A Qualitative Study Exploring Well-Being and the Potential Impact of Work-Related Stress Among Commercial Airline Pilots

Abstract

Abstract. Increasing evidence suggests that commercial airline pilots can experience physical, mental, and social health difficulties. Qualitative interviews with commercial airline pilots explored the relationship between work-related stress and well-being. Participatory workshops involving pilots were conducted. The methodology of this action-based research involved a blend of person-centered design approaches; specifically, “stakeholder evaluation” and “participatory design.” The findings further support the hypothesis that pilot well-being is being negatively affected by the nature of their work. The biopsychosocial model of the lived experience of a pilot, as presented in this paper, provides a useful structure to examine pilot well-being, and to identify and scope potential coping strategies to self-manage health and well-being issues associated with the job of being a pilot.

How airline business models impact working conditions of flight crew members

“…The impairment of LCC pilots' mental health and overall well-being is reported by several research papers. 9,21,22 LCC pilots predominantly fly regional and/or short-haul operations, which are associated with a high workload in terms of more take-offs and landings, more early starts, and thus more sleep restrictions and potential on-call flight duties on standby days. 18,19,34 One reason for this could be those existential stressors-such as high job insecurity, pressure from management to extend flight duties (commander's discretion), or working despite fatigue or health problems-are affecting the health and flight safety of LCC pilots as reported by several studies Johansson & Melin, 26 Little et al 54 Furthermore, Little et al 54 described the negative consequences of high job insecurity on mental health, especially symptoms of depression and anxiety.…”

“…Many LCC pilots are, in any case, reluctant to take sick leave or days off due to severe fatigue because they cannot afford to lose income. 21,22 "A pilot with a temporary contract could feel pressured and worry about certain factors such as sickness, vacation, career progression, etc., as opposed to a pilot with a direct, permanent contract". 7 This state of affairs can also affect flight safety negatively.…”

“…LCC pilots are commonly prohibited from joining pilot unions and receiving a higher share of variable performance-related earnings; moreover, 9 reported higher fatigue for short-haul pilots of LCC carriers. Furthermore, a higher workload and more duty and flight hours have been shown to lead to increased sickness and inappropriate presenteeism, 22,26 decreased flight safety, [27][28][29] and high levels of fatigue among pilots. 23,[30][31][32] The safety culture at LCCs and carriers was perceived to be inferior to safety culture at NWCs.…”

The case for change: aviation worker wellbeing during the COVID 19 pandemic, and the need for an integrated health and safety culture

“…These are Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (Kroenke et al 2001 ) and the GAD 7 (Spitzer et al 2006 ). The survey design drew upon prior research undertaken by the authors pertaining to a biopsychosocial model of wellbeing, the factors that can positively and negatively influence a pilot’s physical, mental, and social health, and the ensuing impact on pilot performance and flight safety (Cahill et al 2018 ; Cullen et al 2021 ). Participants were recruited using social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter.…”

“…Currently, health and wellbeing approaches at an aviation organisational level are not addressing both human and safety needs. Prior to the COVID pandemic, there was ample evidence of work stress issues impacting on pilot wellbeing (Demerouti et al 2018;Cahill et al 2018;Cullen et al 2021). This includes disengagement, burnout, and depression amongst pilots (Wu et al 2016;Demerouti et al 2018;Cahill et al 2018Cahill et al , 2020aCahill et al , b, 2021.…”