This study proposes a novel hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, integrating the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM) and Fuzzy MARCOS, to evaluate dispatcher routing strategies for sustainable aviation operations. Data were collected from 11 aviation experts in Türkiye, including dispatchers, pilots, fuel planning managers, and operations officers. The framework assessed routing alternatives across seven sustainability dimensions: fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, flight safety, operational cost efficiency, flight time optimization, air traffic management compatibility, and passenger comfort. The analysis reveals that Collaborative Air Traffic Management (ATM)-Integrated Routing emerged as the most sustainable alternative, followed by Dynamic Weather-Adaptive Routing, while Standard Pre-Filed Routing ranked lowest. The integrated sensitivity analysis demonstrated the model’s robustness under variations in weighting parameters, confirming the stability of the rankings. This research fills a significant gap by systematically incorporating dispatcher-driven operational decisions into sustainability optimization models, providing actionable managerial insights for airlines, dispatch centers, and policymakers striving toward net-zero aviation goals.
In the aviation industry, the effectiveness, safety, and ergonomics of maintenance procedures are essential for ensuring the secure operation of aircraft. This research presents the design of a foldable and retractable maintenance platform aimed at enhancing the ergonomics and functionality of platforms utilized in helicopter maintenance tasks. In the study conducted using the Design Thinking methodology, the needs and working conditions of the maintenance personnel were prioritized, and a human-centered approach was adopted in the design process so that personnel weighing 120 kg and 190 cm tall could work safely. The evaluation included three different materials: Al 7075, steel and titanium. As a result of the static analysis performed for each material, a maximum stress of 330 MPa was achieved with the 2 mm thick Al 7075 material, which was considered safe by remaining below the yield strength of 503 MPa. Furthermore, the structure was optimized in terms of both strength and lightness by incorporating U-profiles into the platform design. Simulations confirmed that the developed platform will facilitate safe operations for maintenance technicians while increasing overall operational efficiency. This research seeks to address existing gaps in literature by offering ergonomic design solutions within the realm of aviation maintenance. The design exemplifies the effectiveness of the Design Thinking approach in the aviation maintenance sector and proposes a practical solution to enhance maintenance processes.
The aviation industry plays a critical role in many aspects of modern life. It makes significant contributions while posing environmental and technical challenges that cannot be ignored. In particular, the increase in global carbon emissions and the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption make All Electric Aircraft (AEA) an increasingly significant alternative. AEA is an emerging concept in the aviation industry today, and advances in battery technologies and electric propulsion systems will accelerate its adoption.This study presents the conversion of the Tecnam P2008 JC to an All Electric Aircraft concept. A suitable battery and electric propulsion system were selected during the conversion process while maintaining the aircraft's structural architecture and operational limitations. A battery pack based on lithium-ion batteries was designed, and integration was completed by selecting the appropriate power electronics components.The electric aircraft's energy consumption and performance analyses on the specified flight route were carried out through simulations. In addition, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions of electric and conventional configurations are compared. The study results provide an important perspective on the sustainable transformation of aviation by revealing the advantages of fully electric aircraft and the engineering challenges they may face.
When compared to other transportation sectors, aviation is often listed among those with noticeably higher risk ratio with regards to financial, environmental and operational issues although it is relatively safer, reliable and faster. In aviation practices, human factor plays the most critical role in handling accidents and similar unwanted incidents when existing risks are not properly and effectively managed since they might result in considerable financial and operational loss in the sector. In this respect, this study deals with dirty dozen factors, which affect technician and manager performances in aviation organizations in terms of the sustainability of flight safety. For the purposes of the study, expert opinions were obtained from aircraft maintenance technicians and maintenance managers regarding the criteria leading to unwanted incidents, and SWARA method was employed to determine the weights of the criteria. According to the findings, maintenance managers reported “the lack of situational awareness” as the most important criteria while “stress” was the most important criteria for aircraft maintenance technicians. The results of the current study revealed a significant difference between maintenance technicians and managers in terms of their perspectives on the main issues of aviation safety.
Forest fires pose a global threat, and the operational safety and performance of firefighting aircraft are of critical importance. Structural vibrations in CL-215 Bombardier aircraft operating under ground effect and challenging geographical conditions may adversely affect flight safety and mission effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic behavior of the CL-215 Bombardier aircraft tail structure to determine critical vibration frequencies and evaluate the effects of structural deformations. Using numerical modal analysis methodology, CAD design was created with SpaceClaim 2025 R2, while meshing and analysis were performed on the Workbench 2025 R2 platform. This study represents one of the first comprehensive investigations providing detailed modal analysis for the CL-215 tail structure. The analysis results demonstrate that the tail structure resonates at six different critical frequencies, reaching a maximum deformation of 0.24727 mm. The obtained findings provide valuable data for predicting potential vibration problems in the tail structure during firefighting operations, optimizing structural safety parameters, and future design improvements. The results of this study will contribute to enhancing the operational safety of firefighting aircraft and developing more effective fire suppression strategies. This research fills a significant gap in the literature by providing the first detailed modal characterization of the CL-215 tail assembly, offering essential insights for aerospace engineers and aircraft designers working on amphibious firefighting aircraft optimization.
