When speaking about the history of aviation in the USA, one is to keep in mind that aviation plays an important role in the development of the country, as it is considered to be a critical element of the US national economy. Moreover, it is also necessary to point out that “in the last 35 years, there has been a six-fold increase in the mobility provided by the U.S. air transportation system” (Waitz et al. 3).
Taking into account various technological improvements aviation industry is based on, one can make a conclusion that airline services seem to represent the future of American economy.
Of course, nobody will deny the fact that the social, economic and environmental impact of flying is extremely important. Social and economic aspects are mostly associated with positive benefits of aviation; while environmental impact seems to be rather ambiguous issue. Generally, it should be pointed out that both positive and negative aspects of aviation are poorly developed, unfortunately.
When discussing environmental impact of aviation, it is necessary to focus on the so-called health concern. Thus, there is a need to highlight some points, which are related to noise pollution, effects of noise on humans, and ground level air emissions. So, the most common consequences of noise pollution are sleep disturbance, certain difficulties with communication, lack of physical comfort, etc.
The most widespread effects of noise on humans also include hearing impairment, pain, stress, psychoendocrine effects, annoyance, cardiovascular effects, startle reflex, headache, loss of appetite, mental disorders, effects on social behaviour, etc.
When speaking about ground level air emissions, it is necessary to state that “air pollution from cars and industry has declined with time while aircraft continue to emit more ground level ozone precursors (Volatile Organic Compounds or VO Cs and nitrogen oxides or NOx) with each passing year” (Whitelegg 8).
The pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide. Taking into account the above-mentioned side effects, it becomes obvious that environmental impact plays really enormous role.
The authors of the Report to the United States Congress about Aviation and Environment state that “immediate action is required to address the interdependent challenges of aviation noise, local air quality and climate impacts. Environmental impacts may be the fundamental constraint on air transportation growth in the 21st century” (Waitz et al. 3).
The economic aspect should also be highlighted, as some positive outcomes can be depicted. Generally, aviation industry influences economic growth and productivity of other industries. On the other hand, restricting air travel is considered to be a negative effect of the economic aspect. Generally, beneficial economic effects include efficient allocation of resources, reduced congestion, etc.
When speaking about human factors in relation to aviation industry, there is a need to point out that “attention to the human in the aviation maintenance system is as important to overall safety as human factors attention to air traffic control and flight operations” (“Galaxy Scientific Corporation” 3).
So, the first and the most important human factor is considered to be a technician’s health. Others factors include a technician’s performance capability, transitory conditions (namely emotional stress, some problems with finances, drug use, etc.). The last human factor, which is recognized to be extremely significant, is task demands.
When speaking about advances in aviation maintenance operations, one is to remember that the most common industry benefits include reduction in maintenance errors, concentration on company procedure training, etc. Technician benefits are associated with more employable ASI technicians, extension of ASI training, and an opportunity to work at higher standards.
The role of transport demand management in aviation is also to be discussed. For instance, it must be pointed out that the aviation industry includes some distinctive characteristics, which cannot be disputed. Such characteristics “point to the need for careful timing, education and awareness campaigns and linkage with other policy areas, especially in tourism” (Whitelegg 19). The ecological and cultural damages, however, can be avoided, if some alternatives are created.
When analyzing the positive and negative aspects in aviation industry, it becomes obvious that its impact on the economy of the country is so great that all economic downturns influence the industry too. In other words, there is a close interdependence between both economy and aviation industry.
The number of active aircraft in the U.S. airline industry fleet decreased by 18 percent from the end of 2007 to the end of 2008.Many older, less fuel-efficient aircraft were taken out of service during the fuel price increase of 2008. Most of these aircraft have not been re-introduced into service after fuel prices decreased. In addition to retiring aircraft, carriers have been deferring and canceling orders for new aircraft (“The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on the U.S. Economy” 17).
So, aviation industry in America is considered to be extremely important element of national economy. It is necessary to state that environmental, economic and social aspects of the industry have both positive and negative effects.
Works Cited
“Galaxy Scientific Corporation.” Erau.edu, 1993. Web.
“The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on the U.S. Economy.” FAA Air Traffic Organization, 2009. Web.
Waitz, Ian, Jessica Townsend, Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, Edward Greitzer, & Jack Kerrebrock. The Report to the United States Congress about Aviation and Environment, 2004. Web.
Whitelegg, John. Aviation: The Social, Economic and Environmental Impact of Flying, 2000. Web.