Issue 3 | Volume 152 | September 30, 2019
theavion.com | (386) 226-6049
A Campus B Industry & Technology
So Close Yet So Far Chirag Mehrotra Copy Editor On Jul. 22, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), launched India's second mission to the moon: Chandrayaan-2. The craft consisted of three components, the lunar orbiter, the lander Vikram, named after Vikram Sarabhai father of the Indian Space Program, and a rover Pragyan meaning wisdom. The craft held hopes and dreams of a billion people as it endeavored to be the first country to attempt a soft-landing on the Moon's South Pole. After spending 28 days hurtling through space, the craft reached the moon's orbit. From there it spent the next few days for prepping the lander to detach and land on the lunar surface. On Sept. 7 at 1:38 a.m., Indian Standard Time (IST), 4:18 p.m. EST, Vikram began its descent to the lunar surface. All seemed to be normal until 2.1 kilometers (1.2 miles) above the moon’s surface when the lander deviated from the planned trajectory for the soft landing. With that, a billion people waited anxiously to hear the news about what happened to the lander. People were in a shock when K. Sivan, chairman of ISRO, released a statement, “Vikram’s descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed." ISRO had 14 days to re-establish contact with the lander, which is equivalent to one lunar day before the region entered a lunar night, where temperatures drop to -200 degrees Celsius. The instruments were not designed to withstand those temperatures for a prolonged amount of time. Those 14 days ended on Sept. 20 and Vikram was never heard from again. NASA flew a Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) over the planned landing site and took pictures of the region. However, what happened to the lander is still a mystery, since much of the terrain is covered in shadows and does not show the lander's condition. The LRO will pass over the region again on Oct. 14 during a lunar day. Hopefully, this will finally allow us to learn what happened to the lander. After two failed mission, Israel's Beresheet Program, the race is still on to the Moon's South Pole. Only time will tell if India or any other country will ever land in the region and answer countless questions we have about our celestial neighbor. Until then, we can only hope.
Photo Courtesy/ISRO
THE AVION
A2 Campus Life
Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Business Manager Photo Editor
Rajan Khanna Vipul Telang Nick Hernandez Payton Muglia Connor Adair
Page Editors Cover Editor Rajan Khanna Campus Editors Vipul Telang Connor Adair Nick Hernandez Brandon Etwarroo Zach Fedewa Madaline Eitniear Industry Editors Victoria Jordan Zach Fedewa Caleigh Bocrie Sam Stirmel Comics Editor Payton Muglia Copy Editors Sarah Fairchild Oliver Du Bois Chirag Mehrotra
Saudi Expo & National Day Celebration
Students from all different backgrounds were invited to the Saudi Student Association (SSA) Saudi Expo & National Day Event. Held from Sept. 22-23 in the Student Event Center, SSA was able to showcase their country’s culture, food, art, and clothing while celebrating Saudi’s 89th day. One of the most active international clubs on campus, the SSA had virtual reality, Arabic art, music, language presentations, henna tattoos, prize giveaways, Q&A sessions about culture, games, movies, and more. Sam Stirmel, one of the many students to attend the event, said, “I was really impressed by the art that was displayed!” Dhafer Alqushayri, president of the Saudi Student Association, hopes to further spread the Saudi culture to the Daytona Community by promoting cultural events and projects. “I want more people to be aware of our culture and I want people to have a greater understanding of our country,” he said. To learn more about the Saudi Student Association, find them on Campus Groups or email ssa.erau.db@gmail.com
Contributors
Reporters Photographers
Mike Shekari Mike Shekari Korbin Martin Zach Fedewa Michael Weinhoffer Korbin Martin Vipul Telang Chirag Mehrotra
Correspondents
Nicholas Reuss, Ameer Hosein, Costas Koufogazos, David Keck, Christina Frederick, Randon Senn, Joshua Rosado, Hunter Powell, Ahmed Mae, Mohammad Yousef,
Staff Advisor Ronnie Mack Asst. Director, Media & Marketing
Contact Information Main Phone: (386) 226-6049 Business Manager: (386) 226-7697
ERAU President Butler and Provost Moeller are offered samples of Arabic coffee, food, and desserts.
Editor-In-Chief: editor@theavion.com Managing Editor: managing@theavion.com News Editor: news@theavion.com Business Manager: business@theavion.com Photo Editor: photo@theavion.com
Website: theavion.com @theavionnewspaper u/theavionnewspaper @The_Avion @TheAvion SSA members Rami offers a student traditional arabic biscuits.
The Avion is produced weekly during the fall and spring term, and bi-weekly during summer terms. The Avion is produced by a volunteer student staff. Student editors make all content, business and editorial decisions. The editorial opinions expressed in The Avion are solely the opinion of the undersigned writer(s), and not those of EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, the Student Government Association, The Avion, or the student body. Letters appearing in The Avion are those of the writer, identified at the end of the letter. Opinions expressed in the “Student Government” and “Student Life” sections are those of the identified writer. Letters may be submitted to The Avion for publication, provided they are not lewd, obscene or libelous. Letter writers must confine themselves to less than 800 words. Letters may be edited for brevity and formatted to newspaper guidelines. All letters must be signed. Names may be withheld at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Avion is an open forum for student expression. The Avion is a division of the Student Government Association. The Avion is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The costs of this publication are paid by the Student Government Association and through advertising fees. The Avion distributes one free copy per person. Additional copies are $0.75. Theft of newspapers is a crime, and is subject to prosecution and Embry-Riddle judicial action. This newspaper and its contents are protected by United States copyright law. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in print or electronically, without the expressed written consent of The Avion. Correspondence may be addressed to: The Avion Newspaper, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. Physical office: Student Union, Room 219.
Sean Murphy stands in front of a display model of a typical Saudi Museum
Pictured right to left: Abdulelah (treasurer), Osama, Dhafer (president), Meshari (vice president), Yazeed (Sports representative), Saleh (Media representative) are pictured cutting cake for the Saudi National Day Festival Mohammed Yousef & Ahmad Mae/Saudi Students Association
relationship advice
weekly
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Campus A3
Reverend David Keck & Dr. Christina Frederick
Dear Humane Factors:
I met this really nice guy and we’ve gone out a few times and things were going well until recently. Last week we met for dinner and a few of his friends were at the same table. They began talking about politics and my new potential boyfriend jumped into the conversation in agreement with his friends. I was pretty shocked to realize that he holds pretty traditional Republican views, while I am a committed Democrat and fairly liberal. Is there any way this relationship can work?
Dr. Frederick says: Ah, yes, the political divide invades every part of our world. If it’s any consolation, 60 years ago, this discussion would have been about religious or racial/ethnic differences, but that was then, and this is our reality now. Can this work? Some people hold the viewpoint that ‘opposites attract’ and that our differences will complement one another’s weaknesses. On the other hand, some folks adhere to the ‘birds of a feather, flock together’ philosophy, or that similarity breeds liking and love. From a psychological perspective, there is more support for the ‘birds of a feather’ scenario than the others; however, neither is entirely correct. What seems to be essential to have in common with a potential romantic interest are some fundamental beliefs and values that you hold, and which are important to you. Religion and your beliefs and practices about finances are often mentioned as qualities that are important to have similar feelings about. Political orientation has been another one of those qualities. I would argue though that political orientation is import-
Rev. Keck says: Many years ago, a potential romantic partner, upon hearing one of my political viewpoints, blurted out, “You … you’re evil.” She was entirely serious in her estimation. A couple of years later, we got married. For a while, we made peace with our differences by realizing that our votes would cancel each other out. It wasn’t quite “no harm, no foul,” but it was our way of coming to an agreement of sorts. In retrospect, what we shared was a belief that politics mattered, that discussing what a good society looks like, how taxes should function, what the responsibilities and limitations of the state should be were all important questions worthy of our time and energy. Political differences were significant, but we bonded in part because we both valued the questions. We have since moved closer in our politics as our relationship has evolved. People can grow closer in their thinking without sacrificing their beliefs. That situation is different from
ant to hold similar views on, IF civic engagement and the political issues currently in play are important to you. I can share that in my family growing up all the women were Democrats and all the men were Republican. There were some good-natured political discussions at the holiday table but nothing heated and nothing that was personally insulting. The two groups agreed to disagree and moved on to what to them were more pressing matters, like the increasing price of milk at the grocery store or what pie we were having for dessert. From what you wrote, however, I am guessing that the anxiety you are experiencing is higher than what existed in my family and that your political beliefs may play a larger role in your identity. You are not alone. The current and extreme political divide with no middle ground has divided neighbors, spouses, friends, and siblings. Even dating profiles on online sites are full of statements requesting individuals of one party or another refrain from swiping right. So, how do you decide is this is a relationship-breaker or not? In answering, I’m going to draw one in which people dislike each other reflexively simply because of how they identify politically. Our culture seems to be encouraging us to think in terms of perpetual good-evil conflicts, and in such a context, a person wearing the wrong political badge can be seen as the enemy. We see the worst in people of the other side, and we can assume that if someone is just a little bit sympathetic to the wrong point of view, that s/ he is complicit in all sorts of evils. It is getting harder for people of goodwill to disagree – someone who disagrees with me, after all, cannot be of goodwill. S/he must be corrupted by whatever it is that corrupts, taints, perverts, etc. I think one of the greatest challenges is the one presented in our situation for today – circles of friends. Two people who care for each other can often work through political differences by listening to each other, opening their minds, increasing their curiosity, and recognizing that disagreement is not always apocalyptic. I think that friendship groups are much more difficult to navigate. We often choose our friends based on our values, and a group that shares similar
from a more Buddhist-inspired perspective. So, before making a decision one way or another, I will ask you to engage in a bit of selfcare. Think about the politically-related beliefs that are essential to you and that your ideas and your experiences are valid and worthy. You need to acknowledge that. In a healthy relationship, there should be no need to deny, subjugate, or annihilate your own beliefs if your partner does not share them. While you and a partner may respectfully disagree on some political elements, respect for your viewpoint and you as a person should never be in question. In addition, I would urge you to be open to having an honest, private discussion (not an argument) with your potential partner about one another’s beliefs. Attempt to determine if you have fundamental agreements on basic values and priorities and if your political orientations differ in the way those values are addressed in the real world. Or if the underlying values and beliefs, each of you holds are different. If your discussion leads to the former conclusion, then you may be able to come to common ground and move for-
ward with exploring a relationship. In these divisive times, you should not expect that to be easy, but if you are both willing to work at it, it may be possible. If, however, you disagree about principles that form the basis of who you are and what your beliefs about others are, then regardless of political differences this person is not going to be a good fit for you, and it would be best to let go and move on. In moving on, try to do so in a manner that is respectful to yourself and the other person. There is no need to vilify each other or be angry about the situation. Who you are now, in this time and this space, may not work for a relationship with this person, but you can wish him something called Metta. Metta means loving-kindness, and we can project Metta to ourselves, those we love, and even those we disagree with. Wishing someone Metta means you wish that they are happy, safe, healthy, and live with ease. Whatever happens with your potential partner, if you follow an open, honest path in finding a solution, it will be the right one – for you and him.
political beliefs might not have the patience, dedication, curiosity, and/or respect to listen to a group member’s significant other when that s.o. is politically “other.” The awkwardness, even pain, can be real and sincere, even when it is misguided or unnecessary. And if the significant other likes to post political commentary on social media, it may alienate the friends even further.
or their shared recognition that they are both sinners in need of grace. One of them may feel more right than wrong, but both know that they fall short of being perfect. They have also learned to temper their sense of being right or wrong with an awareness of how our selfishness influences us. I might hold the “right” political view, but I may well hold it for the wrong reasons.
It may seem strange to introduce another source of potential deal-breaking conflict into this mix, but the situation is already perilous, so why not? Religious or spiritual beliefs can be one way to overcome political differences. (To be sure, many political differences are grounded in religious differences!) A couple can be divided along political lines, but if they share a commitment to something that is greater than politics, then such common beliefs can help minimize the significance of the political differences. If there is something greater than a congressional bill or Supreme Court decision, then the legal issues are no longer ultimate. I’ve known many couples whose votes cancel each other, but who also find common ground in their dedication to a church
So I agree with Dr. Frederick – an honest, private discussion may well bring a couple closer, especially if it brings out common motives. If potential partners share a genuine commitment to, say, the welfare of poor immigrants in Europe or America, they might nevertheless come up with different solutions. In such cases, a relationship can grow stronger. Heated debates will be able to resolve themselves with sufficient mutual respect to sustain and even deepen the relationship, especially if they can articulate their reasoning thoughtfully. On the other hand, if their motives are different and their politics are misaligned, then they are probably not destined for a long-term relationship. Their arguments may well end with, “You ARE evil.”
THE AVION
A4 Campus Lessons Learned: N106ER The importance of thorough aircraft certification and airworthiness Instructions
Mike Shekari Staff Reporter The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released the final report for N106ER, an Embry-Riddle owned Piper PA-28R-201 (Arrow), 17 months after it crashed in April 2018. The accident started with an in-flight separation of the left-wing following take-off, claiming the lives of Embry-Riddle senior, Zachary Capra, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examiner, John Azma. The accident shocked and saddened the university community but can also serve as an opportunity to improve aviation safety with knowledge gained during the investigation. The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident to be: “Extensive fatigue cracking in the left-wing main spar lower cap and doublers, which resulted in the inflight separation of the left wing. The fatigue cracks initiated and grew to a critical size due to flight and ground loads associated with flight-training involving flight-training maneuvers, significant operation at low altitudes and frequent landing cycles. Previously established inspection criteria were insufficient to detect the fatigue crack before it grew to a critical size.” The accident’s probable cause brings up two key concerns: How should flight training aircraft be selected, and their operational lifecycles managed due to possible unforeseen mechanical or structural failures not covered by manufacture guidance? Additionally, are the FAA’s certification requirements for aircraft adequate to ensure the safety of flight? Almost immediately after the accident last April, the FAA removed the requirement for flight in a complex type aircraft during checkrides to receive a commercial pilot’s certificate. Embry-Riddle also grounded the Piper Arrow from the university’s flight training fleet, then removed from service permanently. However, when asked about aircraft selection and lifecycle management going into the future, the Embry-Riddle flight department was unable to comment due to ongoing investigations and litigation, according to Flight Department Chair, Dr. Ken Byrnes. The Avion also reached out to Piper Aircraft regarding potential aircraft lifecycle maintenance guidance changes specific to the Piper PA-28 series aircraft, but the company has not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. However, what is particularly disturbing regarding the PA-28 series is that Piper could continue producing the aircraft using a type certification that was completed under an obsolete standard from the Civil Air Regulations Part 3, which has fewer fatigue analysis requirements than the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23 that superseded it. According to the NTSB report, when the recommended fatigue testing was conducted post-accident by Piper, other aircraft
with an identical wing spar configuration to the PA-28R-201 had a higher fatigue risk when used in the flight training environment. This is even more concerning when Piper’s inadequate maintenance guidance has resulted in fatal accidents twice from the same failure in a 31-year period. Twice over the course of three decades may not sound significant at first, but with the shear number of PA-28 series aircraft in the U.S. general aviation fleet, more metal fatigue accidents are bound to occur eventually. An analysis performed by the Air Force as part of the accident investigation, even determined that N106ER’s sister aircraft, N104ER, would have suffered a structural failure within 2,000 hours as well. In the case of N106ER, the inspection that would have detected metal fatigue in the wing spar before it resulted in a fatal accident was not due for almost another 23,000 hours according to Piper Service Bulletins 886 and 978a, with 978a being the instruction that applies directly to N106ER’s airframe serial number. Part of the deficiency in the service bulletins is that they both consider normal flight training operations as normal use rather than a severe or extreme use environment. Especially when one consideres that flight training aircraft spend more time operating at or below 2,500ft than most other operations, subjecting the aircraft to higher load stresses than other aircraft typically operated in the normal usage category would experience. The FAA has also failed to issue an airworthiness directive for the metal fatigue problem applicable to all potentially impacted aircraft, which brings the safe lifecycle management of these aircraft further into question. However, even if the service bulletin was due prior to the accident, the wing removal and dye penetrant method of inspection ordered by Piper is also not necessarily the best inspection method for fatigue cracking. Dye penetrant inspection
detects cracks in non-porous materials by applying a media on the object’s surface and allowing it to dwell. During the dwell time, media will sink into any cracks open to the surface. After the dwell time has passed, the excess media is wiped away and developer may be applied making the cracks visible to an inspector using a magnifying glass. There are several issues with this inspection method. First, dye penetrant inspection only works when a crack is open to the surface, which means any cracks that have initiated below the material’s surface and have not propagated to the surface will be missed. Also, the inspection’s effectiveness can be reduced greatly by human error, such as not cleaning the object’s surface well enough, not applying enough penetrant media, not allowing enough dwell time, or missing extremely small indicated cracks during the visual inspection with a magnifying glass. The NTSB also mentions in their report that a form of high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection procedures developed by Piper and tested on N104ER post-accident would have been able to detect the fatigue cracks with a bolt hole probe while the wings were still installed on the aircraft. The easiest way to describe how HFEC inspections work is that there is a probe inducing an
eddy current into a conductive material and wherever the probe passes over a defect at or near the surface of the object, a change in how the current behaves will register on tester’s meter. The concept was demonstrated for The Avion Newspaper by aviation maintenance science professor Dr. Isaac Martinez, who operated the Eddy Current tester over a 737 former segment with a known defect, demonstrating how the tester needle deflected each time the probe passed over the defect. However, the principle advantage to this form of inspection is that HFEC can detect both surface and subsurface defects, which is also probably why it is the means of inspection selected by a proposed FAA airworthiness directive that has yet to published. The tragedy of the N106ER accident will have a lasting impact on the Embry-Riddle community and those who personally knew Zachary Capra and John Azma. However, disasters of a similar nature do not need to happen in the future with the information the aviation community is equipped with now. Hopefully the FAA and Piper will lead the way in putting more thought into how new aircraft are certified and continuing airworthiness instructions are developed to ensure continued safety while managing the lifecycles of currently existing and future general aviation aircraft.
Photos by Mike Shekari/The Avion Newspaper
Aviation Maintenance Science Professor, Dr. Isaac Martinez, operating a Eddy Current tester on a Boeing 737 former with a known defect, similar to the inspection type recommended by the NTSB for the PA-28R-201’s wing main spar for detecting metal fatigue.
N117ER, a Piper Arrow similar to N106ER, which was removed from service following the accident.
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Campus A5
Eagles Ice Hockey Falters at Home, Find Success Away
Korbin Martin Staff Reporter The Embry-Riddle Ice Eagles have gone through a 1-1-1 stretch in their last three games. On Saturday the 21st, the Eagles traveled to play the University of South Florida Bulls. The Eagles beat the Bulls 4-2 and spoiled their home opener. There were four scorers for the Eagles that game. #9 Jack Bokun scored a goal for the Eagles in the second period to make the score 1-1. Following that, #42 Ryan Marks, #43 Kyle Usiak, and #11 Noah Austin all scored in a dominant third period for the Eagles. This was a significant win for the Eagles, as the University of South Florida finished last season as the number two team in the ACHA South Region. The Eagles then hosted the University of Central Florida Knights once again on Friday the 27th. This
Hunter Powell/The Avion Newspaper
game didn’t go as well for the Eagles. The Knights scored within the first few seconds, and the Eagles followed it up with a goal of their own within the first minute. It went downhill from there, though, as the Knights scored three more goals in the first period, and held onto that lead for the rest of the game. The final score was 5-2. The Eagles traveled to Orlando the next day to play the Knights and tied them 2-2. The scorers for the Eagles on Saturday were #83 Bryce Korner and #43 Kyle Usiak. The Eagles are currently 2-3-1 this season. The Eagles came away with a win and a loss vs. the University of South Florida Bulls and will play the Bulls in another home series in January. Unfortunately, the University of Central Florida Knights, who the Eagles have played four times so far, have the upper hand.
The Eagles have two losses, a win, and a tie against them. However, the outlook for the rest of the season is excellent, as the Eagles only play against two more teams ranked in the top ten last season, and have many games against opponents who won’t be as challenging. The Eagles’ next home games will
Korbin Martin/The Avion Newspaper
be on Oct. 4 and 5 against the num ber one team in the ACHA South Region: Florida Gulf Coast University. The following two games might be the toughest games of the season for our Eagles, so make sure to be at the Daytona Ice Arena at 6:30 p.m. to support your Embry-Riddle Ice Eagles!
Joshua Rosado/The Avion Newspaper
Zachary Fedewa/The Avion Newspaper
Zachary Fedewa/The Avion Newspaper
Randon Senn Correspondent On Sept. 23, 2019, Thomas Cook Airlines suddenly declared bankruptcy, canceling all flights and leaving 600,000 people across the world stranded. Even though Thomas Cook was known to have a foot in the grave, the sudden cease of operations stunned hundreds of thousands around the globe. Thomas Cook Airlines first started as JMC Airlines on Sept. 1, 1999. However, it would not begin operations until Mar. 27, 2000. Three years later, JMC Airlines would be rebranded with other airlines as Thomas Cook Airlines on Mar. 31, 2003. Thomas Cook would start its investment in travel packages in 2007 during the merger between Thomas Cook AG and MyTravel Group to form Thomas Cook Group plc on Mar. 30, 2008. In the months leading up to its bankruptcy, Thomas Cook was looking to secure over $900 million that the company estimated it needed to continue operations. When the said amount was almost obtained, Thomas Cook re-estimated that it required an additional $249 million, (a total of $ 1.15 billion) in able to continue operations. The company continued to scramble for the funding until Sept. 22, 2019, when no government or business could lend the amount requested. The announcement of bankruptcy sent shockwaves throughout the world. So much so, that, according to Business Insider, some flight attendants with Thomas Cook would discover they lost their occupation through a Facebook post. The unforeseen cancellation of all flights and closure of trading caused an uproar with consumers and employees. These uproars include guests being unable to leave hotels until they receive payment from Thomas Cook, and the removal of seven flight attendants from a hotel in Las Vegas. Currently, the United Kingdom Parliament is assisting 150,000 British citizens in finding flights back to the U.K. All the while, Thomas Cook has remained silent with consumers following the bankruptcy notice. Condor, a subsidiary of Thomas Cook, is still operating normally at this time but the fate of the airline is unclear. As other airlines, such as British Airways and Easyjet, assist stranded passengers across the globe, the fate of Thomas Cook’s 21,000 global employees is unclear.
Photo Courtesy/BHXspotter.com
Now Open: Beijing Daxing International Airport
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Technology B2
Michael Weinhoffer Senior Reporter On Sept. 25, a sprawling new international airport in southern Beijing commenced operations in one of the world’s busiest air travel markets. The only flights currently offered are domestic routes with China Southern and China United Airlines, but the airport will eventually become an international hub. The airport has four runways but has enough land to add three more. The airport has a single massive terminal (dubbed the “starfish”) with five spokes leading to the departure gates. The terminal is the size of 97 soccer pitches, but the designers worked hard to ensure that all gates can are reachable in eight minutes or less from the security checkpoint. The ultra-modern terminal hosts customer service robots that provide flight updates to passengers, and 8,000 rooftop windows which let in natural light. The security checkpoint features facial recognition technology to screen passengers, and the terminal has numerous high-end restaurants and stores. The airport plans to accommodate 72 million passengers and two million tons of cargo per year by 2025. This development will relieve the burden on the highly congested Beijing Capital International Airport in the north of the city. In 2018, Beijing Capital was the second busiest airport in the world after the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlan-
ta, and it carried 101 million passengers last year. Two international airports will serve Beijing and its surrounding provinces so that China can surpass the United States as the world’s largest air travel market by 2022. The new airport in the Daxing district of Beijing eventually wants to accommodate at least 100 million passengers per year and add three new runways. Concerns have
arisen about the airport’s far south location will result in long trips to the core of the city. In light of these concerns, a rail link has opened to connect the airport to Beijing’s subway system. There are plans to extend the subway to the airport. Beijing Capital is known for having poor on-time performance, due to only having parallel runways (which decreases efficiency). However, the new airport will give travelers an
Photo Courtesy/Chinatopix/AP
efficient alternative. Beijing Daxing International Airport is a beautiful and sprawling complex, providing a prime example of the recent push to design welcoming and comforting airport terminals, such as those in Singapore. Although Chinese airlines are the only ones currently using its facilities, it will soon host flights from around the world.
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B3 Technology
Oliver Du Bois Copy Editor
Opinion: Galaxy’s Edge (In a galaxy… not so far away)
On Aug. 29 2019, Disney World debuted Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, just a month after Disney-land did the same. Construction for Galaxy’s Edge began in both parks during 2016, and has been highly anticipated ever since. When entering Galaxy’s Edge, guests are instantly thrust into the village of Black Spire Outpost, located on the planet Batuu. This looks like outposts depicted in the franchise, complete with shops, droids, mountainous structures, cantinas and more. Cast members all act as if they are from the Star Wars universe, referring to money as “credits” and dressing in traditional Star Wars clothing. Galaxy’s Edge has its own story to further the experience, which takes place between the sequel
films Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi and Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. How this story will change with the release of The Rise of Skywalker is unknown. The presence of both the First Order and the Resistance are made known through various decor and characters set around the outpost. The Millennium Falcon is a breathtaking attraction entitled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where riders are able to control the infamous Falcon in a secret mission. Six guests are placed together and will either be a pilot, a gunner or an engineer. From there, guests are entrusted to fly a 28-minute-long smuggling mission between the Resistance and the First Order. How guests perform will later affect how they are treated when entering Oga’s Cantina. Those who perform with skill will earn extra credits, and those who perform with lesser abilities will be put
down as a bounty hunter (which may cause problems upon entering the cantina). On Dec. 5 2019, a new attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open at Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge. The same ride will open at Disney Land on Jan. 17 2020. Rise of the Resistance is said to be one of the most advanced and immersive experiences at Disney and will allow guests to battle against the First Order. For food, Galaxy’s Edge has a lot to offer. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo holds Tugg’s Grub, run by Chef Strong “Cookie” Tuggs. If Chef Tuggs does not offer anything you find appetizing, guests can always go to the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. Ronto Roasters is in the middle of the marketplace, and uses a pod racing engine to fire up a barbecue pit, as settler droid 8D-JB turns spits of meat. Within the
The Millennium Falcon at Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
browse. They can adopt stuffed versions of famous Star Wars creatures at Bina’s Creature Stall. From there, guests can go to Toydarian Toymaker, which houses a variety of souvenirs made by Zabaka the Toydarian. If guests wish to dress more appropriately for the experience, Black Spire Outfitters is a small apparel shop filled with Star Wars themed outfits. The First Order has erected a temporary base of operations in a TIE Echelon on Docking Bay 9. Here, guests can purchase both uniform costumes (such as arm-bands displaying ranks, helmets, armor, etc) and First Order-affiliated items (such as mugs, propaganda posters, action figures and more).
In a forested area near the ancient ruins, members of the Resistance have a secret a makeshift post for those wishing to defeat the First Order. Here, guests can purchase costumes (pilot jackets, helmets, etc) and a variety of Resistance-themed items (such as a Smugglers Run set and pins). Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is a shop where guests can pick up rare items from across the galaxy, such as Jedi and Sith relics, Holocrons powered by kyber crystals, and legacy lightsabers. Dok-Ondar himself sits behind his desk, where he is busy checking inventory, han-dling calls, talking to assistants, and more. Depending on how much respect guests show him, Dok-Ondar may
even respond to guests. Mubo’s Droid Depot allows for guests to create and purchase their own custom R2 or BB unit. The droids are remote controlled and can interact with elements in the outpost, including other droids. Personality chips are available for the droids to alter the way in which you droid behaves. Guests can also purchase pre-made droids. Arguably the most exciting part of Galaxy’s Edge takes place in Savi’s Workshop, where guests build their own custom lightsaber during a guided tour. After choosing from four different lightsaber types (Peace & Justice, Power & Control, Elemental & Nature and Defense), guests are guided by the Gather-
marketplace is Kat Saka’s Kettle, where guests can get Outpost Mix (a popcorn snack with spicy and sweet flavors). Guests can indulge in Ronto Wraps, Smoked Kaadu Ribs, Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad and more. Many themed drinks are also provided, and are the specialties of both Oga’s Cantina (which requires a reservation) and the Milk Stand. While at Oga’s Cantina, guess can meet patrons from across the galaxy and enjoy the music of DJ R-3X (REX), who was once the Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from Star Tours. If that is not your style, guests can instead retreat to the Milk Stand where they can get the infamous Blue Milk made famous by Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and the Green Milk made famous by Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. In the Marketplace, there are a multitude of shops for guests to
Oliver Du Bois/ The Avion Newspaper
ers, who are dedicated to balancing the Force. The Gatherers assist guests in building their lightsabers, from choosing their own kyber crystals (which are red, blue, green and purple), to actually putting pieces on the hilt and attaching the blade. All the while, guests receive an inspiring speech from Master Yoda himself. Overall, Galaxy’s Edge is a remarkable innovation by Disney for Star Wars fans all around the globe. The immersion is fantastic and the experience is even greater. Visiting it is certainly a necessity for everyone who holds love for the Star Wars universe.
THE AVION
Technology B4 Catch A Ride!!!
Nick, Ameer, and Costas are graduate students in the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. RUX investigates the usability and user experience of technology in our everyday world. This is a regular column that explores different technologies typically used by Embry-Riddle students.
Nicholas Reuss, Ameer Hosein, and Costas Koufogazos Graduate Researchers What ridesharing app do you use? How do you rideshare? Uber? Lyft? Or something else? In a recent survey of over 60 ERAU students, we found that over half of the students reported that they used a ridesharing service at least once a month. The remaining said they use a ridesharing service only several times per year. But what services did students use and what services do they prefer? 45% of students said they use only Uber. About 4% of students said they use only Lyft. And nearly half of the students mentioned they used both Uber and Lyft. One user responded that they used a third app known as Taxify. The question remains, which service do students prefer? Of the surveyed students, 70% said they prefer Uber, while the remaining 30% said they prefer Lyft.
asked the participants about their preferred ridesharing app. Despite there being a distinct split between the use of Uber and Lyft, one participant stated that they used a foreign ridesharing app when in another country. One user said, "I like Lyft a lot. I've just had better experiences with Lyft drivers; they always seem nicer and happier." Why Ridesharing? We asked students why they preferred Ridesharing apps over a taxi or public transportation. Students said there were four main reasons why they used a ridesharing service over a taxi or public transport. These reasons were: it is cheaper, it is convenient and easy to use, it is safer, and it is useful when lacking access to their car (i.e., traveling). We also asked students what they prefer in their ridesharing experience. Most of the students said that safety, friendliness, and knowledge of the area of the driver were important. One student
Images Courtesy of: Nick Reuss
Overall Ridesharing Usage Vs Preferred Ridesharing Apps
Safety of Ridesharing We asked the students from the focus group if they thought ridesharing apps were safer and why. Most said they felt that ridesharing apps were not necessarily safer but easier to use when compared to using a taxi. Some of the students mentioned the accessibility of ridesharing apps and taxis and how they should "accommodate you as much as possible." One student stated, "It's also easy for someone to get into the wrong car thinking it's Uber or Lyft (this is more difficult to do with a bright yellow taxi)." An easily recognizable taxi is a benefit in that you know what vehicle you are getting into, without having to decide whether it's the right vehicle or not. And, since the vehicles and drivers are regulated, they can be tracked. Meanwhile, a private individual with their car, which isn't regulated by companies such as Uber and Lyft cannot be tracked. Rating and Tipping Ridesharing Drivers
Image Courtesy of: Costas Koufogazos
Main page screenshot of the Uber app (Left) and the Lyft app (Right).
After gathering survey responses, we conducted a focus group in the RUX lab to further investigate what motivations contribute to the use of ridesharing services. A focus group is a guided discussion amongst a group of people about a particular topic. When conducting this focus group, we
said, "I like it when the driver can read the situation. Sometimes I don't want to talk, but other times I prefer it." Several students from the focus group also preferred a clean car, air conditioning, a good playlist, and access to an AUX cord and/or a charging cord in the car.
After a ride, users are asked to rate their driver using a 5-star rating scale and provide a tip. Students commented that the rating they give depends on how well the trip went and on how the driver drove the vehicle. One user stated, "The driving over the driver's friendliness [determines my rating]. Ever since one of the Uber drivers I had almost ran over someone‌"
In terms of tipping, students reported that their tip amount is directly related to factors that influence the rating of the driver. One user stated, "I either do five stars and a good tip or <5 and lower tip." Tips are subjective to the experience that the student has with their driver. However, most are willing to give their drivers a larger tip if they rate them at five stars versus a lower rating with a tip that is minimum through the app. Conclusion Overall, we found that students reported that they liked their preferred service for several reasons. Some of the main factors were ease, convenience, safety, and the type of drivers they are likely to encounter. Overall, both Uber and Lyft encompass similar features, so at the end of the day, it is up to the individual to decide which service they prefer. Ridesharing is an efficient way for students to get around in situations when they may not have a car or have access to their car. Another great feature of ridesharing is that it opens the door for safe and responsible decision making. This includes not getting behind the wheel if one has had any alcoholic beverages. Students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to care as much about the reviews ridesharing apps receive. Instead, they want an easy to use service that gives them the best overall experience at the lowest price.
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