Attitudes to Wearing Face Masks at US Collegiate Aviation Programs

A survey was completed by 598 respondents from 14 collegiate aviation programs. The survey queried attitudes of advantages and disadvantages of wearing face masks (FM). Over 75% of respondents were students (with the remainder about equally split between faculty and staff) and 67% who identified as pilots. Despite public guidelines supporting the advantages of FMs, there were polarized attitudes found with the employed methodology. Females were more likely to report greater values and fewer discomforts of wearing FMs. Pilots were more likely to report fewer advantages and more difficulties wearing FMs than non-pilots. Due to public health guidelines concerning FMs, negative attitudes pilots professed are concerning given the many hours they spend in a cramped cockpit.

Collaborating to train the next generation of pilots: Exploring partnerships between higher education and the airline industry

The airline industry is experiencing a pilot supply problem that has dominated headlines across the world. Boeing estimates over 790,000 pilots are needed worldwide in the next 20 years to accommodate growth and staffing retirements. Regulatory reforms implemented in the aftermath of the crash of Colgan Air 3407 resulted in collegiate aviation programs playing a larger role in supplying pilots for the airlines. As a result of the fierce competition for pilots, airlines and higher education institutions (HEIs) have entered into a variety of partnership programs that develop career pathways for students while allowing carriers to secure talent earlier in the training process. Despite the proliferation of these programs, little is known about their structure, effectiveness, and potential challenges. The purpose of this research is to develop a framework of the types of partnerships that exist between HEIs and airlines for the purpose of addressing workforce development. Potential program benefits and challenges are examined from the perspective of HEIs. The methodology includes a review of existing programs and interviews with program coordinators. The research will provide new knowledge about the role of partnerships in meeting the needs of collegiate aviation programs.

Educating Aviators

This chapter provides a critical examination of the evolution of distance education in tertiary aviation programs. By reviewing the literature and studies associated with Professional Pilot training, the chapter explores the issues affecting the delivery of distance education in university Professional Pilot programs, including the global shortage of Professional Pilots, the nature of work as a Professional Pilot, the importance of simulation, and the integration of assessment. In an effort to address some of the challenges, this chapter also offers recommendations and solutions. The authors contend that tertiary aviation distance education programs need to be adjusted to consider the needs of the student and industry by: (1) implementing action-based learning, (2) considering pedagogy before technology, (3) encouraging interaction and collaboration, and (4) embedding formative assessment. The chapter aims to contribute to the body of literature aimed at enhancing the effective delivery of distance learning in aviation tertiary education.