| Little research on the fighter pilot personality exits. In a military environment, knowledge of the aviator personality and contact with aviators assists psychologists in their attempts to prevent distressed aviators from flying. Recognizing distressed aviators and addressing their emotional stressors decreases the hazard they present to themselves or others while performing their military duties. Prevention of human factors mishaps, considered the basis for most all aircraft accidents, drives the need for psychologists to educate and avail themselves to this psychologically under-served population. The following is a case presentation illustrating some background issues involved, what can happen when a distressed aviator goes un-noticed, and what might be done to improve the current relationship between the aviation community and the psychologist. |
