linda-kaneps-thesis-presentation.pdf
- Author (aut): Kaneps, Linda
- Thesis director: Hampshire, Michael
- Committee member: Kimberly, Jimmy
- Contributor (ctb): Barrett, The Honors College
- Contributor (ctb): Aviation Programs
Pilot suicide has been a topic that has seen increased discussion in the past decade, Aviation regulating bodies have introduced antidepressant programs to aid in reducing the harm depression and other mental illnesses cause pilots. These programs are varied in their structure however they all revolve around SSRI medications. The FAA HIMS SSRI program for American pilots issues a pathway that is long in duration and can place undue stress on pilots that choose to participate. This has led to high rates of under-reporting and non-treatment of mental illnesses in pilots.
Mission aviation groups operate aircraft in areas with limited infrastructure. Existing airdrop methods pose significant risk due to their lack of steerability. This thesis details the development of Manna, a system built to address these concerns. Manna provides an automated, low cost, safe steerable delivery platform, through a custom designed parafoil and guidance unit. Flight tests and simulations show that Manna can provide a safer alternative for critical air deliveries.
Our Founders Lab Group created a pop-up thrift store on campus using donated clothing. We generated over $1000 in profits from our clothing sales to donate to a local charity, making our team the top earning Founders Lab team. Our shop, Devils Rack, tabled twice on the Tempe ASU campus in order to generate our revenue.