A Comparative Analysis of Proposed Improvements in Aviation Education: Nationwide Aviation Education Programs Versus Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

A Comparative Analysis of Proposed Improvements in Aviation Education: Nationwide Aviation Education Programs Versus Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, Florida

This paper presents a comparison of findings related to a study of proposed improvements in four-year aviation education programs as indicated by nation-wide survey instruments conducted in the summer of 1993 and during a follow-on survey performed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in early 1996. Aviation education program directors of four-year non-engineering collegiate aviation programs and faculty members throughout the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University system were contacted to provide input as to methods of improving the quality of aviation education programs. Key information obtained was then paraphrased into a written instrument that was categorized in order of importance by the two different mailings. The "improvement of both faculty and teaching aids" and "to provide more student internships" were the most recommended improvements in this study. This paper provides multiple nationwideranked proposed improvements in aviation education, and describes peer-suggested methods of improving student attainment of knowledge, competency, and proficiency in aviation education.