Date of Award
Summer 9-2003
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Aeronautics
Department
Applied Aviation Sciences
Committee Chair
Michael E. Wiggins
Committee Member
Francis Ayers
Committee Member
Theodore Beneigh
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to compare, in a simulator, the safety of a variable pitch strategy with the established constant pitch strategy in transitioning through a microburst during an abort maneuver in the approach to landing phase of flight. In numerous mathematical and computer studies of microburst penetrations, the variable pitch strategy provided a greater recovery altitude than the constant pitch strategy. A Boeing 737 level C aircraft simulator was employed to evaluate these findings in a dynamic environment. Three appropriately qualified subjects piloted 35 flights through a microburst, while computer generated data were collected. "Safety", defined as the maximization of the minimum altitude experienced by the aircraft during the recovery phase of the microburst encounter, was statistically greater for the constant pitch maneuver. An improved microburst model and a flight director steering command are recommended for continued studies in a manned simulator.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Cadmus, Mark, "Microburst Recovery For Jet Transport Aircraft: A Comparison Between Constant And Variable Pitch Guidance Trajectories" (2003). Master's Theses - Daytona Beach. 20.
https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/20
