Career Aspirations Of Collegiate Aviation Students

Three studies in this dissertation examined the career aspirations of collegiate aviation students: student motivation with respect to career aspirations, military aviation career aspirations, and student perceptions of career pathway programs. Findings from each of these studies are valuable to students pursuing careers in aviation and industry partners seeking to fill pilot positions. Each of these reports highlights the desire of current collegiate aviation students to have a career that supports their values of remaining close and connected to their family and friends. In the first research, aviation graduates report crew base and hourly pay as the most important factors when choosing a regional airline. An analysis of the motivation scales indicated that extrinsic – identified and intrinsic motivation styles were most common of aviation degree students who tend to be highly self-driven towards their career goals. Findings of the second study showed patriotism or a desire to serve their country influences a collegiate student to pursue a career in military aviation. For those students not seeking a career in military aviation, a perception of physical limitation and a lack of career control are contributing factors. Results of the final study showed that students consider career pathway programs to be advantageous in accelerating their career path. The Delta Propel and SkyWest pathway programs are perceived as the most effective programs for career advancement

The Relationship Between Motivation and Job Preferences in Commercial Aviation Graduates

The current demand for commercial pilots at regional airlines means that graduates of commercial aviation degree programs have the luxury of choosing a particular place of employment post-graduation. What do the majority of these graduates look for when choosing a place to work after they graduate and meet the minimum hiring requirements? The present research surveyed 134 recent commercial aviation degree students and graduates to determine what motivated their decision to work for a particular regional airline. Student’s and graduate’s motivation was measured using Vallerand et al.’s (1992) Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Respondents who demonstrated extrinsic – identified motivation style were significantly more likely to choose a regional airline that had a higher hourly pay and had a favorable crew base. Additionally, aviation students and graduates report crew base and hourly pay as the most important factors in choosing a regional airline to work for. Time to upgrade and the recommendation of a friend are the next most important factors

The Relationship Between Motivation and Job Preferences in Commercial Aviation Graduates

The current demand for commercial pilots at regional airlines means that graduates of commercial aviation degree programs have the luxury of choosing a particular place of employment post-graduation. What do the majority of these graduates look for when choosing a place to work after they graduate and meet the minimum hiring requirements? The present research surveyed 134 recent commercial aviation degree students and graduates to determine what motivated their decision to work for a particular regional airline. Student’s and graduate’s motivation was measured using Vallerand et al.’s (1992) Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Respondents who demonstrated extrinsic – identified motivation style were significantly more likely to choose a regional airline that had a higher hourly pay and had a favorable crew base. Additionally, aviation students and graduates report crew base and hourly pay as the most important factors in choosing a regional airline to work for. Time to upgrade and the recommendation of a friend are the next most important factors

Industry in Motion: Pilot Study on Instructor and Management Perceptions of New Hire Pilot Technical and Professional Preparation

Each new generation entering the workforce follows a unique path preparing them for success in their respective industry. A myriad of factors influence this transitional process including advancements in technology, economic and cultural factors as well as characteristics common to each generation. This process of training in technical and professional knowledge is uniquely important in the transition into the airline industry. This pilot study focused on collecting and evaluating the perceptions of management and instructors in a regional airline training environment as they trained new hire pilots from day 1 of Company Indoctrination to completion of Operating Experience (OE). This pilot study was completed to determine validity and reliability of the survey instrument which focused on instructors’ perceptions of technical and professional preparedness. The survey, found to be reliable and valid, was structured primarily using Likert-style questions as well as providing opportunity for qualitative feedback. The data-set included 37 responses to Likert-style survey questions which were grouped into three phases based on chronology of interaction with the new hire. The preliminary data suggests an appropriate improvement is perceived in selected metrics as new hires progress, whereas others should be considered for further enhancement. Communications with air traffic control (ATC) as well as knowledge of emergencies and abnormal procedures are training where additional preparation may be required. The data also shows correlations between certain measured variables, both in professionalism and technical knowledge, which suggests preparations in certain areas may have corresponding improvements or impact in secondary or tertiary performance opportunities