Assessing the Impact of Implemented Safety Culture Recommendations in a Collegiate-Level Flight Training Program

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to report on the effectiveness of implementing the recommendations that were the outcome of the previously completed research involving the identification of best practices to improve overall safety performance and safety culture within Utah Valley University’s flight training operations. 

Prior to the safety culture research that was conducted in 2022, UVU observed an underreporting of safety issues within flight and maintenance operations.  There was concern that an insufficient understanding existed related to the impact that safety culture has on safety performance.  A survey was conducted across all flight and aircraft maintenance functions and the collected data was analyzed to determine trends and opportunities for implementing related to the safety culture that existed at the time. 

Through 2023, recommendations were prioritized and implemented through all flight and maintenance departments. In 2024, another survey was conducted to once again collect data to determine if the implemented recommendations achieved the desired positive change in safety culture, safety performance, and risk mitigation.

The research report identifies and describes the effectiveness of the implemented action plan to improve safety performance through an effective and integrated safety culture.  Lessons learned and best practices will be shared to allow other schools to develop and engage an effective safety culture of their own within their flight training programs.