OSU Journals (Oklahoma State University)
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Turbulence in the Mind: A Literature Review of Mental Health in Aviation and Aerospace
Full text linkThis literature review sought to identify key mental health challenges faced by aviation/aerospace professionals, particularly those from minoritized backgrounds. The review examines the current landscape of mental health in the U.S. as well as the aviation/aerospace industry and finds that mental health conditions have increased drastically. Historically, mental health has been heavily stigmatized, but societal shifts are taking place that encourage more open communication on the topic. In the aviation/aerospace industry, however, the shift is slower, and aviation/aerospace professionals, especially professional pilots, note barriers such as lack of resources and fear of losing their medical certificate, and thus the ability to fly, as reasons they do not seek or receive treatment. This trend is especially concerning for BIPOC aviation/aerospace professionals as BIPOC communities tend to have lower access to resources despite facing compounded hardships. Recommendations for future research include alternative forms of mental health care and studying mental health trends across BIPOC populations. Lastly, this review outlines calls-to-action that are centered around theory, policy and practice. This literature review underscores the importance of modernizing the approach to mental wellness for aviation/aerospace professionals, specifically those working as professional pilots, and increasing access to mental health resources that do not jeopardize their ability to maintain medical certificates while still receiving the support needed to mitigate, manage, and/or overcome their mental health challenges
Integrating Sustainability into Aviation Training: Perspectives from Industry Professionals
Full text linkThis paper is part of a broader research project aimed at identifying the most appropriate training materials, formats, and delivery methods for aviation sustainability content for future aviation professionals, starting from the early stages of their training. The current paper presents the data analysis and results of a short online survey targeting aviation professionals. Specifically, it provides preliminary data on sustainability perspectives from global aviation professionals. Through qualitative analysis, the creation of a baseline from a random sample of aviation professionals offers insight into their perspectives and how they could be influenced toward a more sustainable pathway. Additionally, the paper presents a Cramér's V statistical test to examine the association between aviation professions and responses on sustainability. The aim of this paper is to analyze current attitudes toward sustainability among aviation professionals and to explore how they can be better prepared and informed about emerging topics like sustainability
A Study on Prohibited Items at Airport Screening Checkpoints: Examining the Relationship with Passenger Volume and Its Economic Impact
Full text linkEvolving aviation threats and methods of attack have led to an increase in both the variety and number of prohibited items detected at airport screening checkpoints. While security measures are essential for safeguarding passengers and infrastructure, procedures such as manual bag searches require additional resources, increase operational costs, and may disrupt efficiency. Despite ongoing efforts by security authorities to improve screening processes and enhance public awareness, a substantial number of prohibited items continue to be intercepted. This trend may be driven by growing air traffic volumes, but it may also reflect limitations in current public outreach campaigns and operational strategies. This study employs statistical analysis to examine the relationship between passenger volume and the number of confiscated items, using historical data from the United States and the Republic of Korea. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between passenger volume and the number of confiscated items, with the average cost of a manual bag search—when the selected bag contains prohibited items—estimated at $1.58 per bag search, based solely on time-related losses. These findings show the part of the operational and economic loss posed by prohibited items. As global air travel expands, it is crucial to incorporate multiple perspectives into aviation security policies to maintain safety and efficiency, especially by considering sustainability as essential for reducing aviation’s environmental footprint and supporting the industry's long-term viability. Such integration supports long-term resource management and strengthens overall security resilience
Data-Driven Analysis of Engine-Related Wildlife Strikes in Multi-Engine Jet Aircraft (2009–2023)
Full text linkWildlife strikes remain a persistent hazard to aviation safety, with engine ingestions representing a particularly serious threat to aircraft performance and operational integrity. This study analyzes 13,467 wildlife strikes involving aircraft engines reported in the FAA National Wildlife Strike Database (2009-2023) to identify patterns and operational factors influencing the frequency and severity of engine strikes in multi-engine civil jet aircraft. Building upon Dolbeer’s (2017) findings, preliminary results indicate a modest left-side predominance, with 4,112 strikes (52.9%) recorded on left-side engines and 3,659 strikes (47.1%) on right-side engines. A total of 2,266 strikes (16.8%) resulted in engine damage, most frequently during the takeoff, climb, and approach phases of flight. Nearly 47% of all engine strikes occurred below 1,000 feet AGL, underscoring the near-ground nature of these events. Although small-bodied species accounted for most engine strikes (N = 8,757; 64.1%), large-bodied species, representing only 7.1% of events, produced the highest proportion of damaging engine strikes (61.6%). These results demonstrate a clear relationship between animal size, impact energy, and engine vulnerability. Collectively, the findings confirm that engine strikes remain predominantly a low-altitude, airport-environment hazard, reinforcing the need for species-specific mitigation strategies, enhanced habitat management, and data-driven Safety Management System initiatives to improve wildlife-hazard risk assessment and operational resilience across the aviation industry.
 
Navigating shifting funding challenges in STEM teacher preparation
Full text linkThe preparation of qualified STEM teachers remains a critical national priority, particularly in regions experiencing acute shortages. A university-based STEM teacher preparation program in the Southeast was developed to address local STEM teacher shortages through a collaborative model combining strong content knowledge and practical pedagogical preparation, supported by Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship funding. However, recent shifts in National Science Foundation (NSF) priorities, including the suspension and termination of some Noyce grants, have created significant challenges for such programs. This manuscript explores the local context of STEM teacher shortages, the impact of Noyce funding on recruitment and retention, and the consequences of shifting federal priorities. It highlights the importance of comprehensive teacher preparation that balances content expertise and pedagogy and addresses the seeming contradiction between NSF’s stated goals and funding actions. The case program illustrates resilience and innovation in navigating funding uncertainty while advocating for sustained investment in STEM teacher education to ensure all students have access to quality STEM instruction
Using communities of practice to build academic interdependence in a middle school classroom
Full text linkTeaching practices characterized by a cultural orientation that emphasizes independence may simultaneously threaten cultural reproduction and socioeconomic inequality. While individual merit and competition are rewarded, the space between us grows. This research aimed to challenge the widespread meritocratic narrative by implementing Wenger’s (2010) communities of practice to illuminate the experiences of middle school students working interdependently. Understanding the general implications of a de-centered, cooperative classroom on teaching and learning can influence an educator’s approach to small group work and classroom discourse
