An Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University team recently took part in a Federal Aviation Administration effort to evaluate advanced digital communications intended to improve information exchanges among the flight deck, air traffic control and airline operations centers.

The project — called the Internet Protocol Suite Very Large (IPS VLD) Demonstration — supported the assessment of Internet Protocol Suite communications using a United Airlines 737-8 aircraft serving as Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator Explorer platform.

Embry-Riddle supported the effort through its Florida Test Bed Project Management Office, which brought together government, industry and academic partners. While Boeing led technical development and conducted live flight testing aboard the United Airlines 737-8, the Embry-Riddle team guided the project from concept through operational testing.

“The Florida Test Bed was created specifically to manage and integrate projects like this — where advanced concepts must move beyond the lab and be validated in real-world operations,” said Chris Kokai, program manager for Embry-Riddle’s Florida NextGen Test Bed. “We were incredibly excited to partner with Boeing, United Airlines and the broader government and industry team on this effort. Supporting a program that advances digital communications, improves safety and helps shape the future of flight is exactly why Embry-Riddle participates in these initiatives.”

Project Manager Mark Watson played a critical role in executing the flight test campaign, maintaining effective communication among stakeholders and delivering a successful demonstration.

“Leading the Embry-Riddle and Boeing team in this collaborative effort for the FAA was a remarkable journey,” Watson said. “Witnessing the seamless integration of multiple industry experts and various technologies to advance digital communications underscores the importance of such partnerships in shaping the future of aviation.”

Five Embry-Riddle students assisted on the project: David Wanner, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering; Devon Mercury, who is earning a Master of Science in Aviation; Nathaniel Cook, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering; Anupama (Sigma) Kar, who is earning a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering; and Ethan (Quinn) Chamberlin, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The students joined a range of project activities, including coordination support, documentation review and meeting execution.

“The work I was entrusted with not only advanced the project but also provided me with real-world research and project management experience," Wanner said. “Embry-Riddle’s decision to involve students in this level of applied research speaks volumes about its commitment to preparing students for professional roles.”

Kar said the experience broadened her understanding of how technical, operational and human factors decisions shape the National Airspace System.

“Through the project, I saw how pilots, engineers and program managers aligned on key performance indicators,” Kar said. “The project management skills and tools I learn here at the Florida Test Bed are unparalleled and have been a game-changer for me, as a graduate teaching assistant and as a flight test engineer.”

Information in this article is based on a Boeing Company news release on the project. Learn more at the company’s website.