Mental fatigue is a significant human factor that adversely affects cognitive performance, decision-making, and task accuracy in aviation maintenance, thereby increasing the likelihood of maintenance errors and compromising operational safety. This study investigated the impact of mental fatigue on aircraft maintenance tasks among Aircraft Maintenance Technology students at Indiana Aerospace University during their On-the-Job Training (OJT). Specifically, it examined the effects of mental fatigue on students' cognitive performance, aircraft maintenance inspections, and susceptibility to human error, while identifying common fatigue-related challenges encountered during training. The study employed a mixed-methods research design using a convergent parallel approach. A total of 101 purposively selected respondents, consisting of Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Aerospace Engineering students with OJT experience, participated in the study. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire administered via Google Forms, incorporating a four-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that mental fatigue significantly impairs attention, concentration, memory recall, inspection accuracy, and decision-making during aircraft maintenance tasks. They also strongly agreed that fatigue contributes to increased human error, reduced alertness, and decreased compliance with maintenance procedures. The most frequently reported challenges included increased human error, difficulty reviewing maintenance procedures, slower inspection performance, higher task-related mistakes, and impaired decision-making. The study concludes that effective fatigue management should be integrated into aviation education through structured rest periods, fatigue awareness programs, balanced academic workloads, and wellness initiatives to improve students' performance, enhance maintenance quality, and strengthen aviation safety.
Jeanu Dee Gonzales, Miles Orlan Gallego, Adrian Rj Abella et al.· Journal of Advanced Studies...· 0 citations
This study assessed the implementation of safety standards in the Aircraft Maintenance Laboratory of Indiana Aerospace University during the Academic Year 2024–2025. Specifically, it examined laboratory conditions, risk management practices, and maintenance safety procedures, identified the common problems encountered by third-year Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) students during laboratory activities, and proposed an action plan to enhance laboratory safety. A mixed-method research approach employing a convergent design was utilized, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative interview responses to obtain a comprehensive understanding of laboratory safety practices. The study involved 100 purposively selected third-year AMT students who had extensive exposure to laboratory activities. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that safety standards were implemented in terms of aircraft maintenance laboratories (WM = 3.93), risk management (WM = 4.02), and maintenance safety (WM = 4.10), indicating satisfactory compliance with established safety practices. However, several challenges remained evident, including insufficient laboratory exposure, outdated references and instructional manuals, inadequate safety drills and demonstrations, limited assessment of hazard identification competencies, and inconsistent demonstration of safety procedures by instructors. These issues may hinder students' preparedness for real-world aircraft maintenance operations despite the overall positive assessment of laboratory safety. The study concludes that strengthening laboratory exposure, updating instructional resources, institutionalizing regular safety training and emergency drills, integrating safety competency assessments, and enhancing faculty development programs are essential to cultivating a stronger safety culture and improving the competence, confidence, and industry readiness of future aircraft maintenance professionals.
Allen Gilbert Betoy, Joshvel Aleonar, Mark John Amodia et al.· Journal of Advanced Studies...· 0 citations
Effective time management is an essential competency for aviation students who must balance rigorous academic requirements with intensive flight training schedules. This study examined the impact of time management on the academic and flight training performance of Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology students at Indiana Aerospace University during the Academic Year 2025–2026. Specifically, the study assessed students' time management practices, academic performance, and flight training performance, identified the major challenges encountered, and developed an action plan to enhance student success. A mixed-method convergent research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The study involved 100 second-, third-, and fourth-year aviation students selected through convenience and purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and rank, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed that effective time management positively influences both academic and flight training performance. Students acknowledged that planning, prioritization, and structured scheduling enabled them to manage the demanding requirements of aviation education more efficiently. However, the most frequently reported challenges included procrastination, inadequate academic preparation, difficulty managing assignments and projects, limited time for balancing study and flight practice, and challenges in prioritizing academic and flight training responsibilities. Based on these findings, the study proposed an action plan emphasizing structured scheduling, time-blocking techniques, mentoring programs, academic support, productivity strategies, and self-regulated learning practices. The study concludes that effective time management is a critical determinant of academic achievement, flight training success, and professional readiness, highlighting the need for institutional interventions that cultivate disciplined, organized, and competent future aviation professionals.
Frank Laurenz Go, Loreto Iii Caracol, Derek Walter Dugan et al.· Journal of Advanced Studies...· 0 citations
The aviation industry requires a strong safety culture to ensure operational reliability and minimize human error, particularly in aircraft maintenance training where future professionals develop essential technical and safety competencies. This study examined the promotion of safety practices by an Approved Training Organization (ATO) among Aircraft Maintenance Technology students at Indiana Aerospace University during the Academic Year 2024–2025. Specifically, it assessed the effectiveness of safety protocols, safety practices, and safety promotion initiatives while identifying the major challenges encountered by students during training. The study employed a mixed-method convergent parallel research design involving 100 graduates who had completed their On-the-Job Training. Quantitative data were collected using a researcher-developed five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze quantitative responses, whereas thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that the ATO effectively promotes safety through consistent enforcement of personal protective equipment, standardized safety procedures, instructor guidance, and organizational safety initiatives. However, the study also identified significant concerns, including gaps in curriculum safety content, limited practical application of safety concepts, insufficient assessment of safety competencies, and inadequate identification of students with potential safety risks. These findings indicate that although existing safety promotion strategies contribute to a positive safety culture, further improvements in curriculum design, simulation-based training, and competency-based assessment are necessary. The study concludes that strengthening practical safety education and continuous safety evaluation will better prepare future aircraft maintenance professionals to meet the safety demands of the aviation industry.
Steve Kerr Caputolan, Christian Caval, Louise May Garrido et al.· Journal of Advanced Studies...· 0 citations
Human factors remain one of the leading contributors to aviation accidents despite continuous advancements in aircraft technology and safety regulations. This study examined the critical role of human factors in aviation accident prevention, focusing on Crew Resource Management (CRM), Training and Competency Development, and Safety Culture among Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) students, licensed aircraft mechanics, and on-the-job training (OJT) trainees at Indiana Aerospace University during the Academic Year 2025–2026. An explanatory sequential mixed-method research design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative interview responses to provide a comprehensive understanding of maintenance-related human factors. A total of 90 respondents participated in the quantitative phase, while 10 participants were purposively selected for the qualitative inquiry. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and ranking, were utilized to analyze quantitative data, whereas thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. The findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed on the critical importance of CRM, Training and Competency Development, and Safety Culture in preventing aviation accidents. Teamwork, communication, situational awareness, competency-based training, and organizational commitment to safety were consistently identified as essential elements for minimizing maintenance-related errors. However, the study also identified persistent challenges, including communication breakdowns, insufficient emphasis on human factors education, limited practical exposure, inadequate maintenance resources, ineffective shift turnovers, and unclear task allocation. These issues indicate the need for stronger integration of technical and non-technical competencies within aviation education and maintenance organizations. Based on the findings, an action plan emphasizing continuous human factors training, standardized communication protocols, simulation-based learning, and the promotion of a proactive safety culture was developed. The study contributes empirical evidence that supports curriculum enhancement, organizational safety initiatives, and evidence-based strategies for reducing maintenance-related human errors and strengthening aviation safety.
Brian Robinson, Lance Frederic Arcosa, Khazim Joseph Cagigas et al.· Journal of Advanced Studies...· 0 citations
