* Aerospace Seed Funding Proposal

* Lead Filter Data

Code written in Python is being developed to analyze data files obtained by the Aviation department. To view the code, make sure you have the latest revision of ADPAA. The files can be found in ADPAA/src/airport/. In this folder, you will find subfolders depending on the data analysis you would like to perform.

When given compressed aircraft data in a .7z format, und_ac_sort.py extracts the files and sorts it in accordance with ADPAA's directory format. NOTE: The program uses relative paths, so when running the code you must run it in the directory where you would like to extract the data. Ex: /nas/und/GFK/

Aircraft data should be extracted to nas/und/GFK/. The standard ADPAA format is as follows: nas/und/GFK/Year/GFK/Aircraft/Model/FlightData/YYYYMMDD

Analysis of boundary layer data can be performed by running the boundary_master.py file. Ensure that you have an API key with the ECMWF. For more information on the setup of the API key visit: https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/how-to-api. The boundary master file calls 3 different files: boundary_layer_api.py, boundary_grib.py, and boundary_boxplot.py.

Code used to visualize aircraft data is located in ADPAA/src/airport/und_kml. In this folder, there are 2 files: aircraft_kml_bl.py and aircraft_kml.py.

aircraft_kml.py loops through csv files in the current working directory and creates an individual kml file for each aircraft, which can be loaded into software such as Google Earth to visualize where flights go in a 3D space. The kml files include time-series data, so it is possible to create a short GIF of how aircraft move throughout the area over time. Currently, this time series data is limited in functionality using Google Earth. When viewing hundreds of files over a 24 hour period, the program only displays aircraft movement over 20 minute intervals. In the future, code will be developed to use Cartopy and create GIF animations which will be cleaner and allow a higher resolution of data than Google Earth.

aircraft_kml_bl.py is a program that is in development. It will only display aircraft tracks that are in the boundary layer for each given day.

Code to analyze aircraft data is currently in development. In-progress code can be found in ADPAA/src/aircraft/aircraft_pbl. Below are the goals of the analyzing process:

• csv_append.py will create new csv files in the format data.pbl.csv.
  • Included in this will be 3 new parameters:
    • PBL Height
    • PBL Flag (0 if out of the PBL, 1 if in the PBL)
    • Radial distance from GFK sampling site (kilometers)

• unnamed_file.py will create a daily summary file that summarizes all flights for each day. Included will be:
  • Flight start time
  • Flight start date
  • Total flight time
  • End time
  • End date
  • Total gallons burned
  • Gallons burned in boundary layer
    • at different intervals (5km, 10km, 20km)

**For questions about Python code, please email jacob.halmos@und.edu

During aircraft certification, manufacturers must demonstrate that the aircraft can safely operate using aircraft specific fuel types. For general aviation aircraft, this is typically 100LL, while transport category aircraft tend to use Jet A. This demonstration is conducted alongside the aircrafts certification program and establishes the approved fuels in the aircrafts Type Certificate Data Sheet, which defines the approved configuration, and operational limits to maintain airworthiness for the specific aircraft make and model. Once the aircraft is certified, the approved fuel types become a part of the aircraft's type design, with unapproved fuel types rendering an aircraft unairworthy unless the fuel type has been approved through an additional pathway. FAA approval must be met during the aircraft manufactured original type certification, or a supplemental approval process. This process is called the Supplemental Type Certificate or an STC, which allows approved changes to the original aircraft design. This process could allow a different fuel type to be approved and airworthy provided the FAA finds reliability in this change.

In addition to certification approvals, the FAA provides regulations for fuel efficiency certification under CFR 14 part 38 titled “Airplane Fuel Efficiency Certification.” Furthermore, the FAA produces advisory circulars which provide industry recommendations for fuel testing, manufacturer limitations, and provide guidance for compliance with regulations.

CFR :: 14 CFR Part 38 – Airplane Fuel Efficiency Certification (FAR Part 38) - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-38

AC 20-24C Approval of Propulsion Fuels and Lubricating Oils - https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC%2020-24C.pdf

Emissions from leaded aviation fuel are the largest remaining source of lead pollution in the air, soil, and water. Being exposed to lead in the air can cause serious and permanent health problems. People who live close to airports that use leaded fuel are at a higher risk because of the increased amount of lead released into the air. Living within one kilometer of an airport can greatly increase this risk, mainly because ground operations like takeoffs, taxiing, idling, engine startup, and landings release the most lead emissions. 

Studies have found that children who are exposed to these emissions often have higher levels of lead in their blood, which is a major health concern. Some of the effects include lower IQ, reduced academic performance, behavioral problems, and poorer cognitive function. Although more research is still needed on how lead exposure affects adults, it is believed that it may increase the risk of death and cardiovascular disease.

Tetraethyl lead (Pb(C₂H₅)₄) is added to aviation gasoline used in piston-engine aircraft to prevent engine knocking and to raise octane levels. While fuel with less lead can be made, it becomes harder to meet the high-octane requirements needed for high-performance aircraft. Switching to unleaded aviation fuel is challenging for several reasons, including cost, FAA safety regulations, and engine compatibility. Creating a fuel that meets safety standards, provides enough octane for proper engine performance, and is affordable is a complicated process.

• The future of leaded aviation fuel: navigating the challenges of transition