Pilots Perception of Flight Safety: An Analysis Based On A Flight Data Monitoring System

Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) has become an essential component of modern Safety Management Systems by enabling the proactive identification of operational risks and supporting continuous safety improvement. While previous studies have primarily focused on the technical and analytical capabilities of FDM systems, limited attention has been given to pilots’ perceptions of FDM and its contribution to operational decision-making. Therefore, this study aims to investigate pilots’ perceptions of flight safety in relation to the use of FDM systems and to examine whether these perceptions differ according to demographic and professional characteristics. The study employed a quantitative research design. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of 24 items administered to 33 volunteer captain pilots and first officers employed by Air Albania. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26. Independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to identify differences among demographic groups. The results revealed statistically significant differences in pilots’ perceptions of FDM based on rank and age. Significant differences were identified between captains and first officers regarding their observations of safety and operational improvements resulting from FDM analyses. Furthermore, age-related differences were found in perceptions concerning the influence of FDM on operational decision-making processes. Unlike previous studies that predominantly focused on technical aspects of flight data analysis, this research examines the human and operational dimensions of FDM systems through pilots’ perceptions. The findings contribute to the literature by demonstrating that the effectiveness of FDM systems depends not only on technological capabilities but also on pilots’ acceptance, organizational support mechanisms, and safety culture.