Course Description
PUBP 747
Aviation Policy, Operations
& Logistics
George Mason University
Fall Semester, 2002
U.S. aviation system evolution has been a de facto public-private partnership since its inception. The fledgling airline industry would never have been born without government investment for the public purposes of military operations and mail carriage. In the 100 years since the Wright Brothers made their first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC, aviation in the U.S. and around the world has become a major economic force improving the welfare of citizens of countries with aviation wherewithal. Government’s role in aviation evolution is complex; ranging from ensuring safety and security to the provision of air traffic control services and not least, the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry. In this course we will consider the evolution of the various elements of U.S. aviation especially as that path has defined the characteristics or attributes of the modern versions of these stakeholders as they endeavor to influence the outcomes of various public policy decisions. In particular, we will focus at the conclusion of this course on the political and policy challenges to the resolution of a rapidly emerging airspace and airport capacity problems.
The new science of complexity theory provides a qualitative framework for the potential resolution of public policy problems. The particular aspect of complexity theory that will be used is agent-based modeling, whereby the attributes of the various stakeholders or agents are modeled and then played together in a simulated environment to determine the dynamics of various possible outcomes. While the details of complexity theory or agent-based modeling are beyond the scope of this course, they nevertheless provide an excellent logical framework for considering the implications of various public policy initiatives.
There is no text book for this course as there is none that captures the range of issues or aviation system elements that will be considered. Course materials will be distributed in advance of the discussion of the various topics. While some lectures will be required, there will be an emphasis on class discussion and participation. Some guest lectures by influential members of the aviation community may also be incorporated.
Two papers will be required to be prepared for grade in this course. The first, to be submitted by mid-term will be about 1000 words on one of the major topics covered in this course. This paper will constitute 25% of the final grade. 25% will also be allocated to class participation. The final examination will consist of a 2000-word paper on a proposed solution to the airspace capacity problem. This paper will constitute 50% of the final grade.
A course
outline is presented on the next page.