Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (April 17) is:

Review of the Semester

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

So, this post will not require extensive research. Please answer the following questions:

1) Summarize your career plan that you had at the beginning of this course.

2) Has that career plan changed? Why or why not?

3) Has anything in the course influenced your answer to 2)...blog topics, guest speakers, assignments?

4) What was your most interesting blog topic? Why? What was your least interesting blog topic? Why?

5) Which guest speaker did you gain/retain the most from? Why?

6) What are your plans for continual professional development after graduation?

Not so bad, eh? No links, references, or comments required this week, unless you want to.

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Do a good job on the post.  Post on time.    10 points

Please publish your post by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday evening, April 16.

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (April 10) is:

Aviation Organizations: Who to Join and Why

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

I am a firm believer that it is important to belong to your professional associations.  It is important as a student, and even more important as a working professional.  Given your career aspirations . . .

1. What associations will it be important to belong to when you are employed and engaged on your career path?  Identify at least two organizations. 
2. Research the associations that you identified. Discuss the mission and functions of each association.
3. Discuss why is it important for you to belong to these associations.
4. Be thorough with your answers.

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Association 1...........................................................10 points

Association 2...........................................................10 points

Four appropriate references and citations...........4 points

Grammar and Style...................................................5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs.........6 points

Total..........................................................................35 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each item fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include four references and links to support your discussion. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Comment on three of your classmate’s blogs and upload your comments to the  Dropbox.

Please publish your post by 11:59 p.m. on Monday evening, April 8.

Comments are due by the start of class on April 10.

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (April 3) is:

Aviation Business Models

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

Most aviation companies are facing the growing challenge of adapting to a changing market and uncertain economic times.  Aviation businesses face numerous challenges that range from regulations, to security, to unpredictable fuel costs.   For this week’s blog, address the following issues.

1. What is the rationale behind the cliché, “How do you make a small fortune in aviation?  Start with a very large fortune.”  What are your thoughts on how this catchy little phrase came about, and why is this phrase increasingly relevant? Use pertinent information from aviation business plans, and examples of failed or struggling aviation business to address this question. 
2. Given the negative nature of question #1, identify some positive business strategies that upstart aviation business may employ.  Identify some successful companies in your discussion.  Why are these companies successful?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Item 1...........................................................................10 points

Item 2...........................................................................10 points

Four appropriate references and citations.............4 points

Grammar and Style.....................................................5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs...........6 points

Total............................................................................35 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each item fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include four references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Due to the special nature of this weekend, please publish your post by 11:59 p.m. on Monday evening, April 1.

Comments are due by the start of class on April 3.

You are all management majors (except for Steve). Enjoy this one

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (March 27) is:

Boeing vs. Airbus

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

From a field of many aircraft manufactures that were present after World War II, Boeing and Airbus have emerged to become, perhaps, the greatest “duopoly” in aviation history. This week we will explore the history of this “duopoly” and what the future may hold for each company. For this week’s blog, address the following issues.

1. What factors occurred that allowed Boeing and Airbus to become a “duopoly” in the commercial aircraft world market?
2. What Boeing and Airbus aircraft are in direct competition?
3. How do both companies maneuver politically on the world stage?
4. Are there significant differences in each company’s philosophies?
1. Manufacturing?
2. Marketing?
3. Operations?
5. What are some of the statistics?
1. Number of aircraft flying?
2. Number of employees?
3. Reliability?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Item 1.........................................................................3 points

Item 2.........................................................................3 points

Item 3.........................................................................3 points

Item 4.........................................................................3 points 

Item 5.........................................................................3 points

Four appropriate references and citations.........4 points

Grammar and Style.................................................5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs.......6 points

Total........................................................................30 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each item fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include four references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening, March 24.

Comments are due by the start of class on March 27.

Enjoy,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (March 20) is:

Sequestration and How it is Impacting Aviation

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

We have plunged over the cliff.  What seemed unthinkable, happened.  On March 1, congress failed to establish spending cuts and the country entered fiscal sequestration.  Aviation is going to be profoundly affected by sequestration--perhaps in ways that we cannot even imagine.  For this week’s blog, address the following issues.

1. Define sequestration.

2. What was the original intent of sequestration?

3. How will sequestration affect FAA programs?

4. How will sequestration affect the industry?

General Aviation?

Airlines?

Airports?

5. Does any segment of the aviation community stand to gain from the sequester?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Item 1………………………………………………...........3 points

Item 2…………………………………………...…...….....3 points

Item 3……………………………………………......….....3 points

Item 4……………………………………………....……...3 points 

Item 5…………………………………………...…............3 points

Four appropriate references and citations…...…...….4 points

Grammar and Style……………………………....……...5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs………......6 points

Total…………………………………………………..….30 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each item fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include four references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening, March 17.

Comments are due by the start of class on March 20.

Enjoy,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (March 13) is:

The Global Ramifications of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS)

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

Please answer the following items:

1) Describe how the EU ETS works.

2) Describe why the US and other countries are opposed to participation in the EU ETS.

3) Describe the US's current position on EU ETS.

4) Describe the EU's current position on EU ETS.

5) ICAO is tasked with coming up with a global solution by fall 2013. What should this solution be?

6) Time to get political...is a solution to aviation emissions necessary? Why or why not?

Do not forget to include four reputable references and links in your post.

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Item 1…………………………………………....……........3 points

Item 2………………………………………….......…….....3 points

Item 3…………………………………………….......….....3 points

Item 4…………………………………………….....……...3 points 

Item 5…………………………………………...…....….....3 points

Item 6………………………………………………..…......3 points

Appropriate references and citations………………….4 points

Grammar and Style……………………………...…….....5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs………......6 points

Total…………………………………………………..….33 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each item fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening, March 10.

Comments are due by the start of class on March 13.

Have fun,

Dr. Tartalone

Time to talk about China....

Specifically, General Aviation in China.

Recently, Hawker Beechcraft sold its business jet and general aviation operations to a Chinese aerospace manufacturer - Superior Aviation Beijing Company, Limited. This is not the only U.S. general aviation manufacturing company to utilize China for support.

Additionally, China's general aviation industry, after being somewhat nonexistent, is in a period of rapid growth.

For this week's assignment, answer the following questions.   Include at least four references in your blog.

1) In addition to Hawker Beechcraft, discuss other U.S. general aviation manufacturers with ties to China. Explain the details - who and what is the relationship, why did the relationship develop, and what are the ramifications to the U.S.  general aviation industry.

2) What are the reasons for this "rapid growth" in the Chinese general aviation industry?

3) What is the relationship between these U.S. general aviation manufacturers with ties to China, and the growth in the Chinese general aviation industry?

4) Most importantly, what does all of the above mean for career opportunities in the U.S. general aviation sector?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Question 1…………………………………………….....5 points

Question 2…………………………………………….....5 points

Question 3…………………………………………….....5 points

Question 4…………………………………………….....5 points

Appropriate references and citations……………..….4 points

Grammar and Style……………………………...……...5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs……........6 points

Total………………………………………………….....35 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each question fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday evening, February 25.

Comments are due by the start of class on February 27.

Have a blast!
Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (February 20) is:

The Merger of American Airlines and US Airways

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

On February 13, 2013, the boards of both American Airlines and US Airways approved a deal to merge the two airlines. Although the merger is not official until it goes through several additional approval processes (including a bankruptcy judge, shareholders and the Justice Department), it is likely that the merger will pass these steps.

Please answer the following questions.  Include at least four references in your blog.

A.  How do you think this merger will affect the consumer? There are two sides:

1. Larger, consolidated airlines have the ability to provide better service, amenities and connections, therefore, the merger will benefit the consumer.
2. While (1) may be true, travelers care less about benefits and more about their bottom line.  This merger will decrease competition, and therefore, raise ticket prices. Explain your reasoning. 

B.  One of the biggest concerns of the pilot force in a merger is how the seniority list is going to be merged. US Airways and America West merged in 2005 and their new pilot seniority list is still in dispute. Why? What are some of the reasons that this list is so important and what are the concerns when merging a seniority list? There is currently not an “industry standard” for this.  If you were in charge of creating an industry standard for a merged pilot seniority list what would it be and what factors would it take into consideration. You may want to research previous mergers to answer this question.

C.  One of the specific steps in the merger process is review by the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Why is this a step? What does the antitrust division do? The prediction is that this division will approve the merger and four US carriers will then control 70% of the domestic market. The big questions are, how will this affect your career (flying or management) and why?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Question A…………………………………………….....5 points

Question B…………………………………………….....5 points

Question C…………………………………………….....5 points

Appropriate references and citations…………......….4 points

Grammar and Style……………………………...……...5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs………....6 points

Total…………………………………………………….30 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each question fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening, February 17.

Comments are due by the start of class on February 20.

Have fun,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (February 13) is:

Corporate Aviation: A Political Punching Bag

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

On November 18, 2008, at the height of the financial crises, the CEOs of GM, Ford, and Chrysler few their corporation’s jets to Washington, D.C. to ask Congress for a $25 billion bailout to avoid bankruptcy of the auto industry.  The media and late-night talk show hosts exploited the transportation story, and suddenly, corporate aviation was national news.

More recently, President Obama has blasted corporate aviation on several occasions.  The President asserts that corporate aircraft owners, as a group, should be paying more taxes.  Currently, corporations purchasing large business equipment may take advantage of a provision of the economic stimulus package called “accelerated depreciation.”  The concept of accelerated depreciation is not new, it has been around in many guises for a long while.  Accelerated depreciation has been especially beneficial to aviation since the post-9/11, Economic Revitalization Act.

Your assignment this week will focus on the pros and cons of corporate aviation.  Address the following questions in your blog post.  Provide at least four references to support your discussion.

Is corporate aviation really necessary, or should corporate executives fly on the airlines?

Do you feel that corporate aviation is vitally important for our economy?

What are President Obama’s arguments regarding corporate aviation?

What are the arguments of the NBAA, GAMA , and other aviation advocates?

What is accelerated depreciation?

Why is accelerated depreciation part of the economic stimulus package.

Is the opulence of some business jets entirely justified?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Depth of discussion…………………………………....10 points

Appropriate references and citations………………….4 points

Grammar and Style……………………………………...5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs………......6 points

Total…………………………………………………..….25 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address each issue fully to receive full credit.

2.  Include references and links to support your topic. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday evening.

Comments are due by the start of class on February 13

Enjoy,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (February 6) is:

UAVs: A Commercial Future?

http://avt422winter2013.blogspot.com

Over the last decade, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (UAS, Drones, etc.) have seen steady growth and development.  This growth is most notable in the military sector.  However, in the last few years, manufacturers and users are beginning to show interest in potential commercial markets.

The expansion of the commercial UAV market is not without its challenges.  Choose two of the issues noted below.  Research your choices and provide a discussion of each.  Insert at least two links (and citations) for each topic.

1.  Integration of UAVs into the National Airspace System.

2.  Lack of regulations governing flight safety.  (Both domestically and globally.)

3.  Coping with a diverse customer base and multiple commercial applications.

4.  Pilot training and certification.

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows:

Issue #1......................................................................5 points

Issue #2......................................................................5 points

Depth of discussion..................................................5 points

Appropriate links and citations...............................4 points

Grammar and Style...................................................5 points

Three significant comments on other blogs.........6 points

Total..........................................................................30 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address your choices fully to receive full credit.

2.  Do not forget to add a link and integrate that link smoothly. 

3.  Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of your posting. 

4.  Please proofread your work.

5.  Upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening.

Comments are due by the start of class on February 6

Enjoy,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (January 30) is:

Individual and Industry Ramifications of Flight/Duty Regulations

On August 1, 2010, President Obama signed PL 111-216, The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2010.  A “spinoff” of the law was NPRM 2012-4627, Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations.  These acts have multiple ramifications for the industry.  However, for the purpose of this blog, we will focus on how this law has the potential to affect your career, as well as EMU's future in flight training.

PL 111-216 and NPRM 2012-4627 are posted in File Sharing.

Please address the following:

1.  Write a one-paragraph summary of PL 111-216.

2.  Address these items. 

1. One specific issue that has the potential to affect your career.
2. One specific issue that has the potential to affect EMU's future in flight training.
3. When addressing these specific issues, be sure to indicate what the change is by defining the pre-law status.

3.  Write a paragraph or two about each issue.

4.  Include in your discussions . . .

1. What are the potential benefits and challenges to the issues that you listed in #2?
2. Do you agree that the changes that you addressed in #2 are necessary or merely reactive?  Why or why not?

Grading criteria for this blog post will be as follows. 

Summary paragraph of the law.........................5 points

Address both issues (2a and 2b)......................4 points

Depth of discussion.............................................2 points

Appropriate links and citations..........................2 points

Grammar/Style......................................................2 points

Three significant comments on other blogs....3 points

Total.....................................................................18 points

Do not forget the following:

1.  Address ALL the above issues to receive full credit.

2.  Do not forget to add a link and integrate that link smoothly. Cite your sources, using APA formatting, at the bottom of   your post.

3.  Please proofread your work.

4.  In lieu of sending me your comments via e-mail, upload your comments to the Dropbox.

Your post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening.

Comments are due by the start of class on January 30

Enjoy,

Dr. Tartalone

Hello, AVT 422:

The blog topic for this week (January 23) is Leveling the Global Aviation Playing Field. 

The aviation industry in the United States, specifically the airlines, is facing several challenges or “threats” to maintaining a competitive edge in the global market.  Examples of some of these “threats” are tax policies, fuel costs, cheap labor, the rapid growth of airlines in countries that formerly did not compete, and other political issues.

Your assignment is to research the topic and examine at least two articles, from reputable sources, that address the current global aviation situation.  From your research, present three thought-provoking issues.  Post these issues on your blog and present a brief discussion of each.  Provide your ideas and opinions.  Your discussion might address the following questions.  How do you feel about the issues?  Do you agree with the authors?  What do you think are plausible solutions to the issues?  How might these issues affect you in the job market? 

Include links to your articles in your blog post.  In addition, cite your sources at the bottom of your blog post.  Use APA formatting for your citations.

This portion of the assignment is due at noon on Tuesday, January 22.

The second part of the assignment is to read and comment on three of your classmate’s blogs.  Send me an e-mail with your comments, and the title of the blogs on which you made comments.

This portion of the assignment is due before the start of class on Wednesday, January 23.

Grading criteria for blog posts will be as follows.

Three thought-provoking questions................................ 3 points

Depth of discussion........................................................... 2 points

Appropriate links and citations......................................... 2 points

Grammar/Style.................................................................... 1 point

Three significant comments on other blogs................... 2 points

Remember that this is a 400-level course.  Write and research accordingly.  I am looking for original and critical thought.  Be prepared to discuss your articles and your comments on your classmate’s articles in class on Wednesday.

Please contact me with any questions.

Dr. Tartalone