Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices of The Student Pilots on Having Experienced Home-Based Simulators Prior To Enrolling in Flying Schools Compared to Having None

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of student pilots with and without prior experience in home-based flight simulators before enrolling in flying schools. The study utilized a mixed-method approach to distinguish differences in the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) and to determine their correlations.  Quantitative data analysis was used to evaluate significant disparities in student pilots’ knowledge and attitude considering that some student pilots have exposure to home-based flight simulators (HFSs) before their formal training and some do not have any experience. Qualitative method was used to analyze the Practices of student pilots through interviews and their Attitudes through observation. The study revealed that there was no significant difference between student pilots with experience in HFSs and those with none, but what was identified was the distinctive attitudes and practices they showed influenced by their exposure towards home-based flight simulators (HFSs). The correlation between KAP shows the relationship between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices. Recommendations include longitudinal study and in-depth analysis to track knowledge development over time.  This includes determining factors that contribute to more insights into the student pilots’ effective knowledge application during their transfer of learning to actual training.  This study provides valuable insights for aviation studies to enhance student pilots’ training strategies and address the diverse needs of student pilots.