5. Conclusion
This research examined the relationship between students’ flight experience and the ATOs they attended on their perceptions of risk factors from a statistical perspective. The results revealed that a lack of flight knowledge among students attending recently opened ATOs exhibited a moderating influence. The increased demand for pilots in Korea and China will ultimately lead to more flights and, consequently, a greater risk for accidents. For example, in 2011, a newly opened ATO in Korea experienced a fatal accident within its first year of operation, wherein two training aircraft collided in midair. Likewise, in 2013, an accident occurred in the same area that resulted in three fatalities, including an instructor. Graduates from collegiate aviation programs bring with them a new safety culture upon beginning their operational occupations; hence, emphasizing safety during training should lead to positive changes in the safety cultures of aviation-related organizations. Aviation standards have changed continuously since World War II, and safety measures have evolved similarly (De Voogt and D’Oliveira, 2012). Deregulation has not resulted in decreased flight activity or reduced air safety; in fact, it has caused greater emphasis to be placed on safety practices (Morrison and Winston, 1988; Raghavan and Rhoades, 2005). Future research should examine the training practices of established and recently established military and civilian ATOs in order to identify any possible differences between them. In addition, subsequent studies should attempt to identify the causes leading to problematic interactions between software, hardware, and supporting staff in light of course syllabi, instructor capabilities, and organizational cultures.
