Operating an Aviation Industry for Cruise Speed -myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theOperating an Aviation Industryfor Cruise Speed Selection. Answer: Introduction The aviation industry has grown recently over the years. The aviation industry is of great importance as it brings people together by encouraging easy and fast transport. It also promotes economic growth in various countries by supporting international business and tourism. Competition in the aviation industry has always been stiff. It, therefore, calls for better operations of the aircraft for a company to achieve a competitive edge over its rivals. Aircraft pilots plays a vital role in operation efficiency of the aircrafts. It becomes important for them to identify critical drivers and variables that affect the operations of the aircraft and hence optimize them for an advanced performance (Sarkis, 2000). This paper, thus, discusses jet aircraft efficiency requirements (altitude selection, the cruise speed, angle of attack, maximum payload carried from a runway, and center of gravity when loading) that are vital in ensuring operational efficiency in an airline with special focus on the aircraft pilot. Significance of the cruise speed selection Determining the cruise speed of an aircraft plays a great deal in optimizing the operation efficiency of an aircraft. The pilot has however to understand the difference between the indicated speed and the true speed. The altitude one is cruising as well as the power and mixture settings have a significant influence on the aircraft operations. It is crucial for a pilot to adjust the calibrated airspeed in relation to the temperature and altitude so as to maintain a smooth flow of the flight. As the aircraft gains altitude and temperature increases, the air becomes less dense. At a higher altitude and temperature, the true airspeed becomes lower and therefore, the pilot needs to adjust accordingly. It is difficult to display the true airspeed of an aircraft accurately due to other variables such as temperature, air pressure, aircraft weight, altitude, and instrument error (Aktrk et al., 2014). The weight and wheel fairings go hand in hand with the cruise speed of the aircraft. For inst ance, aircraft flow at a heavier weight travels slower than the normal speed. It, therefore, becomes crucial for an aircraft pilot to understand all these variables and coordinate them for an efficient aircraft operation (Dancila et al., 2013). Since altitude plays a significant role in fuel consumption of an aircraft, for an experienced pilot, he/she need to lean as they fly through a higher altitude. Therefore, the higher the aircraft goes, the more the pilot needs to learn to optimize the fuel and air mixture (Jensen et al., 2013). Cruise speed optimization of aircrafts significantly saves on fuel. The air traffic control has set up some regulations that require the aircraft to hold on to a specific altitude and therefore, optimization of the cruise speed at a constant altitude becomes of great importance in operations performance (Antoine Kroo, 2004). In the optimization of this variable, one has to consider the aircraft thrust, minimum fuel consumption required, operating costs, and the maximum and minimum range. How angle of attack affects the operations of an aircraft The angle between a wing chord line of an aircraft and the direction of the relative wind is known as the angle of attack. When there is an increase in the angle of attack, impact pressure below the wing will also increase and consequently increasing the lift and drag hence the center of pressure moves forward (Swatton, 2008). When the pilot changes the angle of attack, he can thereby control the airplanes drag, airspeed, and lift. Whenever a pilot is in a straight and level flight or descending and ascending in a constant rate, he should take note of the lift so as to ensure an efficient flight. In order for a pilot to generate a sufficient lift especially in high altitude, he needs to adjust the airspeed to the corresponding values for proper angle of attack. It also important to put into consideration factors that increase the stalling speed of the aircraft. These variables include; weight added, load factor increase, bank angle increase, decreased power, and variations in loading . The pilots as well as to understand the impact the center of gravity can have on the aircraft if its too far rearward. At such instances, the normal spin and stall recovery becomes difficult thereby making the aircraft become uncontrollable. Altitude selection and air density High humidity, high temperatures, high elevations, and low atmospheric pressure normally results in lower air density which in turn decreases the aircraft performance. An aircraft expresses a high groundspeed at touch line. The ground effect usually cushions the air underneath the wing thereby decreasing the drag and also increasing the lift. It becomes crucial for the pilot therefore, to understand that when the plane is leaving the ground effect, it will require more thrust, experience an increase in induced drag, and a greater angle of attack. This becomes essential since many accidents occur during take offs and landing periods. Therefore, putting these two variables; air density and pressure altitude into consideration is essential in preventing occurrence of accidents. Air density normally affects the engines power output in relation to the altitude. Air pressure/altitude, humidity, and temperature influence the air density which in turn influences the engine performance of the aircraft (Dole et al., 2016). Due to these factors, then the pilot has to calculate the density altitude and compare with the related performance charts before attempting to either land or start a flight. Centre of gravity loading Centre of gravity plays a critical role in operations of an aircraft. Normally, aircraft balances on its center of gravity and the downward force act on that particular location. An aircraft maintains the center of gravity and the aircraft weight through the lift amount (Yang et al., 2016). Contrary to various pilots, the unaccelerated flight, weight, and lift do not equal each other at the same level. To optimize aircraft operations, a pilot has to determine the aft of the center of gravity as well as the most significant and efficient loading condition. It also becomes important to consider the loading limitations of the plane has it affects the overall controllability and utility of the aircraft. Proper loading is vital for smooth operations of the aircraft. It is a legal requirement as well as a safety measure. The specified maximum allowable weight should not be exceeded at any instance. The loading should be in line with the center of gravity and should remain so for the entire flight operation. The pilot and the flight crew, therefore, should set the aircraft equipment appropriately such as the slat/flap position, take off reference speeds, stabilizer position, and the pitch trim. This can be achieved by utilizing the outboard wing and hence keeping the center of gravity towards the aft limits. Following the standard weight loading of the aircraft ensures smooth operations and flight which in turn improves the overall performance of the firm. Many aircraft pilots underestimate the significance of proper weight and balance and therefore, they find themselves causing accidents that could be avoided. They do not take the load sheets seriously and make hasty calculations which eventually affect the operations, performance, control, and stability of the aircraft. It is important therefore, to consider the aft center of gravity limit in various situations such as at low speed and high trust or high speed and low thrust. Take-off and landing distance It is important for the pilot to consider the take-off distance available so as to avoid some unnecessary minor accidents. The pilots need to be prepared for there is always an obstacle to the direction of take-offs. These obstacles usually project above the aerodrome surface and hence are capable of affecting the safety of various aircrafts during the flight period (Mesgarpour et al., 2010). The pilot as well has to put into consideration the clearways and the available slopes while in operation. In some instances, the slope of the clearway and the slope of the runway is different. Therefore, for efficient aircraft operations, the pilot has to work closely with the operating authority to promulgate the necessary elevations in order to obtain the correct slope calculation. The same case applies to the stop way issue since at times there are obstructions in the aircraft approach path (Beasle et al., 2000). The pilot, therefore, has to determine the possible risks and safety of the air craft by putting into consideration the weight of the aircraft since its a critical factor to consider during landing or taking off (Trucco et al., 2015). Aerodynamic forces For an aircraft to have a smooth flight, the equilibrium between the weight of the aircraft and the lifting force should balance (Obert, 2009). The equilibrium is normally known as the basic equation of motion, and it needs to be satisfied for operational efficiency to be achieved. Normally, the assumption is that the aircraft with the wings level, moves through the still air and the earth is non-rotating and flat. The weight of the aircraft, the propulsive thrust which is exerted by the power plant, and the aerodynamic forces (McRuer et al., 2014) generated by the aircraft as it moves through the air, determines significantly how the aircraft operates. For smooth operation of the aircraft, its important for the pilot to analyze all the aerodynamic forces that might affect the flight of the aircraft and hence optimize the variables. The aerodynamics encompasses the weight and the center of gravity in relation to aircraft performance (Torenbeek, 2013). Proper aircraft loading, therefo re, becomes an important aspect to consider while operating an aircraft. Weight is critical in operational efficiency of an aircraft since the center of gravity for an aircraft, is the point where all weight is concentrated. Its important, therefore, to determine the weight of the cargo and baggage in the craft, fuel on board, and some of the passengers to ensure a smooth flight. Determining the ideal trim position or the ideal center of gravity thus becomes critical to enhancing operational efficiency. Decreasing operational efficiency of an aircraft The standard atmosphere set out for airplane to operate at, rarely do they remain constant. As the altitude and temperature increases so does the air density decreases. These affects the rate of climb of the aircraft and therefore it will require a more runway to take off. The plane at the same time expresses a bit longer landing roll. For uninformed pilot, such a scenario can be disastrous since such aerodynamics reduces the performance of the airplane drastically (Ng et al., 2014). The horsepower out-put of engines as well is reduced, the airfoils and blades of the propeller start developing less thrust therefore, increasing the take-off distance. Poor aircraft loading also can affect the operations of the aircraft. Loading affects the center of gravity of the plane and thereby determines how stable it will be. Every pilot should be aware of the abnormal loads as well as the worthwhile payloads that can affect the land offs and take offs. If the standard limit load factors are exceeded, chances are the operations will be affected and the craft may as well experience structural damage. If the pilot gets the wrong climb propeller and the wrong cruise speed as well as the wrong angle of attack, then it will result into inefficiency. It is also important to optimize the aerodynamic forces of a plane to enhance the operation efficiency. A safe practice during landing and take-off stages should be adhered to by all the pilots (Stewart, 2014). For instance, taking off in an airport with high-density altitudes, high ambient temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure system will bring a lot of problems. Conclusion The aviation industry has become so competitive, and it requires one to optimize all the necessary variables to remain in the market. Aircraft pilots play a huge role in the success of the aviation firm. They are in control of the aircraft and hence need to work effectively in enhancing the operations of the aircraft. It, therefore, becomes essential for them to consider all variables that affect the operation result of the aircraft. Optimization of the cruise speed, aerodynamics, center of gravity loading as well as taking-off and landing phases has a positive effect in enhancing the operations of the aircraft. References Aktrk, M. S., Atamtrk, A., Grel, S. (2014). Aircraft rescheduling with cruise speed control. Operations Research, 62(4), 829-845. Antoine, N. E., Kroo, I. M. (2004). 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