Development and Evaluation of an Online Fatigue Training Course for Collegiate Aviation Pilots

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have called for a holistic approach toward improving safety. One area of focus is the reduction of fatigue related aircraft accidents. Collegiate aviation flight students are a unique population that has been under researched when compared to scheduled service and military flight operations. This population often engages in rigorous course schedules, studying, student organization participation, and often have part time jobs. Yet, all of them are actively involved with flight activities. These conditions may create conditions conducive to fatigue. One recent study conducted at eight 4-year university flight programs found that approximately half of the participants indicated they had received fatigue training (n = 422). Previous studies have suggested fatigue training and education protocols have resulted in knowledge transfer and retention, behavioral changes, improved sleep times, and a healthier lifestyle among airline pilots. The research team has developed an open access, motivating, and engaging fatigue training program specific to collegiate aviation pilots. Three modules within the course include causes and symptoms of fatigue, best solutions for fatigue mitigation efforts, and best approaches when fatigue occurs before and during a flight. The course was deployed at two university programs (3 courses) for testing. Effectiveness of the fatigue training protocol has been assessed by a pre-and posttest design and through a course evaluation. Preliminary results and recommendations toward the improvement of fatigue mitigation efforts will be presented to the audience.

Authors

• Keller, Julius Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Mendonca, Flavio Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Spence, Tyler Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Asunda, Paul Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Gao, Yi Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Human Factors
• Fatigue
• Safety
• Collegiate Aviation Pilots