Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Contemporary Approach to Professional Flight Instruction

Author(s)

Denise K. Whitford Ph.D., CFI/CFII, Purdue UniversityFollow
Bernard W. Wulle Ph.D., CFI/CFII/ATP, Purdue UniversityFollow
Nicoletta Fala Ph.D., CFI/CFII, Oklahoma State University - Main CampusFollow

Volume

32

Issue

3

Key words

universal design for learning, UDL, flight instruction, lesson planning, tools

Abstract

In the United States, an increasing number of aspiring commercial airline pilots are teaching as Certificated Flight Instructors, presumably to reach the minimum required flight hours and move into airline flight operations. High-quality training is the foundation of a high-quality globalized aviation workforce, yet there has been a persistent lack of systemic in-depth guidance surrounding how instructors are taught how to teach aviation subject matter, justifying the need for incorporating the use of evidence-based and promising practices from education fields into flight instruction. In this conceptual article, we outline the integral components and the research basis of the universal design for learning (UDL) framework. We then provide three adapted UDL tools and recommendations for utilizing UDL during ground and flight instruction. The broader impact of teaching flight instructors how to use the UDL framework includes the potential to improve retention rates, reduce flight training hours, and lead to strong knowledge and skills for both instructors and students.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Whitford, D. K., Wulle, B. W., & Fala, N. (2023). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Contemporary Approach to Professional Flight Instruction. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 32(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58940/2329-258X.1983