A Comparison of the Success of Ab-Initio and Transfer Private Pilots at Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Revisiting a 2008 Study

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study examining the comparative success of ab-initio and transfer flight students in addition to the effectiveness of a transition course designed to support transfer student integration. This study expanded on prior research at the same institution comparing ab-initio and transfer flight students to determine whether the two groups differed in their ability to complete subsequent flight training following private pilot certification. This study also surveyed transfer flight students to collect their feedback about their experience in taking a transition course designed to successfully transition them into the university flight training environment and validate aeronautical knowledge and piloting skills. Quantitative data from students who completed the commercial pilot course were analyzed and, as found in the earlier study, no statistically significant differences were found between ab-initio students and transfer flight students in either course completion rates or days-to-commercial completion, indicating that the transition course effectively integrates transfer flight students into the flight program. Qualitative survey responses in this current study revealed that, while the transition course is working as intended, course flexibility and enhanced flight instructor awareness of the customizable aspects of the course could enhance student satisfaction. Overall, the findings suggest that a transition course can serve as an effective leveling experience for students, enabling them to succeed in the next phases of their flight training at rates comparable to their ab-initio peers.