Honors Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of English and Spanish in the applied context of aviation by researching pilot experiences in the cockpit within the register of aviation English. This study investigates pilot’s in-flight experiences in relation to language proficiency in the hopes of improving future standards of communication. Expounding on previous research with a focus on native Spanish speaking pilots, this research utilizes a Likert scale survey and demographic assessment to evaluate proficiencies inside the cockpit of bilingual Spanish-English participants. By determining each pilot´s use of English outside of the workplace as well as how they acquired English as a second language, the investigation draws conclusions between language acquisition and self-efficacy regarding required duties inside the cockpit. This research also addresses the frequency with which pilots hear their native language over the radio and how language factors relate to each pilot's proficiency and resulting safety within the aviation environment. Results from this investigation indicate the critical relationship between overall language proficiency and proficiency with aviation related tasks within an applied flight context.

Department

Honors Program

Major

Aviation Studies: Flight Technology and Operations

First Advisor

Dr. Cynthia Ducar

Second Advisor

Dr. Jacob Joshua Shila

Publication Date

Spring 4-26-2021

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