The Collegiate Aviation Review International

Student Perceptions of Meaningful Learning and Academic Performance in Aeronautical Courses: A Quantitative Study

Andrea Smith — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Current literature on the predictive correlation between a student’s perceived course value and their end-of-course results utilizing the Course Valuing Inventory (Nehari & Bender, 1978) has not been studied in aeronautics education. While research investigating various attributes of academic success exists, quantitative studies specifically addressing predictive variables of course success related to end-of-course grades in aeronautics education do not exist. Given the results of quantitative data, aeronautics academia can strategically implement specific variables into course planning and designing to create academic content that appeals to aeronautic students. The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to examine the predictive correlational relationship between the predictor variables (course valuing, cognitive content, affective-personal, and behavioral factors) and the criterion variable (end-of-course grade) for undergraduate aeronautical degree-seeking students at a large, accredited, faith-based, non-profit, private university in the southeastern United States with a large student population. The convenience sample consisted of 137 undergraduate aeronautics students. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The study results showed no significant connection between the predictor variables (course valuing, cognitive content, affective-personal, and behavioral factors) and the criterion variable (end-of-course grade).

Unveiling the narrative around pilot mental health and aviation - A content analysis of FAA and mental health-related social media content

Austin Walden, Jana Thomas — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the content on social media platforms surrounding pilot mental health and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certification process. Utilizing Meltwater, a media monitoring and analysis tool, nearly 12,500 social media posts on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were analyzed to identify key themes and sentiments expressed by current and aspiring pilots. Findings reveal significant concerns about the FAA's mental health regulations, with many pilots expressing fear of career repercussions and reluctance to seek necessary mental health care. The study also highlights the importance of social media as a platform for pilots to anonymously voice their frustrations and seek support. The research ultimately advocates for enhanced FAA communication, education, and support resources that align with pilot needs and concerns, as well as encourages more open discussions about mental health within the aviation industry.

Bridging the Gap: Evaluating Skill Alignment Between Collegiate Aviation Management Programs and Industry Needs

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aviation industry’s dynamic nature demands skilled professionals equipped to navigate complex challenges. Aviation Management, a pivotal discipline encompassing areas such as operations, finance, and safety, plays a critical role in the industry’s success. However, the lack of a standardized definition for Aviation Management complicates curriculum design and evaluation, potentially widening the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations. This study examines the alignment between the skills developed in collegiate Aviation Management programs and those required for entry-level industry roles, addressing both technical and interpersonal competencies. Using survey data from current undergraduate students and recent graduates, the study identifies significant disparities in technical skill preparation, particularly in data analytics, programming, and specialized software usage. While students perceive their programs as offering foundational knowledge and networking opportunities, graduates report that additional training beyond their undergraduate education is often necessary to meet industry demands. This research highlights the need for enhanced technical training, integration of industry-relevant tools, and the inclusion of advanced data literacy in curricula. Based on these findings, the study proposes a framework for refining Aviation Management education, offering actionable insights for educational institutions and industry stakeholders.

Contributing Factors to Aircraft Maintenance Technology Students' Readiness for the Aviation Industry

Maura Gina D. Ramoso, Ruth Ortega-Dela Cruz — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aviation sector demands highly skilled professionals, particularly in aircraft maintenance, to ensure safety and efficiency. Understanding the factors that affect the preparedness of the Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology (BSAMT) students is crucial for academic institutions and industry stakeholders to enhance education and training programs. This study employs a survey research design to investigate the factors that contribute to readiness of BSAMT students for the aviation industry. The findings reveal that students have high confidence in their knowledge across critical areas, with positive feedback on the availability, maintenance, and completeness of training facilities. Additionally, students view the curriculum as well-designed, effectively meeting their educational needs and preparing them for a successful career in aviation. Co-curricular activities, including seminars, workshops, and on-the-job training, are perceived as the most influential in enhancing students' readiness. The study highlights the importance of integrating hands-on experiences with academic programs to ensure comprehensive skill development. The results suggest that a well-rounded curriculum, combined with strong industry engagement, is critical in preparing students for the aviation sector.

A Theoretical Model to Understand Flight Instructors’ Safety Behaviors in the United States: Through Personality Traits, Self-Efficacy, Risk Perception, and Safety Climate

Vivek Sharma, Meredith Carroll, Rian Mehta — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Safety is an important aspect for any organization or individual to be successful, and the field of aviation has no exceptions. A CFI is authorized to give training and endorsements required for student, private, commercial, and instrument pilot certificates. CFIs play a very critical role in the success of pilot-in training students at flight schools (Osman et al., 2022). According to AOPA (2015), the two greatest risks in flight training are loss of control inflight (LOC) and midair collisions. Moreover, approximately 71% of the accidents in which a CFI was involved happened during takeoff/climb, low altitude maneuvers, and Instrumental Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The probable cause of LOC and midair collisions was due to poor decision making, bad judgement and unsafe behaviors of the CFIs (AOPA, 2015). In psychological aviation research, various perspectives, such as those associated with social cognition and personality, have attempted to explain individual differences in risky behaviors and accident involvement (Ji et al., 2011). The purpose of the present study was to build a theoretical model that demonstrates the relationship between personality traits, self-efficacy, risk-perception, safety climate, and safety behaviors of CFIs. A literature review was conducted to identify the existing relationships between the target constructs used in the study and the safety behaviors among workers across various aviation and non-aviation work settings. Over 100 abstracts were reviewed for relevancy, and 43 articles, published between 1990 and 2020, were selected for full review. Of the 43 articles selected, only 30 articles were thoroughly reviewed and used to extract information. The results indicated the proposed theoretical model: (a) CFIs’ personality traits as measured by CFIs levels of Extraversion, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Openness will directly influence their safety behaviors; (b) CFIs’ self-efficacy and risk-perception named as affective domain variables will have a direct influence on their safety behaviors; (c) CFIs’ safety climate will directly influence their safety behaviors; (d) CFIs’ self-efficacy and risk-perception will mediate the relationship between CFIs’ personality traits and safety behaviors; and (e) Flight school’s safety climate, as measured by CFIs’ perceived.