The Role of Mental Health Training and Education in Achieving Resilience for Collegiate Aviation Pilots

Abstract

The tragic events surrounding Germanwings Flight 9525 and similar safety events have highlighted the urgent need to address mental health (MH) issues in aviation, particularly among Part 141 collegiate pilots. This ongoing quasi-experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of a Mental Wellness workshop intervention aimed at enhancing collegiate aviation pilots' knowledge and skills in recognizing and managing MH challenges. Conducted over five days and integrated into the flight safety course curriculum, the workshop focuses on resilience, stress management, emotional regulation, and lifestyle changes. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, participants will complete the Predictive 6-Factor Resilience Scale (PR6-50) before and after the workshop, alongside demographic questions to capture descriptive data. The study will employ SPSS® to conduct a paired t-test to determine significant differences in resilience scores. Qualitative data will be analyzed to explore participants’ experiences concerning existing models of mental health awareness and stigma reduction in aviation. Expected findings include significant improvements in resilience scores, increased awareness of MH issues, and reduced stigma surrounding help-seeking. Participants are anticipated to report enhanced skills in stress management and emotional regulation, fostering healthier lifestyle choices and greater willingness to seek support for MH concerns. The study's conclusions will emphasize the importance of MH training in aviation and advocate for supportive systems that encourage collegiate pilots to prioritize their mental well-being, advancing the safety objectives established by the Federal Aviation Administration and bolstering the overall safety performance of the U.S. National Airspace System