Date of Defense

4-21-2023

Date of Graduation

4-2023

Department

Aviation

First Advisor

Jessica Birnbaum

Second Advisor

Lori Brown

Third Advisor

Jason DeGeorge

Abstract

This study aims to understand collegiate aviation students, faculty, staff, and flight instructors’ perceptions of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulations governing mental health assistance. It also aims to examine the impact of the perceptions held by students, faculty, staff, and flight instructors regarding their desire to seek mental health assistance. A study at Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Aviation (COA) was developed to test the hypothesis that students, faculty, staff, and flight instructors had a restrictive perception of the FAA rules regarding seeking mental health assistance, and that students, faculty, staff, and flight instructors had lower desire to seek out professional mental health assistance because of their perceptions. The results showed that 53.23% of students believe the FAA regulations on seeking mental health are restrictive, with 46.77% of students reporting that the FAA regulations have had a negative effect on their desire to seek mental health assistance. The survey also showed that 64% of faculty, staff, and flight instructors believe the FAA regulations on seeking mental health are restrictive, with 44% reporting that the FAA regulations have had a negative effect on their desire to seek mental health assistance. It is recommended that through various methods, Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation provide accurate information to students, faculty, staff, and flight instructors to increase their understanding of the FAA’s regulations regarding seeking mental health assistance.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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