Flying solo: A vignette based examination of general aviation pilot risk perception and decision-making

Amy Irwin* (Corresponding Author), Nejc Sedlar, Oliver E. D. Hamlet

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The paper examines general aviation (GA) pilot risk perception and decision-making via an online vignette study. GA is a high-risk area of aviation with many GA accidents considered to be the result of pilot performance rather than mechanical failure. Pilots (n = 101) were presented with 12 go/no-go take-off decision scenarios across four risk categories (compromised performance, environment, faulty equipment, missing equipment). Scenarios depicting a missing checklist, missing sunglasses, and stress were considered less risky than illness, a faulty airspeed indicator (ASI), and a broken seatbelt. Pilots weighed their take-off decisions against mitigating factors, protective measures, and flight parameters. Situation awareness training and a focus on pre-flight planning may help to enhance flight safety within this group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-69
Number of pages11
JournalAviation Psychology and Human Factors
Volume10
Issue number2
Early online date14 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2020

Keywords

  • situation awareness
  • decision-making
  • risk
  • safety

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