1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:28,000 No more, no more, baby I'm a two-rider Hey, what's up, I'm Adrienne, yo, what's up, it's Keely, and I'm Naturi, and we're 3LW, which stands for Three Little Women. 2 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:32,000 We're recording artists touring on MTV's TRL Tour. 3 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:41,000 On today's NASA Connect, you'll learn how NASA engineers are working hard to make sure that airplane pilots and passengers remain safe in our skies. 4 00:00:41,000 --> 00:00:48,000 You'll visit a virtual facility designed to test ways to solve potential air and ground traffic problems at our nation's airports. 5 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:54,000 You'll observe NASA engineers and researchers using math, science, and technology to solve their everyday problems. 6 00:00:55,000 --> 00:01:00,000 In your classroom, see what it takes to be an air traffic controller. It's a very stressful job. 7 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:08,000 You'll also use computer technology to navigate through several phases of a flight from San Francisco to New York. 8 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:13,000 So stay tuned as Dan and Jennifer take you on another exciting episode of NASA Connect. 9 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:35,000 Hi, we're headed to San Francisco International Airport. 10 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:39,000 Great, let me check you both in and tag you back so they arrive in San Francisco with you. 11 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:47,000 Hi, welcome to NASA Connect, the show that connects you to math, science, technology, and NASA. 12 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:48,000 I'm Dan Giroux. 13 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:50,000 And I'm Jennifer Pulley. 14 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:54,000 Now, before we start the show, there are a few things you and your teacher need to know. 15 00:01:54,000 --> 00:01:58,000 First, teachers, make sure you have the lesson guide for today's program. 16 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:01,000 It can be downloaded from our NASA Connect website. 17 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:07,000 In it, you'll find a great math-based, hands-on activity and a description of our instructional technology components. 18 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:12,000 Kids, you'll want to keep your eyes on Norbert because every time he appears with questions like this, 19 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:16,000 have your key cards from the lesson guide in your brain ready to answer the questions he gives you. 20 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:22,000 Oh, and teachers, if you are watching a taped version of this program, every time you see Norbert with a remote, 21 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:26,000 that's your cue to pause the videotape and discuss the cue card questions. 22 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:32,000 For today's show, Jennifer and I are flying to California to learn how the people who get airplanes in and out of airports, 23 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:34,000 pilots, and NASA are putting safety first. 24 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:39,000 That's right, and you know, almost 2 million people like us travel by airplane every day. 25 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:45,000 Air travel links us to the rest of the world, and usually we don't pay much attention to how it works 26 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:52,000 or who makes it work, but with millions of people flying, airplanes, pilots, and airports have to be safe. 27 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:56,000 Just who regulates the safety of airplanes, pilots, and airports? 28 00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:59,000 The FAA, or Federal Aviation Administration. 29 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:03,000 Their primary responsibility is maintaining the safety of public aviation. 30 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:08,000 The FAA develops air traffic rules, operates airport towers and air traffic control centers, 31 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:13,000 and encourages new aviation technology, some of which is being developed by NASA. 32 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:15,000 We'll see some of those technologies later. 33 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:30,000 You know, right now as we board, the airport's control tower has received our pilot's flight plan, 34 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:33,000 and will soon be directing our airplane as it taxis to the runway. 35 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:36,000 Hey, there's the control tower. 36 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:42,000 Right now in that tower, people are observing us and other airplanes to make sure everything runs safely on the ground. 37 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:45,000 Meanwhile, inside the plane, we have our seatbelts fastened. 38 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:47,000 Shh. Sorry. 39 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:50,000 While the flight attendant gives us safety procedures. 40 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:54,000 Just like pilots and the people in airport towers have safety rules, 41 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:58,000 passengers, like us, can make sure we are as safe as possible on the airplane. 42 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:00,000 For example... 43 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:04,000 Excuse me, sir. You're going to have to turn off that cell phone and computer. 44 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:08,000 They can interfere with the airplane's communication systems. 45 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:16,000 Well, now that we're airborne, we're being tracked on radar. 46 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:20,000 Soon, our airport tower hands us off to an air traffic control center. 47 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:26,000 There are 21 of these centers in the United States, and each center controls a specific area of airspace. 48 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:28,000 What is airspace? 49 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,000 The space where aircraft fly. 50 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:35,000 These control centers communicate with pilots and safely direct all airplanes that enter their airspace. 51 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:40,000 When you consider all the airplanes that fly every day, that's a huge job. 52 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:44,000 During our flight, we will pass through about six different airspaces. 53 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:48,000 And as we pass through each one, we're monitored by an air traffic control center. 54 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:55,000 Each center gives our pilot information about weather, air traffic around us, and it helps us navigate the best route. 55 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:58,000 You know, I hope our pilot takes us over Colorado. 56 00:04:58,000 --> 00:05:00,000 I would love to see it from here. 57 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:05,000 Hey, maybe next time NASA Connect will give us our own private jet. 58 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:06,000 And then we could... 59 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:07,000 Right, Dan. 60 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:10,000 Until then, fly and coach, buddy. 61 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:19,000 You know, no matter what route we take, our pilot and the control centers on the ground are making sure we're safe in the skies. 62 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:21,000 Would you like something to drink? 63 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:23,000 Yes, thanks. Water would be great. 64 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:24,000 Thank you. 65 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,000 Thank you. 66 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:33,000 Speaking of safety, we learned earlier that the FAA is always searching for new technologies and ways to maintain and improve the safety of air travel. 67 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:35,000 That's where NASA comes in. 68 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:40,000 Jennifer and I recently visited the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, 69 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:46,000 to learn about NASA's Aviation Safety Program and the math, science, and technology they use in their everyday work. 70 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:53,000 How will NASA contribute to airplane safety in the future? 71 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:56,000 How do NASA engineers use math in their wind tunnel tests? 72 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:00,000 What happens to an airplane when the angle of attack becomes too great? 73 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:07,000 NASA's Aviation Safety Program is designed to make sure that airplanes remain a safe form of transportation for all future air travelers. 74 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:12,000 Many pilots and engineers like me are studying new ways to prevent accidents from occurring. 75 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:19,000 We're also looking at ways to provide new ideas and technologies to airplane manufacturers and airlines so they can keep our skies safe. 76 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:22,000 Well, isn't flying already safe? 77 00:06:22,000 --> 00:06:23,000 Absolutely, Dan. 78 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:29,000 Flying is the safest mode of transportation, and passenger safety is the most important requirement for air travel. 79 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:35,000 But you see, within the next 10 years, it is expected that close to 3 million people will be flying every day. 80 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,000 That's about 1 million more than today. 81 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:42,000 With these numbers, more airplanes will be flying in our skies, in many types of flight conditions. 82 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:50,000 NASA is working to make sure that even with that increase in air traffic, airplanes will remain a safe and efficient way for people to travel. 83 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:51,000 Well, how do you do that? 84 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:59,000 One way is to make sure that all airline pilots have the necessary training to maintain control of their airplane and safely maneuver them during all flight conditions. 85 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:04,000 It's my job to predict how well airplanes can be controlled in these different conditions. 86 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:06,000 How can you predict what an airplane will do? 87 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:09,000 We use a wind tunnel and model of an airplane. 88 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:16,000 A wind tunnel is a facility that blows air over a model at different speeds and angles to simulate the airplane flying through the air. 89 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:22,000 You see, testing full-size airplanes is too expensive, so we use scale models. 90 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,000 This model is one-thirtieth the size of the real airplane. 91 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:28,000 One-thirtieth? Hey, that's a ratio. 92 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:32,000 A ratio is a fraction used to compare the size of two numbers to each other. 93 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:39,000 The ratio one-thirtieth means that this model is about 30 times smaller than the real airplane. Right, John? 94 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:45,000 That's right, Jennifer. And we use a wind tunnel to test the model in conditions that are too dangerous to test on the real airplane. 95 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:51,000 When we run the wind tunnel at different airspeeds, we move the model so that the wind hits it at various angles, like this. 96 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:56,000 One very important angle we look at is called the angle of attack. Let me explain. 97 00:07:56,000 --> 00:08:04,000 When an airplane is flying through the air, the combination of airspeed and the angle of attack produces lift, a force which holds the airplane in the air. 98 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:08,000 In normal flight, as the angle of attack becomes greater, the lift increases. 99 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:13,000 If you have ever held your hand out of the window of a moving car, you can feel this lift as you move your hand. 100 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:22,000 However, if the angle of attack becomes too great, the air no longer flows smoothly over the wing, causing a condition known as aerodynamic stall, and the lift will decrease. 101 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:30,000 Now, although this flight condition rarely occurs, the airplane's controls may not be effective, and the pilot may not be able to safely maneuver the airplane. 102 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:36,000 But, John, how do you know that the real airplane is going to behave the same way that the model does in the wind tunnel? 103 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:42,000 Great question. We use math to predict how the real airplane will behave under the same conditions tested in the wind tunnel. 104 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:44,000 Let me show you. 105 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:48,000 During wind tunnel testing, a computer system electronically measures the lift. 106 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:54,000 The computer also determines the speed of the moving air, the density of the air, and the area of the airplane's wing. 107 00:08:54,000 --> 00:09:05,000 Using this ratio, we can compute the lift coefficient, a number that tells engineers like me how the shape of the model, position of the model, and the airflow around the model affect lift. 108 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:12,000 Next, we create a graph that allows us to see the relationship between the lift coefficient and the angle of attack we have simulated in the tunnel. 109 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Because this graph is the same for both the model and the full-size airplane, we can predict how the real airplane will fly. 110 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:21,000 So let's put the data on the graph and interpret it. 111 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:26,000 During normal flight conditions, the lift coefficient increases as the angle of attack increases. 112 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:28,000 The pilot should have no trouble controlling the plane. 113 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:35,000 However, if the angle of attack becomes so great that stall occurs, the lift coefficient decreases, and the airplane may be difficult to control. 114 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:40,000 From this graph, we can determine how the airplane will respond in different flight conditions. 115 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:48,000 Knowing this information allows us to find ways to help pilots prevent or avoid entering unsafe conditions and to make the airplane easier to fly. 116 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:56,000 So once you've tested the model and determined how the real plane will behave, how do you make sure the pilots are trained in these situations? 117 00:09:57,000 --> 00:10:02,000 Today's airline pilots are highly trained using very sophisticated devices known as flight simulators. 118 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:06,000 The simulator looks and feels just like a real airplane from takeoff through landing, 119 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:11,000 and it allows pilots to practice many different flying procedures that they may encounter during a real flight. 120 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:18,000 All of the graphs created from the wind tunnel test are given to people whose job it is to input these data into the flight simulator, 121 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:20,000 making pilots feel like they're flying a real airplane. 122 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:27,000 The simulator is designed to respond like the real airplane that has accidentally entered unsafe flight conditions, like the ones we've tested in the wind tunnel. 123 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:31,000 Using simulators, pilots are especially trained to prevent loss of control 124 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:36,000 and learn how to operate the airplane under conditions that would normally not be safe in a real airplane. 125 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:39,000 This training will help to ensure that air travel remains safe for everyone. 126 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:47,000 In fact, many of today's students who are interested in becoming airline pilots will be trained in simulators that use the research we are conducting here at NASA. 127 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:52,000 The goal of NASA's Aviation Safety Program is to prevent accidents from occurring 128 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:56,000 and for all future air travelers to know they will safely reach their destination. 129 00:10:58,000 --> 00:10:59,000 Thanks, John. 130 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:00,000 You know, it's really cool that... 131 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,000 Hey, Jen, check it out. 132 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:02,000 It's Colorado. 133 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:03,000 It sure is, Dan. 134 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:08,000 Like I was saying, it's really cool how NASA is testing models in wind tunnels 135 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:11,000 and then using technology to help pilots fly safely. 136 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:17,000 And speaking of technology, Dan, didn't you find a really cool CD that takes you on an airplane's journey from gate to gate? 137 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:18,000 I sure did. 138 00:11:18,000 --> 00:11:22,000 This CD-ROM lets you meet some of the people who operate the air traffic control system. 139 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:26,000 Join me next in Dan's Domain and I'll show you some of the tools they use. 140 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:32,000 Welcome to my domain. 141 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:38,000 Here's where I'll introduce you to some cool stuff that will help you better understand the topics covered in our show. 142 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:43,000 First, you need to know how to get to Dan's Domain from the NASA Connect website. 143 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:45,000 Just click here to enter. 144 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:48,000 You'll find a link to the show's instructional technology activity. 145 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:52,000 There's also a zone especially for teachers and a career zone 146 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:55,000 so you can meet some of our program guests and learn about their jobs. 147 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:59,000 Oh, yeah, there's a page that gives links to the other neat sites that relate to the show. 148 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:01,000 Now for the good stuff. 149 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:05,000 It's a CD produced by NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration 150 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:08,000 that will introduce you to our air traffic control system 151 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:10,000 and some of the tools they use every day. 152 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:12,000 It's called Gate-to-Gate. 153 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:17,000 Speaking of air traffic control, let's visit AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 154 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:19,000 It's the largest air show in the world 155 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:23,000 and each summer it also becomes the busiest airport in the world. 156 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:29,000 Here we'll work with the student ambassadors from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 157 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,000 They're a group of high school students from around the world 158 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:37,000 who are participating in an array of aerospace and education activities 159 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:41,000 designed to energize and excite them about careers in aerospace. 160 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:46,000 Start your journey by clicking the pre-flight airplane icon at the bottom of the radar scope. 161 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:48,000 By clicking on the airplanes around the scope, 162 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:52,000 you will navigate a flight from San Francisco to New York, 163 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:57,000 beginning with the pre-flight and going around the scope, ending with the landing. 164 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:01,000 NASA Ames Research Center, in cooperation with the FAA, 165 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:04,000 is developing sophisticated software tools and procedures 166 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:10,000 to help air traffic controllers manage air traffic more safely and efficiently throughout all phases of flight. 167 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:15,000 This CD will demonstrate how some of these new tools fit into the system. 168 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:20,000 If you go to the Career Zone in Dan's Domain, you'll meet some more of our program partners. 169 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:23,000 That's it for now, but I'll be back at the end of the student activity 170 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:28,000 to let you in on a new technology partnership NASA Connect has with Riverdeep Interactive Learning. 171 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:29,000 See you then. 172 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:37,000 Hey Dan, we're getting ready to land. 173 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:40,000 You know, airplanes arrive from several different directions, 174 00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:45,000 and the Air Traffic Control Center has to merge all those planes into a single file line, 175 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:49,000 making sure there's a safe distance between each plane. 176 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:54,000 Right, and since air traffic can sometimes arrive like rush hour traffic on a highway, 177 00:13:54,000 --> 00:14:00,000 pilots may have to adjust their flight plans, change their speed or altitude, or go into a holding pattern. 178 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:03,000 Some of these adjustments may cause delays. 179 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,000 However, safety comes first. 180 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:09,000 That's right. When we were about 6 to 18 kilometers from the airport, 181 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:14,000 the Air Traffic Control Center hands us off to the San Francisco Airport Control Tower. 182 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:19,000 Tower controllers there relay current weather and air traffic information to our pilot. 183 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:22,000 Wow, what a ride. 184 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:26,000 Hey, there's the control tower. I wonder what they're doing in there. 185 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,000 Well, let me tell you. 186 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:33,000 Now that we've landed, controllers in the tower tell our pilot which taxiways to use and where we can park. 187 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,000 You know, we're not completely safe until we've parked at the gate 188 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:39,000 and our pilot has turned off the fasten seatbelt sign. 189 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:43,000 San Francisco, here we come. 190 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:59,000 NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 191 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:12,000 While NASA's Aviation Safety Program is helping pilots maintain high levels of safety in our skies, 192 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:16,000 NASA is also working to help airports operate more safely and efficiently. 193 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:19,000 As airplane traffic increases in our skies, 194 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:23,000 the possibility for more accidents or incidents also increases on the ground. 195 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:27,000 Right. Pilots have flight simulators to simulate conditions in the air. 196 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:32,000 But what about people in control towers who monitor and direct takeoffs and landings? 197 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:35,000 Yeah, I mean, could all the people that guide airplanes to the ground, 198 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:39,000 like pilots, air traffic controllers and airport operators, 199 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:44,000 work together and try out new ways to safely move planes around an airport? 200 00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:48,000 NASA believed they could, so a unique facility was built right here in California 201 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:51,000 to help solve present and future problems of our nation's airports. 202 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:54,000 It's called NASA Future Flight Central. 203 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:59,000 And to learn more, we came here to NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. 204 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:06,000 Why was NASA Future Flight Central built? 205 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:09,000 How does NASA use technology to simulate airports? 206 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:15,000 Analyzing the graph, what factors do you think influence the air traffic controller's response? 207 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:21,000 NASA Future Flight Central is a two-story facility with a 360-degree view. 208 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:26,000 It's capable of doing a full-scale, real-time simulation of an airport. 209 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:31,000 It's where air traffic controllers, pilots and airport personnel can interact with each other 210 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:33,000 and test out new technologies. 211 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:37,000 As you can see, this is designed to look very much like a real air traffic control tower. 212 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:40,000 The downstairs rooms support the simulation. 213 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,000 We bring in real air traffic controllers. 214 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:48,000 They wear headsets and communicate with the pilots, giving them permission to taxi, take off and land. 215 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:52,000 At the same time, they also scan the runways and taxiways 216 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:56,000 to make sure that all the airplanes are maintaining a safe distance from each other, 217 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:59,000 just as you do while driving an automobile. 218 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:02,000 How do you make this tower and these planes look so real? 219 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:04,000 With a supercomputer. 220 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:07,000 We create a virtual airport environment, 221 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:11,000 which means it is made to look very realistic when compared to an actual airport. 222 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:17,000 We do this by using satellite imagery, aerial surveys and digital photography. 223 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:23,000 Simulation software allows us to move 200 vehicles, like airplanes or ground trucks, 224 00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:26,000 all at the same time and at realistic speeds. 225 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:32,000 We can simulate a variety of weather conditions, like dense fog, rain or snow. 226 00:17:32,000 --> 00:17:37,000 We can also place numerous planes on the runway that need to move all at once, 227 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 making the test as realistic as possible. 228 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:43,000 For example, an airplane can be placed where it shouldn't be, 229 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:48,000 and the air traffic controllers have to try to safely get the plane out of the way to avoid a collision. 230 00:17:48,000 --> 00:17:50,000 Nancy, that is so cool. 231 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:55,000 Sounds like NASA Future Flight Central simulates many of the conditions that happen at our nation's airports. 232 00:17:55,000 --> 00:18:00,000 That's right. Not only at our facility can we duplicate a real airport and operate it as it runs today, 233 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:04,000 but we can also make changes and see if we can make things safer. 234 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:08,000 For example, we conducted a study of San Francisco International Airport. 235 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:15,000 Currently, the airport is conducting an environmental review to assess the possibility of building new runways. 236 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:20,000 Because of space limitations, these new runways would be built out into San Francisco Bay. 237 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:25,000 This could possibly cause the airport to relocate its control tower. 238 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:30,000 Using our facility, we simulated the San Francisco airport and built the new runways. 239 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:35,000 Then, for each proposed location of the tower, we moved some planes down the runway and watched the view. 240 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:40,000 Without Future Flight Central, the airport might move its tower to a location when blocked views 241 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:43,000 and wouldn't be able to operate the airport safely. 242 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,000 Has NASA used this facility to simulate any other airports? 243 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:48,000 We sure have. 244 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:54,000 Recently, NASA did a study of the Los Angeles International Airport, or in airport terms, LAX. 245 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:59,000 Our goal was to simulate a realistic operating environment that was as close as possible 246 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:04,000 to what the LAX air traffic controllers experience every day in the tower. 247 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:07,000 This study was different from the one on the San Francisco airport 248 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:10,000 because before we could simulate any changes to LAX, 249 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:16,000 we had to first make sure that we could realistically simulate one of the busiest airports in the world. 250 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:21,000 So, how did you determine if the simulation was as realistic as the real LAX? 251 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:23,000 Just like you do in math class, Dan. 252 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:28,000 First, we collected data from the air traffic controllers using questionnaires. 253 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:34,000 Using the data, we created an interpreted graph to determine if we accomplished our goal. 254 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:38,000 There were many factors involved in determining whether our simulation was realistic. 255 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:41,000 Let me show you one of the graphs we created. 256 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:45,000 The title of the graph is Realism Ratings for LAX Air Traffic Controllers. 257 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:50,000 This graph tells us how the real LAX controllers rated our simulation. 258 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:52,000 Okay, let's see. 259 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:55,000 Along the bottom are ratings from 1 to 5, 260 00:19:55,000 --> 00:20:00,000 with 1 being not at all realistic and 5 being identical to LAX. 261 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:05,000 Nancy, what is a ground air traffic controller and a local air traffic controller? 262 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:09,000 A ground controller is responsible for airplanes on the ground, 263 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,000 leaving the gate and taxiing to the runway, for example. 264 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:15,000 A local controller issues takeoffs and landings, 265 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:19,000 maintains a safe distance between arriving and departing aircraft, 266 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:24,000 and is responsible for controlling flights up to 16 kilometers from the tower. 267 00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:26,000 Let's put the data on the graph. 268 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:29,000 As you can see from the data we collected, 269 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:34,000 both the ground and local controllers believe that our simulation of airplanes on the ground 270 00:20:34,000 --> 00:20:38,000 and in the sky met our goal of being realistic compared to LAX. 271 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:44,000 In fact, the data shows that we exceeded our goal and we were very realistic compared to LAX. 272 00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:48,000 Just as John collects data to help train pilots for safety, 273 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:52,000 Future Flight Central will realistically simulate our nation's airports 274 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:56,000 so they can continue to run smoothly and safely. 275 00:20:56,000 --> 00:21:01,000 Nancy, that's amazing that NASA realistically simulated one of the world's busiest airports. 276 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:03,000 So what's next? 277 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:07,000 The next step will be to determine what will and what will not work 278 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:11,000 when proposed changes are made to the LAX operating environment. 279 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:15,000 Because Future Flight Central is a safe place to try out new airport procedures, 280 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:21,000 both time and money will be saved as LAX continues to put safety first. 281 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:22,000 Thanks, Nancy. 282 00:21:22,000 --> 00:21:28,000 Okay, so far on today's show, Dan and I have flown from Virginia all the way to California. 283 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:31,000 And during this flight, we learned how NASA's wind tunnel tests 284 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:34,000 are helping train pilots to be even safer. 285 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:37,000 We also learned how airplanes and passengers get from gate to gate 286 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:40,000 and how NASA uses simulations to make airports safer. 287 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:44,000 So, do you have what it takes to be an air traffic controller? 288 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:50,000 See if you can safely and efficiently land airplanes at Norbert International Airport. 289 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:54,000 NASA Connect traveled south from San Francisco to Long Beach, California 290 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:57,000 for today's hands-on activity. 291 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:59,000 Hi! 292 00:21:59,000 --> 00:22:01,000 We're from the Boeing Summer Science Camp. 293 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:06,000 NASA Connect asked us to help you learn how to do the show's hands-on activity. 294 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:09,000 It's called In the Safety Zone. 295 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,000 Here are the main objectives of this game. 296 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:15,000 You'll plot initial aircraft coordinates using a rectangular coordinate system. 297 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:18,000 You'll use measurement tools and techniques to determine distance. 298 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:21,000 You'll apply ratios to calculate the air safety travel index. 299 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:26,000 You'll calculate initial aircraft distance versus actual aircraft distance traveled. 300 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:31,000 And you'll work in teams to solve problems related to your own air traffic control challenges. 301 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:35,000 The game board and a list of the materials you'll need are included in the lesson guide, 302 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:38,000 which your teacher can download from the NASA Connect website. 303 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,000 The class will be divided into groups of four. 304 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:43,000 Each group will get a flight plan to record the landing times, 305 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:46,000 a tracking chart to track the progress of the assigned planes, 306 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:49,000 a safety rating card to keep track of the total points earned, 307 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:51,000 and the gain constraint card. 308 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:52,000 More about this later. 309 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:57,000 Each student or air traffic controller in the group will be responsible for three aircraft 310 00:22:57,000 --> 00:22:59,000 and one of the quadrants on the game board. 311 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:04,000 Your primary goal is to land each aircraft safely and on time. 312 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:05,000 Now let's get started. 313 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:08,000 Using the initial aircraft flight coordinates provided in the flight plan, 314 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:12,000 plot the starting position for each aircraft on the game board. 315 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:16,000 Use a pen along with the correct aircraft cutout to mark each starting point. 316 00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:21,000 Record flight number, aircraft type, and runway information on the tracking chart. 317 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:26,000 Choose a colored pencil and color each designated aircraft to ensure correct tracking. 318 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:29,000 Now measure and calculate the direct distance in kilometers 319 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:34,000 from the assigned aircraft to the airport using the scale 2 centimeters to 5 kilometers. 320 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:36,000 Record the information on the tracking chart. 321 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,000 For each minute of play, all aircraft must make one move. 322 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:44,000 One move corresponds to 2 centimeters of linear travel, 5 kilometers. 323 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:47,000 Use your metric ruler to verify 2 centimeters of movement. 324 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:51,000 Aircraft cannot move backwards on any consecutive move. 325 00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:57,000 During each minute of play, each ATC must keep track of his or her aircraft's flight paths 326 00:23:57,000 --> 00:24:01,000 Using a colored pencil and metric ruler, after all paths have been updated, 327 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:06,000 place a check mark on the tracking chart indicating completion of your aircraft's move. 328 00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:09,000 Check the game constraint card for landing guidelines. 329 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:13,000 Study the flight plan, particularly arrival times and runway locations. 330 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:19,000 The game proceeds as your teacher follows a script which indicates when to move and when conditions change. 331 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:24,000 When you're finished playing the game, calculate your score using the instructions in the lesson guide. 332 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:27,000 Now you're ready to determine the air safety travel index 333 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:32,000 by calculating the percentage using the ratio of team points divided by total possible points. 334 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:36,000 Complete the tracking chart by calculating the actual linear distance traveled 335 00:24:36,000 --> 00:24:41,000 from the aircraft's initial coordinates to the airport by using this equation. 336 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:46,000 Calculate the difference in the direct distance traveled versus the actual distance traveled. 337 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:49,000 Your teacher will conclude the game by discussing some questions with you 338 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:54,000 so you can apply what you've learned during the game to the actual job of an air traffic controller. 339 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:57,000 Alright, you guys need to take a look at your air safety travel index. 340 00:24:57,000 --> 00:25:02,000 It should be at about 100%. If it's not at 100%, there's probably a reason for this. 341 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:07,000 Do you guys have any idea why it wouldn't be at 100%? 342 00:25:07,000 --> 00:25:10,000 Because my plane had to fly around the mountains. 343 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:14,000 Mine was late because my runway was closed for a few minutes. 344 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:19,000 Special thanks to the AIAA chapter of Cal State University Long Beach 345 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:22,000 and to Boeing Summer Science Camp for their help. 346 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:32,000 Our newest educational partnership is with Riverdeep Interactive Learning. 347 00:25:32,000 --> 00:25:35,000 The folks at Riverdeep are providing internet-based lessons 348 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:38,000 that will enhance the math skills to go along with our NASA Connect shows. 349 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:44,000 Teachers, you can find a link to this show's web-based activity in Dan's Domain on the NASA Connect website. 350 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:47,000 It's from Riverdeep's Destination Math Series. 351 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:51,000 It's a fun tutorial that guides students through information about coordinate planes. 352 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,000 Here's a brief example. 353 00:25:56,000 --> 00:26:02,000 Your mission is to explore plotting points and working with figures in a plane. 354 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:10,000 Well, we know that a plane is a flat surface that extends forever in all directions. 355 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:15,000 Since this map represents part of a plane, then... 356 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:19,000 This would be a great way to introduce the hands-on activity for this show. 357 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:23,000 However you choose to use it, this web-based component of NASA Connect 358 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:28,000 will give your students a useful tool for improving and strengthening their math skills. 359 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:32,000 Well, that wraps up another episode of NASA Connect. 360 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:35,000 We'd like to thank everyone who helped make this program possible. 361 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:40,000 That's right. And, you know, Dan and I are waiting to hear from you with your comments, your questions or suggestions. 362 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:45,000 So email us at connect at lark dot nasa dot gov. 363 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:50,000 Or pick up a pen and write us at NASA Connect, NASA's Center for Distance Learning, 364 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:56,000 NASA Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 400, Hampton, Virginia, 23681. 365 00:26:57,000 --> 00:27:01,000 Teachers, if you would like a videotape of this program and the accompanying lesson guide, 366 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:03,000 check out the NASA Connect website. 367 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:07,000 From our site, you can link to the NASA Educator Resource Center Network. 368 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:11,000 These centers provide educators free access to NASA products, like NASA Connect. 369 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:17,000 Or, from our site, you can link to CORE, the NASA Central Operation of Resources for Educators. 370 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:20,000 That's where you can get your copy of the Gate-to-Gate CD-ROM. 371 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:26,000 So until next time, stay connected to math, science, technology and NASA. 372 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:27,000 See you then. 373 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:28,000 Bye from San Francisco. 374 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:29,000 Bye. 375 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:39,000 We use math to predict how the real airplane will move. 376 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:45,000 Pilots, air traffic controllers and airport operators. 377 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:48,000 Airport operators. 378 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:51,000 Right. And since air traffic can arrive on... 379 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:57,000 Just like your different math class staff. 380 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:02,000 NASA Connect asked us to help... 381 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:05,000 Oh, this is my first position. 382 00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:08,000 Why was NASA future fright... 383 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:13,000 Ow! 384 00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:15,000 Good. 385 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:16,000 Mom. 386 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:17,000 Wake him up. 387 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:18,000 Yeah, you're asleep. 388 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:19,000 I'm not asleep. 389 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Are you rolling tape on that? 390 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,000 That'd be a good blooper. 391 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:24,000 Aw!