Human factors in pilot training: A qualitative study of major US airlines’ flight training practices

Pilot training remains the foundation of flight operations, safety, and performance in the ever-evolving US airline industry. With the increasing demand for flight deck automation, FAA regulatory standards, and the shift among pilot demographics, there is a growing need to evaluate how pilot training is designed and delivered across flight training programs. In the US airline industry, human factors continue to present serious dangers and obstacles even with technological breakthroughs and advanced training programs. The primary obstacles jeopardizing airline safety include (1) human error, (2) fatigue, (3) communication failure, and (4) decision-making in a high-functioning environment. The purpose of this research study was to (1) explore how human factors are addressed in current US airlines’ flight training programs, (2) provide additional insight on improving and advancing pilot training methods, (3) foster proactive reporting and learning developments that contribute to ongoing safety standards and operational efficiency in the US airline industry, and (4) capture qualitative insight from US airline pilots who can identify current flight training deficiencies. This study aims to help highlight best practices in current flight training programs, as well as identify limitations that can be changed to enhance the improvement of core human factors that are critical to flight safety.