Education Commons^™

Development Of Critical Thinking Skills In Collegiate Aviation Programs, Irene Miller, Tom Long

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Critical thinking requires an individual to gather and interpret data, develop conclusions based upon relevant findings, and implement the best solution. The dynamic aviation industry requires these skills of its pilots, maintainers, and managers for companies to remain successful. Collegiate aviation programs need to teach critical thinking and cognitive skills to allow students entering the workforce to become these successful aviation managers, maintainers, and pilots. Since August 2021, Southern Illinois University has been conducting a study to inform the development of these techniques for promoting critical thinking skills in the classroom and determine their efficacy. SIU will provide the preliminary …

The Diversification Of The Us Airline Pilot Career Field: Perceptions Of Collegiate Flight Students., Irene Miller, Timm Bliss

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

There will be a tremendous need for commercial pilots over the next ten years. To maintain a pipeline of pilots, a US airline announced a diversity initiative in March 2021 to operate their own flight school with the goal of hiring thousands of pilots, at least 50% of them women or people of color. In December 2021, 80% of the airline’s inaugural class of 30 flight students were women or people of color. In 2022, several other airlines launched similar initiatives. The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of collegiate flight students regarding these airlines’ new training and …

The Universality Of Communication: Preparing The Next Generation Of Aviation Professionals, Patti J. Clark Ph.D., Doreen M. Mcgunagle Ph.D., Laura Zizka Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Current aviation college programs aim to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals to meet the needs of the ever-increasing global demand for air travel. Previous literature has identified gaps in competencies that employers noted in young graduates. This study attempts to narrow that gap by focusing on the curriculum of the top 20 aviation programs in the U.S. to compare the curriculum to the skills employers cited to assess whether the courses offered in the current programs reflect the actual needs of the aviation workplace. From a survey of Aerospace and Defense (A&D) employers, ten skills were cited: Team …

Examining Uas Employment Expectations And Requirements, Brent A. Terwilliger Ph.D., Ryan J. Wallace Ed.D., Matthew P. Earnhardt Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology is radically changing how organizations, such as government agencies, non-profit corporations, and companies, apply aviation resources. Unmanned aviation is supporting improved efficiency, expanded capability, and heightened reliability through an increasing number of uses relating to: a) research and development and training-education, b) event filming, c) industrial, utility, and environmental projects, d) real estate, e) construction activities, f) agricultural, g) press and media, and h) state/local emergency services. The increasing application, and subsequent operational growth, is occurring in response to maturing technology, refined operational management and permissibility, innovative concept development, demonstrated capability, enhanced supportability, and the …

Understanding Generation: Implications For Flight Training, Hiring, And Retention, Kristine M. Kiernan Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Generation is a much discussed topic in the literature on workforce training and education. The simultaneous presence of numerous generations in the workforce has created tensions, challenges, and opportunities. In collegiate flight training, the Millennial generation is giving way to the post-Millennial generation, which will bring its own learning style and priorities to the cockpit. This presentation reviews the scientific literature on generational differences, identifying which differences are actually supported by data. Demographic and economic trends, including data from the National Science Foundation’s Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System, will be combined with demonstrated generational differences in work-related attitudes and …

Why Do We Learn What We Learn? The Intersection Of Leadership And Learning In Aviation Environments, Kadie Mullins

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Why do we learn what we learn? Teach what we teach? Train how we train? Largely, decisions regarding instruction and training in aviation environments are dictated by leadership. Industry CEOs beliefs on professional development, organization culture inspired by leadership, and the instructors’ personal leadership philosophies create specific learning schema while legislation, credentialing agencies, and public policies provide mandates surrounding licensing and certifications. This paper will explore the contexts and concepts in which learning and leading intersect and the impacts of those intersections on learner outcomes and instructional planning. Exploring pertinent historical, societal, philosophical, and psychological factors that guide instruction and …

What Factors Affect General Aviation Pilot Adoption Of Electronic Flight Bags?, Troy E. Techau

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Why do some pilots choose to use electronic flight bags (EFBs) in their flight operations, yet others continue to rely on traditional avionics and paper charts? Does the use of EFBs differ by age, gender, or flight experience?

EFBs, now a common tool in aviation, can display navigational charts, weather, and traffic information, and automate calculation of critical fuel and aircraft performance data. Research that uses EFBs as interactive nodes to exchange data with the System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) network is underway. Understanding what factors may explain differences in pilot adoption and use of EFB technology could shape regulations governing …