Understanding Mental Health Awareness and Resources in a Collegiate Aviation Program

Abstract

The research purpose is to explore mental health awareness among student pilots and offer recommendations into how aviation flight departments can better support students facing mental health challenges in a Collegiate Aviation program. The research begins by categorizing types of mental health disorders and mental health conditions outlined in FAA Part 67 that can disqualify students from pursuing an aviation career. An essential area of the study is the examination of resources available to aviation flight departments and student pilots for aviation-related assistance on general mental health support. 

The study will be used to explore mental health awareness and the familiarity of mental health resources among students in UVU's aviation flight department.  The study will further give insight into a student's tendency towards self-diagnosis, the reluctance to seek advice and information on mental health, and their comfort levels in approaching peers struggling with mental health challenges.   

The study results will be used to identify priorities and develop an action plan of best practices and resources available for providing support systems for aviation flight training departments. The recommendations and best practices formulated by UVU's flight department can be considered and integrated into other flight training programs.