An Investigation of Ways to Reduce the Failure Rate of Student Pilots during Flying Training in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Abstract : This thesis analyzed an already administered survey which had been administered to student pilots in an attempt to identify possible problem areas in the RAAF pilots course. Identified problem areas were reviewed in order to reduce the failure rate of student pilots in the RAAF. The study had five basic objectives: 1) Identify those factors in a pilot training course that could significantly influence the performance and progress of a student pilot. 2) Establish the criteria for a valid survey instrument that would identify those factors causing poor student performance. 3) Determine if the existing survey was effective in identifying those factors causing poor student performance. 4) Analyze the existing survey and assess the value of the data. 5) If necessary, construct an improved survey instrument. Broad aspects of training which affect a student's performance were found to be learning, motivation and evaluation. These aspects were further defined and expanded to suit a pilot training course. Information contained in the existing survey was used to construct an improved survey instrument to investigate if problem areas exist in the current RAAF pilots course. (Theses)