Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Nicholas Sears, Graduate Student Emily Guluzza, Graduate Student Ryan Flournoy, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Nicholas Sears
Faculty Mentor Name
Jennifer Hinebaugh
Abstract
This study explores whether pilots who are student-athletes demonstrate superior performance in flight training compared to those who are not involved in organized sports. Student-athletes often cultivate skills such as discipline, time management, resilience, and mental focus—qualities that are also critical for success in aviation. In aviation, performance depends not only on technical proficiency but also on the ability to manage stress, adhere to complex procedures, and maintain focus during high-stakes situations. Similarly, athletes often operate under intense physical and mental demands, balancing rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities. This parallel suggests that student-athletes may develop transferable skills that enable them to adapt more easily to the challenges of flight training, potentially leading to enhanced performance. However, balancing sports and flight training may also introduce challenges, such as time constraints and fatigue, which could complicate their ability to excel. Nonetheless, the structured lifestyle of student-athletes—where they learn to manage time efficiently—might mitigate these challenges, fostering a balanced approach to both aviation training and athletic commitments. Understanding whether student-athletes perform better in-flight training is not only relevant for flight schools but could also suggest that aviation schools and flight programs should consider athletic involvement as a valuable predictor of success. This study opens the door to rethinking recruitment and training strategies, ensuring that individuals with diverse experiences and well-developed soft skills are adequately recognized and supported in aviation education.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
Exploring the Impact of Student-Athlete Traits on Flight Training Performance: A Comparative Analysis
This study explores whether pilots who are student-athletes demonstrate superior performance in flight training compared to those who are not involved in organized sports. Student-athletes often cultivate skills such as discipline, time management, resilience, and mental focus—qualities that are also critical for success in aviation. In aviation, performance depends not only on technical proficiency but also on the ability to manage stress, adhere to complex procedures, and maintain focus during high-stakes situations. Similarly, athletes often operate under intense physical and mental demands, balancing rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities. This parallel suggests that student-athletes may develop transferable skills that enable them to adapt more easily to the challenges of flight training, potentially leading to enhanced performance. However, balancing sports and flight training may also introduce challenges, such as time constraints and fatigue, which could complicate their ability to excel. Nonetheless, the structured lifestyle of student-athletes—where they learn to manage time efficiently—might mitigate these challenges, fostering a balanced approach to both aviation training and athletic commitments. Understanding whether student-athletes perform better in-flight training is not only relevant for flight schools but could also suggest that aviation schools and flight programs should consider athletic involvement as a valuable predictor of success. This study opens the door to rethinking recruitment and training strategies, ensuring that individuals with diverse experiences and well-developed soft skills are adequately recognized and supported in aviation education.