Dimensionality Assessment of Fatigue in Collegiate Aviation Operations: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

There have been recommendations for evidence-based studies into the safety risk posed by fatigue in the flight training environment from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Extant research suggests a paucity of studies on the dimensionality of fatigue in collegiate aviation when compared to scheduled service and military flight operations. As a unique population, collegiate aviation pilots have rigorous course schedules that require intensive studying. Many pilots in this population are active in campus student organization activities and often have part time jobs. These conditions may exacerbate fatigue risks. Research suggests relationships between fatigue and judgment errors, aircraft accidents and incidents, poor academic performance, and undesirable health metrics. An assessment of explanatory factors underlying fatigue in collegiate aviation is essential to better understand fatigue in a flight training environment as well as to develop effective controls. The Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory-II (CAFI-II) was distributed to eight accredited 14 CFR Part 141 four-year degree-awarding universities (n = 422). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the data provided evidence that there are significant predictive relationships between all the factors examined and fatigue. Results provided a good fit model of the validated CAFI-II inventory for assessing fatigue in collegiate flight operations. Presenters will also engage with the audience and discuss improved fatigue training opportunities and fatigue management efforts.