The problem of finding an optimal back-to-front airplane boarding policy is explored, using a mathematical model that is related to the 1+1 polynuclear growth model with concave boundary conditions and to causal sets in gravity. We study all airplane configurations and boarding group sizes. Optimal boarding policies for various airplane configurations are presented. Detailed calculations are pr...

Microlight aircraft are increasingly becoming the most popular segment of private aviation. In the United Kingdom the majority (about 2500 of a total fleet of 3500) of these aircraft are of the weightshift class, also known as flexwings or trikes. This paper introduces the main issues involved in the design and operation of this class of aeroplane.

An analysis of ight measurements made near a wake vortex was conducted to explore the feasibility of providing a pilot with useful wake-avoidance information. The measurements were made with relatively low-cost ow and motion sensors on a light airplane ying near the wake vortex of a turboprop airplane weighing approximately 90 000 lb. Algorithms were developed which removed the response of the ...

The Autonomous Systems Lab of EPFL is developing, within the framework of an ESA program, an ultra-lightweight solar autonomous model airplane called Sky-Sailor with embedded navigation and control systems. The main goal of this project is to jointly undertake research on navigation, control of the plane and also work on the design of the structure, the energy generation system. The airplane wi...

The accumulation of ice on an airplane in flight is one of the leading contributing factors to general aviation accidents, and to date only relatively sophisticated methods based on detailed empirical data and flight data exist for its analysis. This paper develops a methodology and simulation tool for a preliminary yet accurate evaluation of airplane dynamical response and stability and contro...