Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Combining Technology And Human Interaction In Stem Through Innovation To Drive Passion For The Next Generation Of Aviation Professionals, Linda Weiland M.A.S., M.B.A., Bettina Mrusek Ph.D., Girls Fly Programme Africa Foundation, Naco Netherlands Airport Consulting Organization South Africa

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Progress on inspiring girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers has been extremely slow considering the efforts made and the fact that girls make up 50% of the population. This issue is complex and many different approaches have been done of over the last 40 years. Leveraging virtual education technology Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide’s Women in Aviation International Chapter developed a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) geared towards girls and boys between the ages of 8 and 14. There are barriers in schools and limitations to career development because of a lack of awareness; the MOOC sought to …

Application Of A Skill Taxonomy In Aviation, Marisa D. Aguiar M.S., Haydee M. Cuevas Ph.D., Christopher Piccone M.S.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The objective of this project was to develop a preliminary taxonomy for defining the construct ‘skill,’ drawing from the various definitions described in the extant literature. Three separate cognitive task analyses (CTA) were conducted utilizing interviews and observations with subject matter experts within the context of (1) a virtual reality part task trainer for airborne refueling, (2) skills required by pilots in commercial aviation, and (3) aviation maintenance skills for unmanned aircraft systems. The findings from the CTAs were applied to refine the preliminary taxonomy.

Redefining Resiliency Using Principles Of Social Cognitive Theories To Address The Gap In Training And Assessing Resiliency For Air Carrier Operations, Jessica K. Cruit Ph.D., Patricia Bockelman Ph.D., Peter Hancock D.Sc, Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Air carrier flight operations continue to be highly proceduralized events, which have contributed to the overall safety and performance efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). However, existing and envisionable procedures do not, and may never completely cover all operational situations. At times, there is not a procedure for a situation or adequate time to complete a known procedure. More specifically, the current use of procedures does not adequately address unexpected events. In the instances when procedures are non-existent, the flight crew needs to have the ability to demonstrate resilience or to adapt and respond appropriately to the changing environment …

Dynamic And Adaptive Training For Enhanced Aviation Knowledge Transfer And Retention, Jason P. Kring Ph.D., Michael W. Sawyer, Meredith Carroll, Katherine A. Berry

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The world of aviation is rapidly evolving through increased automation on the flight deck, new air traffic control tools and procedures, and expanded applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). These enhancements may increase training requirements on operational personnel and potentially introduce the opportunity for the degradation of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are not routinely applied. The resources required for simulator-based training results in using computer-based training (CBT) for many infrequently used KSAs. Field studies and academic literature consistently show that users find this training boring, easily forgettable, and are perceived as “check the box” training. Furthermore, most CBT …

Examining Pilot Response To Cybersecurity Events On The Flight Deck, Meredith Carroll Ph.D., Summer Rebensky, Paige Sanchez

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the aviation industry. In general, cybersecurity research has typically focused on providing technical solutions such as hardening networks and improving computer systems, with little focus on the human operator. Human operators, such as pilots, are often the last line of defense; however, it is currently unclear whether pilots can recognize cybersecurity vulnerabilities, detect when a system is being compromised, and respond appropriately to a cybersecurity event. A review of literature revealed three key stages in cybersecurity response decision process (susceptibility, detection, and response) that are influenced by eight separate factors (perceived susceptibility, perceived safeguard …

What Factors Influence The Imposter Phenomenon Amongst Collegiate Flight Students?, Rian Mehta Ph.D., Stephen Rice, Scott R. Winter Ph.D., Mattie Milner, Freyan Mehta

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The need for commercial airline pilots has been increasing significantly, and with the mandatory retirements projected in the next decade, the airline pilot workforce will have an injection of younger pilots. Previous research has studied the effects and prevalence of the Imposter Phenomenon (IP) in young professionals, especially graduate students, and academics. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent for female graduate students and academics. The purpose of this study is to observe the prevalence of the Imposter Phenomenon in collegiate pilots. Participants for the study are recruited from amongst collegiate flight students enrolled in a 4-year aviation university in Florida. A …

Pilot Selection Research Gaps: What We Do And Don't Know About "The Right Stuff", Tomas C. Scott, Meredith Carroll Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Ever since the commencement of high-powered flight, pilot selection has been a crucial process within military, general, and commercial aviation. Through effective pilot selection, individuals with the necessary aptitudes, or "the right stuff" to get through a training program and successfully perform the job, can be chosen. There is a range of different aptitudes that have been shown through research to correlate with effective pilot performance. However, there is currently not a comprehensive understanding of the aptitudes, including both cognitive abilities and psychological attributes, necessary not only for effective pilot performance but also for a successful career as an aviator. …

Integrating Aviation Technology, Emergency Services, And Human Resilience: Considerations From Social Scientists, Chelsea A. Lenoble Ph.D., Joel M. Billings Ph.D., Allison A. Kwesell Ph.D., Ray H. Chang Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have a range of applications within the field of disaster response. This presentation offers a novel framework of psychosocial considerations designed to advance UAS and disaster management integration. Social scientists highlight important challenges to the effective integration of three primary entities: UAS, the team of teams that responds to disasters, and populations affected by disasters.

The presentation adopts an emerging theoretical perspective on the intersection between UAS capabilities and disaster phases and extends it by bringing necessary attention to social science issues. Specifically, the framework outlines psychosocial considerations and areas of improvement for preparation (training), response …

Integrating The 1st Person View And The 3rd Person View Using A Connected Vr-Mr System For Pilot Training, Chang-Geun Oh Ph.D., Myunghoon Oh Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Many virtual reality (VR)-based flight simulation programs provide pilots the enhanced reality from the 1^st person-view to make themselves immersed in the cockpit. Using the VR simulations, pilots can take flight training in many challenging situations that are hard to create in real environments due to its natural entropy and safety concerns such as severe crosswind or engine fire. Mixed reality (MR) technology provides three-dimensional graphics so that users can effectively see all 360 degree-vertical and horizontal aspects of an object while they freely move around to see the graphics maintaining the consciousness of real space. Flight instructors may …

Examination Of The Impact Of Various Training Approaches On Different Uas Operator Populations, Summer Rebensky M.S., Meredith Carroll Ph.D., Maria Chaparro M.S.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

In recent years, the UAS industry has extended beyond military and recreational use and is now positioned to become a major portion of the aviation industry. As we move toward UAS integration into the national airspace system, UAS operators need effective training to ensure safe operation. Training UAS operators in an engaging way is important to ensure the best performance and transfer of training. Training methods that elicit high levels of learner engagement have been shown to improve knowledge gains, performance, and therefore such training techniques provide an opportunity for improving UAS training effectiveness and transfer. The growth of the …

Evaluating Scenarios That Can Startle And Surprise Pilots, Rahim D. Agha, Andrew R. Dattel Ph.D., Jennifer E. Thropp Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Startle and surprise in the cockpit have contributed to multiple aviation accidents. The aviation safety boards of France, the United States, and Holland have concluded that startle and surprise pose a serious threat to pilots. This study identified the effects startle and surprise had on multi-engine rated pilots. Surprise is defined here as something unexpected (e.g., engine failure). Startle is the associated exaggerated effect of an unexpected condition (e.g., loud bang). At this point, data has been collected on 15 pilots. Pilots were tested in an aviation training device configured to a Cessna 172 and a Beechcraft Baron 58. Each …

Prevalence Of Invulnerability In Collegiate Part 141 Flight Students, Andrew Nakushian, Aayush Kapar, Kenley Ryan, Rian Mehta Ph.D., Brooke Wheeler Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Nearly every flight training program focuses on promoting good habits for aeronautical decision making. Some of the factors that influence aeronautical decision making are hazardous attitudes. The five hazardous attitudes are thought patterns that put pilots at risk of being involved in an accident. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of one hazardous attitude, invulnerability, in Collegiate Part 141 flight students. Participants were recruited from a collegiate flight program at a university in Florida. Invulnerability is particularly important to study because a pilot thinking that he/she is immune from being in an accident could lead to …

Avoiding Death By Discussion Board: Asynchronous Online Chats In Aviation History, Austin T. Walden Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Universities and colleges are increasingly turning to online course offerings, especially in aviation education. Faculty are increasingly asked to turn their in-person courses into online flavors. Typically, faculty are creating online courses with discussion boards to mimic the scholarly community that exists in a face-to-face classroom. Faculty often create discussion boards, with varying degrees of effectiveness, to provide for the immersion of community. However, the actual effectiveness of discussion boards is debated in recent research.

This research examines Asynchronous Online Chats as a replacement for the "Death by Discussion Board" model. Data from the past two semesters will be examined …

Recommended Training Practices To Prepare Pilots To Cope With Information Conflicts, Meredith Carroll Ph.D., Paige Sanchez, Donna Wilt

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

As the next generation of flight deck information systems are being utilized on the flight deck, pilots now have greater amounts of information at their fingertips. Information that was typically available only from certified information sources in aircraft panels, is now being provided by a range of sources, both within the panel and on Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs). Although redundant sources of information provide pilots a means by which to crosscheck and hone in on ground truth, they also introduce the potential for pilots encountering conflicting information. As conflicting information can have negative effects on decision making, there is a …

Adversity: Its Affect On The Resilience Of Female Pilots, Linda M. Pittenger D.Mgt., Stephanie Douglas Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Women are one of the solutions to alleviating the pending pilot shortage. Becoming a pilot needs to appeal to women. Resilience plays an important role in determining whether women in male-dominated career fields will pursue or abandon their careers. The pilot profession is dominated by masculine beliefs, values and perceptions creating an organizational culture adverse and challenging to women.

The study objective was to explore the influence of adversity on female pilots and its effect on resiliency. In our sample of 1,499 female pilots, we found lower resiliency levels as compared to a general U.S. sample. Additionally, statistically significant differences …

Gender Differences In Factors Influencing Retention In Aviation Occupations, Katya K. Rivera, Katie Kirkpatrick, Marisa Aguiar, Lindsay Stevenson, Haydee Cuevas Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

In the past 90 years, the workforce has been diversified in many fields yet diversity in the pilot workforce has remained stagnant. This also holds true for other aviation occupations (e.g., aviation maintenance, air traffic control). Promoting gender diversity is one approach to address the pilot shortage and ensure a strong aviation workforce in the future. This will involve opening aviation occupations to all members of society: leveraging the untapped potential in groups historically underrepresented in the industry. Women are a vast resource overlooked for far too long. Aviation companies need to target this group to fill the gap left …

A Look At Risk Attitude: Flight Students Compared To Non-Flight Students, Cole Madonna, Joseph Moore, Jemoi Gerald, Brooke Wheeler Ph.D., Rian Mehta Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This study delves into a student pilot’s ability to perceive levels of risk compared to non-flight students. A pilot’s ability to assess risks and adequately mitigate or prevent that risk is essential for safe operation. A key principle for safe decision making is the ability to identify and correctly determine the level of risk within a situation. The base of pilot training should give an individual the tools necessary to identify these risks. In order to study the differences in risk attitudes of flight students compared to non-flight students, we administered a survey. Participants were collegiate flight and non-flight students …

Implementation Of Team-Based Learning In Aviation Education, Austin T. Walden Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Recent research in the field of Aviation Education and Educational Psychology has shown that students are in need of greater interaction and social skills. Additionally, although Part 141 flight training programs and ground school classes offer many opportunities for collaboration and for dynamic teamwork, often those opportunities are missed as flight training is still largely a "one-on-one" effort between the student and the certificated flight instructor.

Within the last decade, Team-Based Learning has come to prominence in a variety of disciplines across the academic landscape. Team Based-learning incorporates both individual test taking, and group based test taking into one academic …

Drones: Where Does The National Airspace System Start?, Jason T. Lorenzon J.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicles (UAV), drones and Personal Aerial Vehicles (PAV) constitute the greatest technological advancement since the jet age. (Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation, October 26, 2017) This technological advancement has prompted significant public policy challenges and the need for new laws regarding navigable airspace. This proposal investigates how airspace used by drones will evolve given existing Constitutional and common law principals. These principals will influence the creation, development and modification of UAS airspace regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Two critical but unanswered questions concerning the National Airspace System, are where does navigable airspace …