Flight Anxiety: Predictors and Implications for Learning

Abstract

Fifty-seven randomly selected male and female student pilots enrolled in the large aviation program of a Midwestern university completed this study. The pilots were assessed within their first five flight laboratories for anxiety and associated symptoms, using a researcher-developed questionnaire and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety-Scale. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were computed on variables of correlated symptoms for predictiveness of anxiety before flight from results on the airsickness and anxiety inventory scale and health questionnaire. Several significant predictors of pilot flight anxiety were identified. Flight anxiety and related physiological outcomes were examined, followed by an analysis of the implications of flight anxiety for learning and career aspirations.

Author

• Lindseth, Paul D Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University