Interpersonal Skills in Aviation: Applications and Development

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the critical role that interpersonal skills play in the aviation environment. Many volumes have been written on the matter and it is not our intention here to review every research endeavour in interpersonal skills and aviation but rather to provide an overview of some of the more important research, drawing out the implications for aviation management. The paper is organized in the following manner: We first examine what interpersonal skills are and why they are important in aviation. This is followed by an examination of the literature on interpersonal skills in selection (pilots, air traffic controllers), which in turn is followed by interpersonal skills and training, especially in Crew Resource Management (CRM). The paper concludes with practical suggestions regarding interpersonal skill development.

Authors

• Monfries, Melissa M Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Moore, Phillip J Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University