Karol Rydlo, Pawel Rzucidlo and Peter Chudy
The presented paper aims to describe the general idea, simulations and prototyping process of an assisting flight control system (FCS) for light sport aircraft (LSA). The proposed…
Abstract
Purpose
The presented paper aims to describe the general idea, simulations and prototyping process of an assisting flight control system (FCS) for light sport aircraft (LSA). The proposed FCS framework is intended to simplify piloting, reduce pilot workload, and improve system's reliability and handling qualities of manual flying.
Design/methodology/approach
Assisting flight control strategy integrates mechanical and digital FCS into a synergic platform, combining the high reliability of mechanical controls with the computation and actuation power introduced through a single line digital FCS. Concepts drawn from classical control theory along with flight envelope protection algorithms have been used throughout the design of the flight control laws. A prototype of the assisting FCS has been subjected to validation trials during series of hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
Findings
Despite controversies between the pilots' perception of a modern aircraft and limitations imposed by the legacy airworthiness codes, it has been shown that a pilot assisting and workload reducing control system can be successfully implemented on board of a LSA while satisfying the expectations on a state-of-the-art equipment meeting required level of safety defined by the current legislation.
Research limitations/implications
A transition between specific flight modes as well as nonlinearities in the FCS may lead to unfavorable and unpredictable forms of aircraft-pilot interactions. The number of accessible flight control modes should be therefore limited to the most significant ones.
Practical implications
Sport aircraft are mostly flown by a single pilot, who could benefit from the pilot assisting FCS as the system has the potential to supervise the aircraft's safe operation in various flight conditions.
Originality/value
Introducing an assisting FCS on board of a LSA through an innovative approach which utilizes hidden and unused resources of modern digital automatic FCSs while respecting the limitations imposed through the weight and cost sensitive nature of the LSA market.
Details
Keywords
Peter Chudý, Andrzej Tomczyk and Pawel Rzucidlo
The purpose of this paper is to describe the general idea, design, and implementation of control system for general aviation aircraft which reduces pilot workload.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the general idea, design, and implementation of control system for general aviation aircraft which reduces pilot workload.
Design/methodology/approach
Proposed indirect flight control system framework is intended to simplify piloting, reduce pilot workload, and allow low‐end general aviation aircraft to operate under deteriorated meteorological conditions. Classical control theory is used for the design of the flight control laws. Although not inherently robust, controllers with classical control logic are made sufficiently stable using a correct and updated controller structure.
Findings
Despite controversies between perception of a modern manned aerial vehicle and limitations imposed by legacy airworthiness codes it is shown that a pilot workload reducing system can be successfully implemented onboard of a low‐end general aviation aircraft.
Research limitations/implications
Hi‐level control laws and optimization of handling qualities can lead to unfavourable and unpredictable forms of man‐machine interactions, e.g. pilot‐induced oscillations.
Practical implications
General aviation aircraft are mostly flown by a single pilot, who could benefit from an intelligent system or “virtual copilot” assisting in or supervising the aircraft's safe operation under any conditions. Aircraft with this capability represents a next step in the evolution that might ultimately lead to trajectory‐based free‐flight concept of aircraft operations.
Originality/value
The paper introduces a safety enhanced digital flight control system on board small general aviation aircraft.
Details
Keywords
This article analyzes the economic policy reform experience of three less developed countries (LDCs) during the 1980s -- Costa Rica, Ghana and Jamaica -- in three policy areas…
Abstract
This article analyzes the economic policy reform experience of three less developed countries (LDCs) during the 1980s -- Costa Rica, Ghana and Jamaica -- in three policy areas, exchange rate, trade, and agriculture. A political management model that shows how strong but skillful political leadership is as critical to policy reform success as is economic content is used for the analysis. The model proposes that government officials have to make policy reforms politically feasible if the reforms are to succeed. The assumption is that successful decision makers will take three kinds of political initiatives: (1) appeal to national sentiments, (2) seek the collaboration of affected interest groups, and (3) manage external actors. The article provides evidence that the economic perfomance of three countries correlated with the degree of political initiative taken. Costa Rican policy elites demonstrated the highest level of 1initiative. Ghana ranked second in political management, and Jamaica ranked third. The success of some LDCs also provides instructive experience for the Clinton Administration as it moves forward with a variety of policy reforms.
Fei Ping Por and Balakrishnan Muniandy
To continue to stay relevant in the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) alongside the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, the importance of lifelong learning is indisputable…
Abstract
Purpose
To continue to stay relevant in the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) alongside the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, the importance of lifelong learning is indisputable though this concept has existed for decades. In this context, open and distance learning (ODL) institutions are urged to re-think and re-design their online learning support systems that inculcate self-regulated lifelong learning (SR3Ls) in their learners to be adaptable and resilient for the post-pandemic economy. The purpose of this paper is to develop a SR3Ls model, namely SR3Ls model by utilising the collective opinions of a panel of experts to determine the key domains and attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2-round Delphi consensus study was conducted with 39 experts from five countries. The mean, standard deviation (SD), inter-quartile range (IQR) and the ratio of experts assigned score of 4 or greater were used as the basis of consensus assessment with criteria set at mean = 3.0, SD = 1.5, IQR = 1, ratio on score 4 or greater at = 75%. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert-type scale rating the importance level of each attribute combined with open-ended questions.
Findings
This paper presented the findings of the first round of Delphi consensus study. For the first round, the experts were asked to evaluate 31 key attributes of SR3Ls model under five domains. The findings revealed that there were five key attributes to be eliminated from the list, while there were seven attributes identified as the key attributes with highest consensus. There were additional attributes suggested by the Delphi panel to be added in the second round of evaluation.
Originality/value
This international consensus-based SR3Ls model serves as an important benchmark for ODL institutions across the regions in developing meaningful and relevant online learning support systems for their learners to adopt SR3Ls attributes in order to meet the dynamic market demands.