ORCID Number

0009-0001-4876-8145

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Access Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Business Administration

Department

Aviation Business Administration

Committee Chair

Tamilla Curtis

Committee Chair Email

curtist@erau.edu

First Committee Member

Kiljae Lee

First Committee Member Email

leek27@erau.edu

Second Committee Member

John Robbins

Second Committee Member Email

robbinsj@erau.edu

Third Committee Member

Ryan Wallace

Third Committee Member Email

wallacer3@erau.edu

College Dean

Joseph Gibney

Abstract

The adoption of small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) represents a significant technological shift within the commercial aviation maintenance enterprise, offering the potential to improve inspection accuracy, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance-related risk. Despite these anticipated benefits, adoption intentions remain vague, influenced by a complex interplay of organizational structures, behavioral factors, and workforce perceptions. Limited empirical research has examined how these dynamics shape the willingness to adopt sUAS within highly regulated and institutionalized aviation maintenance environments. This study investigates the determinants of future sUAS adoption through an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) framework. The model reflects the structured nature of aviation maintenance organizations, where adoption decisions are often guided more by organizational norms, leadership expectations, and systemic support than by individual preference alone. Accordingly, the model repositions Social Influence as a direct predictor of the Willingness to Adopt rather than Behavioral Intention, acknowledging the diminished role of individual agency in safety-critical, rule-bound environments. In addition to core organizational and behavioral constructs, the model incorporates Age and Income as moderating variables to examine demographic influences on adoption receptivity. The model further includes Role Insecurity as a mediating construct, grounded in Technological Displacement Theory and Prospect Theory. This construct captures anticipatory concerns related to role evolution and professional relevance associated with automation, providing insight into how workforce perceptions interact with adoption attitudes, even when role insecurity is not a dominant predictor. A total of 452 responses were collected through an anonymous survey of aviation maintenance leaders, managers, mechanics, and technical professionals across maintenance organizations in the United States. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to evaluate structural relationships, assess mediating and moderating effects, and identify the most influential determinants of the willingness to adopt sUAS. Findings indicate that organizational and social factors exert a stronger influence on adoption receptivity than individual behavioral intention alone, underscoring the importance of institutional context in technology adoption within aviation maintenance. While role insecurity concerns were present, their influence was secondary to organizational readiness and normative pressures. By incorporating an expanded UTAUT 2 framework reflecting operational realities and workforce dynamics of aviation maintenance, this study supports the development of future theoretical models and offers practical guidance for leaders seeking to integrate sUAS while addressing workforce considerations.

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