Abstract:
Since the first sustained manned flight by the Wright brothers in 1903, man has improved both the
machine and the skills needed to guide the machine in the air. From the early days of trial and error learning to
today’s highly regulated and structured training programs, the flight training industry is a vast and essential
component in aviation. With the ever increasing demand for air travel fueling an increased number of airlines, the
demand for qualified and trained cadet pilots is on the increase. Therefore, the flight training environment and air
travel are closely related and share an inseparable relationship. Flight training, from the basic private pilot level
to the more demanding commercial pilot level, is a challenging and strenuous exercise. There have been numerous
instances where student pilots have dropped out halfway through their training due to being demotivated and
incidents where the demand to perform has led to compromises in their safety while in the air. This research
focuses on the relationship between student motivation and flight training using a private FTO operating in Sri
Lanka. Motivation is essential in any line of work and its importance in a learning and training environment cannot
be emphasized enough. Studies throughout the years have reiterated the close relationship between motivation
and performance in learning. This research identifies the variables of training culture, training progression,
governing body regulations, job opportunities and career growth and their relationship with motivation
ascertained. The literature review detailed the theories involved in motivation, training and regulations in flight
training while primary data helped in establishing the relationship between the variables. The report concludes by
presenting recommendations to improving motivation among student pilots.
