Motivation Factors in Flight Training in Sri Lanka: A Case Study on the Flight Training Industry in Sri Lanka

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.