Theoretical aviation training for future airline pilots: A look to the future

This study addressed potential educational enhancements for university-level aviation academic programs that could help relieve a projected shortage of United States commercial airline pilots. Using grounded theory and reflecting the perspectives of individuals from a broad spectrum within the aviation community, the study sought to qualitatively identify those aviation theoretical academic program improvements which would be required for a possible educational restructuring. This was accomplished by interviewing and observing individuals from university-level aviation theoretical courses, theoretical training providers, and potential airline employers, as well as reviewing extensively the literature for parallel educational concepts which could be applied to aviation education.;The study concluded that the adult education paradigm, learning style theory, and cooperative and collaborative learning techniques should be applied to modern aviation education so that change could be brought about to improve the aviation learners' retention of knowledge and the efficiency of the education and training process. The study proposed, in part, an integrated aviation learning model, the Aviation Education Reinforcement Option (AERO), which incorporates those educational modifications that the inquiry concluded would most enhance aviation theoretical training.;The study concluded that an academic restructuring is required for improvements in the aviation education industry, which is so vital to continue to meet the needs and expectations for commercial air travelers and the economical health of the United States. If the United States air carrier industry is to maintain enough qualified commercial pilots to meet future growth requirements, changes must be brought about to counter the forecasted commercial pilot shortage and provide the industry with the highest quality pilots, educated and trained in airline specific procedures. An enhanced aviation educational system to increase retention and improve knowledge application is one essential component of that required change.