurisdiction and applicable law. With the background of China's strategy on large aircrafts and growing consumer protection, China should learn from the mature legislation and judicial practice of European and American aviation product liability. The amendment of Civil Aviation Law, legislation of specialized aviation industrial promotion law and the improvement of aviation product liability system will prevent China becoming the third largest target for aviation product liability litigation after the United States and Europe.

Effect of interference percentage on damage mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminate during interference-fit bolt installation

The interference-fit joint of composite laminates is widely used in assembly of thin-walled components in aviation product, but the interference percentage has a significant effect on squeezed damage which may reduce structural reliability. An investigation is conducted into the in-plane stress distribution and initial damage mechanism of symmetrical carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates during the interference-fit bolt installation process. Considering the elastic deformation of the bolt, a general stress distribution model around the interference-fit joint is established with complex potential method. The initial damage mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates is characterized and critical interference percentages without damage are obtained with the mixed damage criteria. The effects of ply orientation and interference percentage on damage mechanism of each individual layer are discussed. Then, extensive finite element models with USDFLD subroutine of interference fit process are used to analyze and simulate the stress distribution and squeezed damage which are validated by strain measurement and micrographs by experiments subsequently. It is observed that theoretical solutions fall within the finite element results. The matrix tensile damage occurs first, and the critical interference percentages decrease from 1.10% to 0.85% with bolt diameters varying from 4 to 10 mm.

Study on Aviation Product Liability Litigation：a Perspective of Legislative and Judicial Practice in the United States

Study on Aviation Product Liability Litigation：a Perspective of Legislative and Judicial Practice in the United States

Airworthiness Considerations of Supply Chain Management from Boeing 787 Dreamliner Battery Issue

With the globalization of the economy, the aviation market competition intensifies and the aviation product development mode has correspondingly changed. The aircraft manufacturers pack more and more works to the suppliers to join the development work. The role of suppliers becomes more and more important during the development. Therefore, the problems of suppliers are following which have a significant influence on the aircraft design, manufacture and EIS which is means through the whole lifecycle of the aircraft.On January 16, 2013, an ANA flight made an emergency landing in western Japan after a cockpit message warned of battery problems and a burning smell was detected in the cockpit and cabin. At the same time, the FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive ordering all U.S.-based airlines to ground their Boeing 787s until yet-to-be-determined modifications are made to the electrical system to reduce the risk of the battery overheating or catching fire. This is the first time that the FAA has grounded an airliner type since 1979. This event caused that Boeing shares has fell 2.6%. It is not the only accident of Boeing 787. Similarly, for other aircraft types, such as the Airbus A380, had to delay delivery due to supplier problem. It can be conclude that the supply chain management has an important impact on the aircraft development. From the perspective of airworthiness, this paper analyze the suppliers management of Boeing 787 Dreamliner battery issue and some advices are given to provide references and learnt lessons to the aircraft industry.The main content of this paper is as follows:First of all, the context and the purposes of this study was introduced in Chapter 1; the airworthiness regulation of CAAC, FAA and EASA about applicants’ supplier management are introduced. All requirements covering supplier managements would be concluded.Secondly, this paper focus on the whole process and solution of Boeing 787 battery issue and analyze the airworthiness problem of supplier management.Boeing 787 uses the lithium-ion battery which was produced by Yuasa and assembled by Thales who are integrate it into avionic system. Thales is the tie 1 supplier and Yuasa is the tie 2 supplier. This paper will introduce the whole process and the final resolution given by Boeing. Based on the airworthiness regulation, the airworthiness problem of supplier management reflected from Boeing 787 battery issue would be analyzed, especially in the tie 2 supplier management show compliance with the airworthiness requirements.Thirdly, on the basis of precious analysis, the actual airworthiness regulation would be concluded and supplier management of some international company would be presented as example. It is shown that development mode change has brought more problems of supplier management.Finally, this paper proposes how to fully meet the airworthiness requirements to suppliers management. Some ideas and suggestions are given to avoid the similar events and support aviation industry

Study on Resources Allocation between Airworthiness Authority and Aviation Industry

In the circumstance of rapid progress of Chinese aviation industry and ambitious development of aeronautical manufacturing projects, the current airworthiness certification system of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which includes the legislation frame, airworthiness regulations and organization chart, is introduced. Now the CAAC airworthiness certification system still faces the challenges of the industry progress. The vision of CAAC airworthiness certification system and the key elements of the system improvement are discussed. The main concern is how can the industry's resources be used for the airworthiness authority to fully take authority's responsibilities during certification. The traditional way to use industry's resources is implementing delegation system. With delegation system, the authority can directly use industry's resources. Considering that the delegation system depends on the individual decision-making, different behaviors of individuals as a designee and in organization are studied from the viewpoint of the organizational behavior. Requiring design organization to implement the design assurance system (DAS) is selected as another option, and the idea of organization certification is presented. After carefully comparing the advantages and disadvantages between product certification and organization certification, and also between designee system and design organization respectively, the methodology of using designee system and requiring design organization to implement the design assurance system (DAS), as the way of transferring from the solely aviation product certification to the certification of product and organization, is proposed. And the core requirements of DAS are concluded. Following the vision, key elements, and clear development methodology of CAAC airworthiness certification system, detailed actions to achieve the final goal are presented as well.

Study on the Archives Management System of Aviation Products Based on MBD

With the model based definition (MBD) technology widely used in the aviation industry, the traditional archives management mode had seriously hampered the market response speed of aviation products. Firstly, the paper analyzed the formation process of the MBD-based aviation product archives data. Secondly, the paper designed an integrated system framework of MBD-based aviation product archives, which employed the strategy "immediate logical archiving, regular physical archiving. Finally, the paper proposed the functional module of the MBD-based aviation product archives management system (MBDAMS), which was benefit for the automated, knowledge-based management of the aviation product archives. The MBDAMS has the engineering practical value and the good application prospect.

Aviation Product Liability: Could Air Carriers Face their ‘Life and Limb’ being Placed in Peril for the Exclusivity of the Montreal Convention?

Over the past five decades, product liability law in the US and EU has evolved into a sustainable system of recoveries for injured claimants, mainly for its incorporated strict liability concept, providing for the consumer benefits. This article discusses product liability regimes in the US and EU, where the two main aircraft manufacturers are based. In light of the development of product liability law in aviation, the author analyses the relation between the two sets of law i.e. the product liability regimes of the jurisdictions mentioned and the Montreal Convention, as the exclusivity principle laid down in this Convention sheds a different light on this relationship. In examining the above subject, one can see that aviation product liability regimes may also concern the position of air carriers under the Montreal Convention, 1999. Damages which are recoverable from airlines under the Montreal Convention may be different from, and may be legally differentiated from those which are available under product liability regimes. Hence, this article signals a tendency in EU States, including but not limited to civil law jurisdictions, pursuant to which claimants try to rely on the latter regime notwithstanding the exclusivity principle laid down in the Montreal Convention.

CERTIFICATION - The final and critical stage of every civil or military aviation program

As a general rule the final step in every aviation program is the certification of the airplane, an important step in which the airplane, the engins and the equipments are checked by an authority or commission according to the airworthiness rules. The main scope of the certification is to promote a safe aviation product and to protect the general public from unnecessary risk. In all the contries the national authorieties require a civil certificability for all the parts or equipments and a full aircraft certification for a new or wholly modified airplane. The military aircrafts must pased and respond to a specific way of certification and many actual efforts are done in order to unify the diffrent national rules in this field. This paper presents the existing situation in the certification of civil and military airplans and the actual measures done for the unification of certification procedures in the world.