Troy Nelson's ERAU Blog

Human error is a common cause of aviation accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US documented 6,949 accidents between January 1966 and December 1975; 3,773 were categorized as ‘operator error’ and 2,596 as ‘mechanical failures. In 2015 alone there were 867 aircraft incidents with 1,422 fatalities and 496 injuries. Air Traffic Control errors are considered the primary cause of controlled flight accidents while human factors account for the majority of un-controlled ones. Aircraft characteristics have made it easier than ever to fly but has also made it harder to detect safety problems early enough to fix them safely before an accident occurs. Weather can be considered a challenge for pilots since visibility may not allow for clear decision making or if conditions do not support the aircrafts capabilities, then manual control overrides take over to ensure safe operation until more favorable weather arises again. To understand why human error is such a signific...

TSA layers of security are the different measures that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) puts in place to protect travelers. The TSA has a layered approach to security, which means they have multiple layers of protection in order to keep you safe while traveling. TSA Layers of Security TSA has three layers of security: the first layer is called Screening, and this is what most people think of when they hear “security.” The second layer is called Pre-Check, which allows you to bypass some of the lines at airports by getting a trusted traveler program (TTP). The third layer is known as TSA Pre check, which allows you to get through airport security faster with a trusted traveler program (TTP). Another layer of U.S aviation security is the no- fly list and passenger pre screening program (NSPP). The no-fly list is a database maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration that contains the names of people who are not allowed to fly in or out of any airport, even if they...

Aircraft landing gear system is a complicated mechanical and electrical assembly that includes the wheels, brakes, wheel bearings and other related parts. The landing gear systems are designed to safely support the aircraft when it is on the ground. What are Aircraft wheel/tires? Wheels are also known as tires or rims. Wheels provide traction for aircraft during take-off and landing by providing continuous rotation of rotating airfoils (wheels) under thrusting force of engine(s). Wheel design varies in size, shape, material composition and tread pattern according to different conditions such as weight capacity requirement at various speeds. How do Aircraft wheels/tires work? Wheels are designed to absorb the energy from the engines. The wheels are also designed to reduce wear and tear from friction caused by moving parts of aircraft during its operation. The main function of a wheel is that it allows the plane to take off and land safely, without any damage or accident. Wheels have var...