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During an operational process, activity is implemented through an ordered sequence of certain actions united by a common motive. Actions can be simple or complex. Simple actions cannot be split into elements having independent objectives. Complex actions can be presented in the form of a set of simple actions. If the logical organisation of this set is open, a complex action can be described as an algorithm consisting of simple actions. That means various kinds of operational activities develop from the same simple and typical actions, but in various sequences. Therefore, human error is always generated by a more elementary error of action. Thus, errors of action are the primary parameter that is universal for any kind of activity of an aviation specialist and can serve as a measure for estimating the negative influence of the human factor (HF) on flight safety. Aviation personnel are various groups of experts having various specialisations and working in various areas of civil aviation. It is obvious that their influence on conditions is also unequal and is defined by their degree of interaction with the performance of flights. In this article, the results of an analysis of air incidents will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research team from Control and Avionics Department of Rzeszow University of Technology (RUT) has been working on control systems for many types of flying objects for years. Experiences the team has had during their activity have helped create the control algorithms for a medium-size flying target (MSFT). Researchers from RUT, together with the small aviation company EUROTECH, have been working on a flying target for artillery. This paper gives a generic view of the system, including airborne and on-ground parts. But this paper mainly presents the control system that is mounted on the MSFT. The paper describes the generic conception of the control system of the flying target, including control laws used in the control system of the MSFT. Results of simulations and real flight data are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic growth of general aviation as a mean of transport over medium distances means that people having no extraordinary qualifications or extraordinary physical or mental abilities more often pilot such types of airplanes. This phenomenon creates the necessity of giving planes flying qualities that allow them to be safely piloted by ordinary people. One way of solving this problem is equipping airplanes with fly-by-wire control systems that modify their handling qualities. Then the computer included into such control systems modifies the actions taken by the pilot, making the airplane both easier and more comfortable to control. This paper presents sample software tools — control algorithms that allowing an airplane's handling qualities to be improved. They are prepared by the authors and tested on board an experimental plane. That plane was equipped with a prototypical fly-by-wire control system, which can modify a plane's responses to a pilot's actions. Selected results of flying tests of this control system that modifies handling qualities are presented in this paper. Those results were a starting point for investigations to rate and compare the handling qualities of a plane equipped with a control system working according to the algorithms tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the wider use of composite materials in aviation, the observation of their quality during production and exploitation is becoming more topical. We are of the opinion that acoustic technologies of all-in-one control give us promising possibilities to watch and research the characteristics and parameters of composite materials. The acceptable way to form acoustic scenery for composite material research is discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term goal for general aviation aircraft is to reduce or eliminate the use of fluid power systems such as hydraulics from the aircraft. Power-By-Wire (PBW) technology seems to be the next major step in the development of aircraft control. In this solution, control power comes directly from the aircraft electrical system to the Electro-Mechanical Actuator (EMA), which includes the electric motor, controller and gearbox. EMAs have the potential to be more efficient, less complicated, less expensive, and more faults tolerant than actuators based on hydraulic systems. The construction of a single EMA and set of cooperating electro-mechanical servos actuating airplane control surfaces is presented in this work. The mechanical unit, microcontroller of the EMA, and general information on control algorithms are discussed in this work. Testing methods and laboratory results are also described. Then the in-flight testing results of the complete set of servos installed as a part of a SPS-1 system on board an airplane are presented. SPS-1 is an experimental Fly-By-Wire (FBW) control system for general aviation aircraft designed as a project financed by the Polish State Committee for Scientific Research (2004-2005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews selected UAV applications and aircraft configurations as functions of these applications. Very unusual configurations are often observed and this paper tries to explain that the final aircraft layout is a trade-off between aerodynamic efficiency, the flight control system (usually very expensive), stealth (in the military sector), payload, reliability, and safety. This paper also accentuates some universal aspects and features of all aerospace designs, namely safety, reliability, cost, and economical competitiveness. These issues can be found on the priority lists both defined by NASA (the so-called "Blueprints for Aeronautics") and by the European Commission under the umbrella of the VIth Framework Programme of the European Union. The paper often refers to the UAVNET network and both to its achievements and results presented within regular seminars organised by UAVNET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]