OSU Journals (Oklahoma State University)
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Fatigue among aviation students and time management in flight training
Get PDFThis study investigated the prevalence, causes, and consequences of fatigue among aviation students in Europe. It examined their self-awareness of fatigue, lifestyle habits, time management practices, and the role of mindfulness in mitigating fatigue-related impairment. A total of 188 participants completed an online survey comprising the Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory (CAFI-II), the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale–Revised (CAMS-R), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. Participants reported moderate levels of fatigue and limited awareness of its impact on performance. Common causes included insufficient sleep, high workload, and psychological stress. Fewer than half of the students received formal fatigue training. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between mindfulness, particularly the acceptance subscale and daytime sleepiness. Fatigue also showed a positive correlation with performance-related impairments and variability in alertness. The findings suggest that fatigue remains an underrecognized yet critical safety issue among aviation students. Training programs should incorporate fatigue management and mindfulness education to improve awareness, build resilience, and support safe flight performance
The Mental Health Symposium: An Effective Tool to Improve Collegiate Aviation Students’ Knowledge, Understanding, and Comfort with Mental Health
Get PDFIntroduction: Mental health remains a pressing concern for many in the U.S. and has intensified for those in certain populations, especially students in primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions. This concern is intensified for college-aged students and collegiate aviation students in particular, as they face a myriad of unique stressors. Despite societal embrace alongside awareness of mental health, many are still reluctant to seek help because of stigma and regulatory barriers, exacerbating risks to academic performance and aviation safety. Research Question: The central research question asks: What impact, if any, do Mental Health Symposiums have on the knowledge and understanding of mental health of collegiate aviation students? Data Collection and Analysis: A mixed methods design employing pre- and post-symposium surveys was administered to students attending the 2025 UNO Aviation Institute Mental Health Symposium in February 2025. Surveys included 40 questions (35 closed-ended, 5 open-ended); quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically via NVivo. A total of 68 paired responses were included in the final analysis to ultimately derive the findings/results. Findings/Results: Quantitative findings revealed significant increases in students’ knowledge and understanding of on-campus and industry-specific mental health resources. However, changes in comfort discussing mental health were less pronounced, indicating persistent interpersonal barriers. Thematic analysis identified five core themes: Education as Empowerment, Pathways to Awareness, Taboo to Conversation, Soaring Beyond Stigma, and Access Granted – Barriers Bypassed. Implications: This study highlights the effectiveness of mental health symposiums in increasing students’ awareness and understanding of mental health. Program leadership should consider sustained, multifaceted mental health interventions to foster a more supportive and stigma-free culture that is also sensitive to the gendered and first-generation student experiences.
Military Veterans to Collegiate Aviation and Beyond: Lessons Learned Supporting Collegiate Aviation Student Veterans
Get PDFMilitary veterans bring leadership, discipline, and experience to collegiate aviation. Yet, their transition from military service to academic and professional flight careers often presents distinct challenges, even when compared to other non-traditional students. This article presents three effective strategies for supporting and enabling student veteran success in aviation programs. The first example highlights the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. This on-campus, public-private partnership provides mentorship, community reintegration, and transition services for veterans and their families. The next initiative, Vets2Wings, is an FAA-funded initiative that offers targeted funding to assist current student veterans in achieving their professional pilot career goals. Finally, the last section addresses the unique challenges and complications that veterans may face when seeking FAA medical certification, along with recommendations on methods to ease the process. Collectively, these examples highlight strategies that can strengthen institutional support systems and promote smoother transitions for student veterans from military service to successful aviation professionals
