Recent investigations into the cause of aircraft accidents have revealed that the way the members of the flight crews work together may dramatically affect the ultimate outcome of a flight. Understanding, measuring, and improving interpersonal communication has become a safety operative.
In an earlier paper, the present authors conducted a two phase study designed to identify the key concepts which exist in the minds of general aviation pilots. In phase one, twenty-four (24) in depth interviews were conducted with general aviation flight crews. In phase two, the concepts were used to prepare a Galileo type(tm) questionnaire which was given to additional flight crews.
This study presented tentative evidence that the average structure of flight crew attitudes showed no obvious defects or areas for concern. The study concluded by calling for caution in changing an attitude system that has served the aviation system well.
The present paper represents an extension of this earlier research based on data from additional flight crew members. Results are consistent with and support earlier findings.