Date of Award

December 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Aviation

First Advisor

Shayne Daku

Abstract

Mental health has become an increasing concern in the aviation industry, with pilots often withholding health information for fear of losing their medical certification. Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), who interact closely with students, are in a unique position to recognize and address mental health crises but lack sufficient training in this area. This study examines CFIs' awareness, knowledge, comfort, and willingness to engage with mental health issues in aviation. A survey was distributed to CFIs at a large aviation university. Survey results revealed no significant correlation between years of experience and knowledge or comfort with mental health topics. However, a general interest in further mental health education was noted, highlighting the need for additional training and support in this area. This underscores the importance of addressing mental health awareness in aviation, particularly for those at the forefront of pilot education.

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