Robert W. Sweginnis was an associate professor in the Aeronautical Science Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus. The Sweginnis papers contain course materials on aviation safety; photographs (chiefly slides) and videos used as teaching tools; aircraft manuals and training material; and publications about aviation and aviation safety.
Identification:
MS-008
Language:
Material in English
Repository:
Aviation Safety and Security Archives, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
3700 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, Arizona 86301-3720
Phone: 928-777-3949
E-mail: prasasa@erau.edu
Biographical Note
Robert W. Sweginnis was born in Brooklyn, New York, on 25 February 1940. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and continued his education at New York University where he earned a B.S. in aeronautical engineering in 1961. He earned an M.S. in engineering and administration from Southern Methodist University in 1973.
Sweginnis was in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at New York University, and he served in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years. His military service included a combat tour in Vietnam flying an F-4 Phantom fighter on 254 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star. He also served as an aircraft maintenance officer, instructor pilot, unit operations officer for his tactical fighter squadron, safety engineer, and aircraft accident investigator. Sweginnis spent three years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base managing system safety for the development of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. His final assignment was at the Air Force Safety Center, and he retired in 1982 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Sweginnis taught at the University of Southern California and worked for Lockheed Corporation and General Dynamics. After a move to Arizona, he taught courses in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and aviation safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus, where he was assistant professor (1992-1996) and then associate professor (1996-2004) in the Aeronautical Science Department. With Richard H. Wood, Sweginnis co-authored Aircraft Accident Investigation in 1995 (Casper, Wyo.: Endeavor Books).
On 28 August 2004, Sweginnis and Embry-Riddle Chief Flight Instructor Mike Corradi were practicing aerobatic maneuvers in preparation for the 2004 Prescott Air Fair when their aircraft collided in midair. Both men were killed in the accident.
Scope and Content
These papers document Robert W. Sweginnis' involvement and interest in aviation safety education and aviation training. In addition to files related to courses taught by Sweginnis at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Southern California, and elsewhere, the collection contains accident investigation guides, manuals and other information on specific aircraft and equipment, and reference materials on aviation and safety topics. The collection also contains a small amount of material from Embry-Riddle's flight training department.
Topics represented in these files include aviation safety, aircraft accident investigation, meteorology and weather-related aviation issues, aircraft engines and engine maintenance, aircraft performance, material factors, human factors, system safety, midair collisions, flight training, fuel systems, aircraft structures, crashworthiness, aircraft design, rotorcraft, instrument flight rules (IFR), failure analysis, risk assessment, electron fractography, upset recovery, bird strikes, runway safety, takeoff safety, fire, data recorders, simulators, flight controls, braking, and tires. Also included is information on the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), the Flight Safety Foundation, Jerome Lederer, and S. Harry Robertson.
Manuals, reports, and safety information are included for aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft, Boeing, Cessna, Piper, and Republic, as well as manuals and parts catalogs for Avco Lycoming engines. Manuals, training guides, and other information for military aircraft are also included; aircraft represented are the A-4M Skyhawk; B-52 Stratofortress; F-4 Phantom II; F-5E Tiger II; F-15 Eagle; F-16 Fighting Falcon; F/A-18 Hornet; OV-10A Bronco; T-28B/C Trojan; T-34C Mentor; T-38A Talon; T-41A Mescalero; and the TS-2A, US-2A/B/C/ Tracker.
Arrangement
The Sweginnis papers are organized in seven series, two of which are further divided into subseries.
Several books have been removed to the Archives book collection. Separated books are noted in this guide; books are also searchable in the Hazy Library catalog.
[Item title or description]. Robert W. Sweginnis papers (MS-008). Aviation Safety and Security Archives, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona.
Acquisition Information
This material was part of a donation in memory of Robert W. (Bob) Sweginnis by the Sweginnis family to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus Library in December 2004. Because of their nature and subject matter, the items comprising this collection were judged to be more appropriate for the Archives and were transferred from the Library in December 2005. Archives accession number 2005.008.
This series contains materials related to courses taught by Sweginnis at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Southern California, and elsewhere. Included are course outlines, syllabi, lecture notes and outlines, supplemental and reference materials, transparencies, lesson plans, and statements of learning objectives.
Box
Folder
1
1-11
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus. AS 356 Aircraft Systems and Components, 1991-2003
This series contains materials produced by various organizations within the United States Air Force (USAF) or related to Air Force aircraft. The bulk of the series consists of materials used by the Air Force Test Pilot School. The series also contains guides for mishap (i.e., accident) investigation and information on the F-4 fighter jet. Flight and operator's manuals for Air Force aircraft are filed in Series 5, Aircraft, Engines, and Other Equipment.
Box
Folder
1
22-23
"F-4 stuff," 1978, undated
Topics include squadron management; accident investigation; F-4 canopy system; flying qualities; flight control system; takeoff and landing; fuel system; powerplant; ground ops; egress; structures; hydraulics; instruments; and miscellaneous. Also includes an index.
1
24
Safety Investigation Workbook. AFP 127-1 Vol. III. 1987
1
25
U.S. Air Force Guide to Mishap Investigation. AFP 127-1 Vol. I. 1987
1
26
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 1. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Pitot-Statics Handout, 1984
1
27
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 2. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 2, Subsonic Aerodynamics -- Study Guide, 1984
1
28
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 3. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 4, Climb and Descent Performance, 1984
1
29
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 4. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 6, Takeoff and Landing, 1984
1
30
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 5. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 7, Cruise Performance, undated
1
31
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 6. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Cruise Steady State Performance Course Handout, undated
1
32
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 7. Performance Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 8. Turning Performance, 1985
1
33
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 8. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 4, Longitudinal Static Stability, 1984
1
34
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 9. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 5, Maneuvering Flight, 1984
1
35
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 10. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 6, Lateral-Directional Static Stability, 1983
1
36
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 11. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 7, Dynamics, 1984
1
37
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 12. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 8, Roll Coupling, 1984
1
38
USAF Test Pilot School. Folder 13. Flying Qualities Theory and Flight Test Techniques, Chapter 9, Stall/Post-Stall/Spin Theory, 1980
This series contains materials used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The bulk of the series consists of training material and other information related to the F/A 18 Hornet fighter jet. The series also contains an aircraft accident investigation handbook, an outline for a course on ASO Structures at the Naval Postgraduate School, and flight training material for the T-34C trainer aircraft. Flight and training manuals for naval aircraft are filed in Series 5, Aircraft, Engines, and Other Equipment.
Box
Folder
1
39
FA-18. Folder 1. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Flight Operations, 1999
This series contains manuals, parts catalogs, books, case studies, and safety reviews for specific aircraft as well as for aircraft engines and other equipment. Included is information on Beechcraft, Boeing, Cessna, and Piper airplanes as well as on U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft. Also included are manuals and a parts catalog for Avco Lycoming aircraft engines as well as manuals for the AV-8 voice alerting engine monitor and the Apollo 800 Flybuddy.
[Note, manuals are not kept current and therefore cannot be used as a substitute for the current official FAA approved manual. They may be used for general information purposes only.]
Beechcraft Debonair 35-C33A and Bonanza E33A; E33C Acrobatic (see Flight Manual Supplement). Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual, 1996
[Note, this manual is not kept current and therefore cannot be used as a substitute for the current official FAA approved manual. It may be used for general information purposes only.]
[Note, this manual is not kept current and therefore cannot be used as a substitute for the current official FAA approved manual. It may be used for general information purposes only.]
This series contains books, reports, magazines, articles, and other printed material about aviation safety, system safety, and aviation.
Box
Folder
3
1
"101 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Engine. A Guide for Aircraft Owners" by the editors of TBO Advisor, 1993
3
2
Aviation Weather Services, vols. 1 and 2, Qref, 1997
3
3
Aeronautical Chart User's Guide. 3d edition. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1991
3
4
Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid, undated
3
5
American Airlines. Flight Safety Anthology, circa 2001
3
6
AOPA Air Safety Foundation. "Aircraft Icing," 1994
3
7
AOPA Air Safety Foundation. "How to Avoid a Midair Collision" (2 copies), 1992, 1994
3
8
AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Runway Safety Flash Cards, undated
3
9
AOPA Air Safety Foundation. "Weather, Flight Planning, and the Pilot," 1994
3
10
Aviation Safety, vol. XV, no. 10, 15 May 1995
TL556 .U644 1975B
Aviation Weather for Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel. AC 00-6A Revised 1975. Washington, D.C.: ASA Publications, 1982. 1982-1996. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Aviation Weather Services AC00-45C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Weather Service; U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 1985. Shelved with Archives book collection.
TL556 .A85 1999
Aviation Weather Services AC00-45E. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Weather Service; U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 1999. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
12
Boeing, "Takeoff Safety Training Aid: Boeing Data." Boeing model specific data for use with "Takeoff Safety Training Aid" (FAA Draft Advisory Circular 120-TO), circa 1994
Chandler, Richard F., ed. Aircraft Crashworthiness PT-50. Warrendale, Penna.: Society of Automotive Engineers, 1995. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
13
Cheek, William V., and Associates (Aviation Consulting). Airport Land Use Compatibility and Air Safety Study for Prince George's County, Maryland, 2000
3
14
Cheek, William V., and Associates (Aviation Consulting). Airport Land Use Compatibility and Air Safety Study for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 2000
3
15
Clemens, P. L. (Sverdrup Technology). "System Safety Scrapbook," 1998
Crawford, Donald R. "Airplane Design" Parts 1, 2, 4-9, Kitplanes (February-October 1985), 1985
TL698 .D64 1989
Dole, Charles E. Fundamentals of Aircraft Material Factors. 2d edition. Casper, Wyo.: IAP, Inc., 1989. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
17
Dole, Charles E., and Richard H. Wood. Flight Safety Workbook. Torrance, Calif.: Southern California Safety Institute, 1993
3
18
Fighter Combat International (FCI), Emergency Maneuver Training (includes CD), 2003
3
19
Frey, Jay J. How to Fly Floats. College Point, N.Y.: EDO Corp., 1972
TL553.6 .H38 1993
Hawkins, Frank H. Human Factors in Flight. 2d edition, ed. Harry W. Orlady. Aldershot, England: Avebury Aviation; Ashgate Publishing, 1995. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
20
Holley, John M. Aviation Weather Services Workbook. EA-380. Casper, Wyo.: IAP, Inc., 1991
3
21
"How to Lean Direct Drive Normally Aspirated Engines," undated
3
22
IFR Refresher, vol. 9, 1995
MS-008 x035
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) Member's Handbook. Includes by-laws, code of ethics, bibliography (ISASI publications 1969-1992), 1999 membership roster, and 1990 Los Angeles Regional Chapter roster, 1983-1999
Box
Folder
3
23
"Jerry Lederer: Mr. Aviation Safety" Special Issue of Flight Safety Digest, 2002
TL710 .K42 1992
Kershner, William K. The Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual. 5th edition. Ames, Ia.: Iowa State University Press, 1992. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
24
Lipson, Charles. "Basic Course in Failure Analysis. Lesson 1: How Parts Can Fail; Importance of Stress" Machine Design, 1969
Moore et al. "An Improved Approach for Flight Readiness Certification -- Methodology for Failure Risk Assessment and Application Examples," JPL Publication 92-15, vol. 1. (Paper copy and microfiche copy), 1992
3
28
Nertney, R. J., J. L. Clark, and R. W. Eicher. "Occupancy-Use Readiness Manual - Safety Considerations" ERDA-76-45-1; SSDC-1; UC-41, 1975
3
29
Phillips, A., V. Kerlins, and B. V. Whiteson. "Electron Fractography Handbook" Technical Report ML-TDR-64-416, 1965
3
30-31
Robertson Aviation Range Extension Fuel Systems, 1988-1989, undated
Also includes information on S. Harry Robertson, Aircraft Crash Investigation Short Courses, GE F110 Engines, and Flight Safety Foundation.
3
32
Roed, Aage "Flight Safety for Aviation Personnel," 1989
3
33
Rotorcraft information. Includes material on helicopter flight controls and aerodynamics; helicopter and gyroplane accident investigation; and advancing/retreating blade stall, undated
3
34
Service Manual for the Doctor of Motors. 3d edition. Hagerstown, Ind; Toronto: Perfect Circle Corporation, 1953
3
35
Spinacity, Inc. "Decathlon Spin Characteristics," 2001
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus student group project for aerospace engineering course taught by James C. Biggers.
3
36
"Takeoff Safety Training Aid." FAA Draft Advisory Circular AC 120-XX, 1992
Thomas, Kas. "Modern Aircraft Engines: A Guide to the Elements of Your Airplane's Powerplant" excerpted from The LPM Engine Operating Guide, 1985
TL701.5 T56 1986
Thomas, Kas. Light Plane Maintenance: Aircraft Engine Operating Guide. Hanover, Penna.: Sheridan Press, 1985. Shelved with Archives book collection.
Box
Folder
3
39-43
University of Southern California (USC) binder on various safety topics, 1960-1986
Topics include mid air collisions, fire, crashworthiness, data recorders (including Sweginnis paper on "Flight Data Recorders for USAF Fighter/Attack/Trainer Aircraft"), simulators, and photography.
Box
Folder
4
1-4
University of Southern California (USC) binder on various safety topics, 1965-1984
Topics include engines, fuel systems, flight controls, structure, material factors, braking/tires, and birdstrikes.
4
5
U.S. Air Force Directorate of Aerospace Safety, "First United States Military Aircraft Accident, Mr. Orville Wright and Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, 17 September 1908" (copy of 1909 report by Aeronautical Board of the Army Signal Corps), undated
4
6
U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. "Safe Skies for Tomorrow: Aviation Safety in a Competitive Environment," 1988
4
7
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "Fault Tree Handbook," NUREG-0492, 1981
This subseries contains 35mm photographic slides and color negatives. The slides include photographs, charts, and other illustrations used for teaching purposes, as well as some images (air shows and individuals with airplanes) which may have been for personal use. The color negatives contain images found in the slides. Image content includes aircraft involved in accidents; accident sites; the U.S. Air Force Aircraft Crash Investigation Laboratory operated by the University of Southern California for the U.S. Air Force Inspection and Safety Center; air shows; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University aircraft involved in a midair collision; aircraft structures; engines; wings; and fire investigations. Specific topics include accident investigation; microbursts; flight control and landing gear systems; pneumatic/pitot static; human factors; landing and stopping criteria; and fuel systems.
This subseries contains videorecordings on aviation, safety, and security topics. Video formats are VHS videotapes and one DVD copy of a VHS videotape.
Box
5
Air Transport Association of America, Ground Security Coordinator and Aviation Security training programs. Contents include preventive security, explosive devices, flammable liquids as a weapon, and deadly cargo, 1985. VHS video tape, 68:00.
RESTRICTED
5
"Aviation Technology and Human Values: Securing Safer Skies," 1991. VHS video tape, 59:00.
Lectures presented at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus during the 1990-1991 academic year. Discussion Leader's Guide accompanies video tape. Speakers include: Col. Mal Wakin, "Morality and Military Technology"; Charles "Pete" Conrad, "Ethical Quandaries in Space Exploration"; Harry Robertson, "Air Safety Ethical Concerns"; Scott Incerto, "Ethics in Aviation Law: Whose responsibility?"; Dr. Robert Batchelder, "Industry Initiatives to Promote Ethical Standards"; and, David Vaughan, "Ethics in Aviation: The Pilot's, the Airline's, and the Government's Viewpoints."
5
Big Mouth F-16 Te. Film of maneuvers where pilot cannot deploy chute, undated. VHS video tape, 8:40.
5
50/67 Midair. Accident investigation of non-fatal midair collision of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus planes N250ER and N267ER on 31 March 1992. Includes interview with witnesses and silent video of planes, 1992 VHS video tape, 32:40.
5
ERAU; Wingspan Air & Space Channel. "Legacy of Flight" series, undated. VHS video tape, 43:26, and DVD copy of VHS tape, 42:09.
5
Wing Stall Patterns on Dutchess, D. Samuels/B. Sweginnis (22 March 1992); Decathlon Spins, Corradi/Sweginnis (30 May 1999), 1992-1999. VHS video tape, 36:36.
5
Untitled. Vietnam flight mission, undated. VHS video tape.
