Date

4-19-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

In the current landscape of aviation, the issue of mental health is of great concern, particularly among flight training students who have shown to grapple with depression in silence. A report issued by the Pilot Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee in April 2024 underscored seven significant barriers impeding pilots from seeking necessary support for mental health concerns. Consequently, we completed a study aimed at understanding the prevailing mental health challenges among flight training students and identify strategies for institutions such as Bridgewater State University (BSU) to offer meaningful assistance. Our study consisted of a survey distributed to 14 institutions in the United States. Participants were requested to complete the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, a validated tool for assessing depression severity. More than half of the participants reported mild to severe depression, and about half of the participants cited fear of repercussions from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a deterrent to seeking help. The majority of participants also indicated that they would not be likely to use a mental health program if one was implemented at their institution. Considering these findings, it becomes imperative for institutions like BSU to adopt tools in supporting their flight training students that are effective and proactive. These include but are not limited to, education on FAA policies, regular check-ins with students, and implementing a student mentorship program.

Department

Aviation Science

Thesis Comittee

Prof. Loren G. Herren, Thesis Advisor
Prof. Michael Farley, Committee Member
Prof. Veronica Cote, Committee Member

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