An Analysis of the Utilization Rates for Eastern Kentucky University’s Fleet of Training Aircraft

Author

Erica J. Gilbert, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Abstract

For years, aviation industry experts have warned of a looming pilot shortage in our nation’s air transportation system. As outreach efforts have yielded positive results in recruiting pilots, many flight training programs have seen unprecedented increases in enrollment. Eastern Kentucky University is no exception. Partly because of this industry wide growth, the price of acquiring, maintaining, and fueling aircraft goes up each year. As a flight training program grows and resources become scarcer, it is incumbent upon the governing body to maintain control over tangible assets and human assets for the interest of all stakeholders. Through analysis of historical and current data, it is determined the utilization rate of EKU’s fleet of training aircraft is 16.68%. An understanding of the reasons behind the fleet’s utilization rates will allow for changes in scheduling & efficiency and their effects to be weighed. Further, recommendations of improving scheduling and new programs are made to increase efficiency while maximizing the quality of instruction students receive.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-3-2021

Mentor

Dennis J. Sinnett

Mentor Department Affiliation

Applied Engineering and Technology

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Applied Engineering and Technology

Presentation

https://eku.zoom.us/rec/share/M2djr3iIJMXZ08F6-gXhoiJK9nBQnX6-XR1y-g021vI5hKlzJjiFASjU_wsiiebp.QIk6wZsau8N8HQLE?startTime=1617719210000

Recommended Citation

Gilbert, Erica J., "An Analysis of the Utilization Rates for Eastern Kentucky University’s Fleet of Training Aircraft" (2021). Honors Theses. 816.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/816