The Collegiate Aviation Review International

The Role of Modern-Day Labor Unions: Perceptions of U.S. Airline Employees

Timm J. Bliss — 2026-01-26

U.S. labor unions began as organizations that were formed to ensure fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions for workers. Today, the U.S. airline industry is a heavily unionized environment with many unions representing the different airline employee groups. The purpose of this study was to solicit U.S. airline employees’ perceptions regarding the role and responsibilities of modern-day labor unions. The researchers collected 306 completed surveys from participating U.S. airline employees, representing airline pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, ground operations, and other airline employee group(s). Four significant findings emerged from the research study: (1) over 85% of the participating unionized U.S. airline employees approved of the labor unions that are representing them in the workplace, (2) approximately 75% of airline employees agreed their unions are beneficial to them in the workplace and their representation has improved employees’ wages, working conditions, and overall quality of life, (3) about 60% of the airline employees agreed that unions hold too much power and influence, and (4) almost 90% of employees agreed labor union endorsements and union money regarding political policies are wrong. The results and recommendations will be shared with labor union leaders, decision makers in the US airline industry, and aviation academicians, in anticipation these findings will determine if labor unions are perceived by the participating airline employees as no longer a necessity, but more of a mandated choice in the U.S. airline industry.

Assessing Mid-Air Collision Risk Between Commercial Aircraft and Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems: A Functional Resonance Analysis Approach

Philip VanDette — 2026-01-27

Unauthorized use of small drones is becoming a serious threat, raising new safety concerns in commercial aviation. Although collisions between drones and aircraft are still rare, near misses indicate potential risks of serious accidents. This study uses the Functional Resonance Analysis Method to assess systemic hazards from drone encounters in controlled airspace. Voluntary pilot safety reports and previous research on collision techniques and pilot responses were reviewed. The initial risk assessment was rated high, underscoring the need for targeted mitigation strategies. Recommended measures include stricter regulations, geofencing, training, improved reporting, and advanced detect-and-avoid systems. These actions could significantly lower the risk and enhance overall safety management. This study demonstrates that the Functional Resonance Analysis Method can be an effective tool for airline operators to help identify emerging hazards and proactively incorporate mitigation measures into safety systems.

Developing Vertiport Safety Areas: A Data-Driven Approach to Downwash and Outwash Dynamics

David Ison — 2026-01-27

The integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transportation networks requires empirically validated safety area guidelines that account for their unique aerodynamic characteristics. This study analyzed Federal Aviation Administration flight test data to quantify the effects of downwash and outwash (DWOW) on eVTOL aircraft and develop evidence-based safety zones for vertiport operations. Traditional momentum theory consistently underestimated eVTOL wake velocities by factors of 2 to 4, necessitating enhanced modeling approaches that incorporated multi-rotor wake interactions and disc loading effects. An enhanced semi-empirical model, incorporating geometric amplification factors, ground effects, and jet entrainment, achieved exceptional predictive accuracy, with mean absolute errors ranging from 0.498 to 1.568 m/s and correlation coefficients of 0.949 to 0.991 across validation datasets. Medium eVTOL aircraft (1,000-2,500 kg) exhibited the highest wake amplification factors (2.0-3.2), creating the most challenging operational conditions. Based on established rotorwash hazard criteria and validated model predictions, a three-zone safety framework was developed: Danger Zone (0-50 feet) with complete evacuation required during operations, Caution Zone (50-150 feet) permitting controlled access with protective measures, and Buffer Zone (150-200 feet) with minimal operational restrictions. The empirically validated 150-foot minimum safety radius provides scientifically defensible guidelines that balance rigorous safety requirements with operational feasibility for urban air mobility integration, supporting regulatory frameworks and vertiport design standards worldwide.