A Comparative Analysis of Airline Pilots’ Approaches to Learning

Abstract

This paper reports a study investigating approaches to learning (deep, surface, achieving) by airline pilots. Three hundred and forty-six respondents from five international airlines and an institute completed the Pilot Learning Process Questionnaire (PLPQ). The results showed a general tendency for surface scores to be substantially lower than deep and achieving scores, with greatest variability among the carriers on the achieving scale. The European carrier was implicated in all post hoc analyses conducted and one Pacific Rim carrier's profile showed significant differences from other airlines. The results are discussed in terms of cultural, training/rewards, and tenure factors. Implications for pilot training and selection are noted.

Authors

• Moore, Phillip J Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Telfer, Ross A Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Smith, Maxwell W Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University