Effects of general aviation rental aircraft checkout procedures on flight activity of renter pilots

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of any effects rental aircraft checkout procedures have on the renter pilot's flight activity. The scope of this study was certificated private and commercial pilots with at least a single engine land (SEL) rating within the Federal Aviation Administration's Southwest Region (AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX). Excluded pilots included student pilots who require flight instructor approval to fly solo, light sport and recreational pilots who make up a limited quantity of certificated pilots, Airline Transport Pilots (ATP) who generally fly professionally, and individuals with flight instructor ratings because they perform the rental aircraft checkout. The methodology included utilizing an instrument to determine the pilots' certificate level, checkout procedures prior to rental, and what effect those procedures had on their flying habits. The data collection utilized a modified three-phase survey administration procedure. The research was applied to two separate sample groups. Randomly selected pilots were sent an initial letter explaining the research and requesting their participation. A week later the research instrument was mailed to the sample group. The following week a reminder postcard was sent to the sample group. The nominal data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the observed outcomes, and then cross-tabulations were used to create a contingency table for data summarization. Chi Square calculated the statistical relationship between variables. When chi square assumptions weren't met, Fisher's Exact Test calculations were used. Limitations of this study included population database restrictions, sample size limitations, and the possibility of skewed or biased responses. The results showed there was no relationship between pilot certificate types, checkout procedures completed, or willingness to accomplish another checkout or participate in a universal checkout. A relationship existed in the pilots' intrinsic decision making process, shown by a relationship between their willingness to accomplish another checkout and their willingness to participate in a universal checkout. This study contributed to the body of knowledge and provided valuable insight for steering future research on this topic as well as in parallel and lateral subject areas.