Document Type

Capstone

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Denny Lessard

Publication/Presentation Date

4-2020

Abstract/Description

The purpose of this research is to examine instances of near mid-air collision (NMAC) in order to determine if the number of instances of traffic conflictions resulting in near mid-air collision situations while in contact with air traffic control is rising over the last decade. Midair collision and near midair collision situations between aircraft operating while at least one is talking to air traffic control (ATC) present a hazard to safety and with the potential for a deadly encounter that results in loss of life and damage to property. Situations such as this in the National Airspace System (NAS) involve numerous aspects, including air traffic control, physiological limitations in seeing traffic, pilot techniques, cognitive bias, technology, and present regulations that add to the complexity of examining the issue. The research project design will be a quantitative study utilizing the Aviation Safety Reporting System to search for NMAC conflictions from 2008 through 2017 and the FAAs Controller Workforce Plan for staffing levels and analyze for trends and correlation. The goal of the research project is to determine if there is a trend to NMAC situations in the 10 year period as well as correlation potential between the number of air traffic controllers and the number of NMAC events that occur while in communication with ATC. Discussion on the potential contributing factors that create these scenarios will also be reviewed.

Publisher

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

City

Worldwide Campus

Additional Information

A Graduate Capstone Project Submitted to the College of Aviation, Department of Graduate Studies In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the Degree of Master of Science in Aeronautics.

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