Western University, in partnership with the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), is conducting a comprehensive global survey titled “View from the Flight Deck 2024” aimed at shedding light on the challenges and changes in the pilot profession. The mental well-being of pilots, as well as pilot fatigue has been key in discussion points globally for the last few years, and surveys of this kind hope to further pry the topic open.
As an essential part of this research, the survey gathers vital data on pilot work experiences, career developments, and the impact of emerging global trends, such as technological advancements and post-pandemic recovery. With the world relying more and more on AI and automation, professions like pilots are being monumentally impacted, and these impacts have been very much overlooked. While we wait for the results of the survey to come in to explore further, we reflected on some of the critical challenges facing pilots today.
Pilot Fatigue is the Biggest Challenge in Aviation
With increased workloads, longer shifts, and the unpredictability of modern air travel, pilot fatigue has risen as one of the most pressing issues in aviation. Research has consistently shown that fatigue directly impacts a pilot’s performance, safety, and overall health, leading to mistakes that can have serious consequences.
Mental health challenges are also a critical factor. The high demands of the job, combined with long working hours, irregular sleep patterns, and pressures from airlines, can contribute to mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. Many pilots report feeling a lack of support when it comes to mental health care within the workplace.
The “View from the Flight Deck 2024” survey aims to capture how pilot fatigue manifests in today’s aviation world and how the industry can better manage it. It also includes questions about mental well-being to understand the extent of these challenges and how the industry can evolve to provide more effective support systems.
The Survey’s Data Will Prove Invaluable for Improving Conditions Going Forward
The survey will collect data on how pilots have experienced their work post-pandemic, amidst rapid changes such as automation, artificial intelligence, and a shift in airline operations. This, in turn will guide policymakers and aviation associations like IFALPA advocate for better working conditions, improved safety standards, and more substantial mental health resources for pilots.
For pilots, participating in the survey offers an opportunity to directly influence the future of the profession. The research team, led by Professor Geraint Harvey (Western University) and Professor Peter Turnbull (University of Bristol), is committed to using the findings to engage in advocacy work on behalf of pilots, ensuring that their concerns are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
The Survey is Anonymous and Voluntary
Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary, with full anonymity guaranteed. The survey, conducted using the secure Qualtrics platform, ensures that participants’ responses are confidential and stored securely at Western University. By offering a clear and accessible way for pilots to share their insights, the survey provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on personal experiences without fear of repercussions.
The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, with all questions being optional. Importantly, responses are not only crucial to understanding the evolving role of pilots but are also essential in advocating for changes that address issues like pilot fatigue, stress, and overall well-being. The research team encourages participants to provide detailed, honest answers to help ensure that the study results accurately represent the experiences of pilots worldwide.
The Results Will Assist in Lobbying Policymakers
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), which represents pilots globally, has long been a key player in the advocacy for pilot welfare. This survey directly supports IFALPA’s mission by providing empirical data that helps to guide their lobbying efforts with regulators and policymakers.
With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, the role of the pilot is changing. It’s crucial that these changes are informed by real-world experiences, and the View from the Flight Deck 2024 survey provides the platform for these experiences to be heard. Research of this kind is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable aviation industry. By taking part, pilots are not only contributing to valuable research but are also advocating for changes that can improve working conditions, reduce fatigue, and support mental health in the aviation profession.
Get involved and complete the survey.
You can find the survey links below:
FULL Version (15-20 min) for a complete picture:
https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5d6WiZ7AKYPfiWW
The password for the survey is: vffd24
Short Version, if time is tight – every response counts:
https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87cwk45AswwTmbI
The password for the survey is also: vffd24
