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Author Background

Dr. Flavio A. C. Mendonca is an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science whose research emphasizes aviation safety with a specific focus on the mental health, fatigue, and well-being of collegiate aviation flight students in Part 141 programs. Drawing on his background in accident investigation, human factors, and safety management systems, his work examines how psychological stressors, fatigue, and organizational culture influence pilot performance and safety. He has authored or co-authored more than 41 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 50 conference papers, contributing evidence-based insights to support safer, healthier training environments for the next generation of professional pilots.

Dr. Samantha Bowyer is an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science whose research focuses on mental health in aviation and the application of project management principles to improve aviation education programs. She holds a DBA in Project Management, an MBA in Project Management, and a BBA in Management, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her scholarly work examines how structured project management approaches can enhance curriculum design, student well-being, and program effectiveness within aviation training environments.

Dr. Anderson is an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University whose research focuses on aviation safety, aircraft certification, unmanned aerial vehicles, flight testing and simulation, upset recovery training, alternative fuels, and STEM education. She holds a Ph.D. in Aviation from ERAU, along with an MBA in Aviation and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and funded research projects. Her work bridges engineering, operations, and safety, while supporting national aviation standards and workforce development initiatives.

Bill Deng Pan is a Ph.D. student in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Aviation whose research focuses on aviation safety, mental wellness in aviation, and the intersection of Safety Management Systems with emerging Urban Air Mobility operations. His work examines how human factors, organizational culture, and SMS frameworks can be adapted to support safe, resilient, and scalable UAM ecosystems while addressing mental health considerations for the future aviation workforce.

Abstract

This study investigates patterns of fatigue severity, sleep hygiene, daytime sleepiness, and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and examine the interrelationships among these factors in collegiate aviation students. Participants included undergraduate professional pilot students enrolled in a Code of Federal Regulations Part 141 four-year aviation degree program in the southeastern United States (N = 82).

Participants completed four validated self-report instruments: the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Sleep Hygiene Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize the results of each assessment, and Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine intervariable associations.

On average, students reported moderate fatigue (M = 3.84, SD = 1.30), with 41% classified as nonfatigued, 41% as borderline fatigued, and 17% as experiencing clinically significant fatigue. Nearly half of the participants (45%) reported excessive daytime sleepiness, while 21% demonstrated poor sleep hygiene practices. Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors were moderate overall (M = 2.56), with the lowest scores in health responsibility, nutrition, and stress management. Correlational and regression analyses revealed weak, nonsignificant associations among fatigue, sleep, and lifestyle variables, suggesting that fatigue in this population arises from multiple interacting influences rather than a single behavioral factor.

The findings indicate that fatigue, inadequate sleep practices, and suboptimal wellness behaviors are prevalent among collegiate aviators. Since collegiate flight programs represent the primary pipeline for future professional pilots, integrating fatigue management, sleep hygiene education, and wellness training into aviation curricula is essential to promote both academic success and operational safety.

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