The risk-taking behavioural intentions of pilots in adverse weather conditions: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

This paper examined pilots’ risk-taking behavioural intentions based on the theory of planned behaviour, as well as the impact of experience on behavioural intentions in adverse weather conditions. Two hundred and seventy-three airline pilots and flying cadets were divided into two groups and asked to complete a questionnaire based on two decision-making scenarios. This questionnaire measured pilots’ intentions to take risks, along with the attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), risk perception, and self-identity. The results showed that attitude, subjective norm, PBC, and risk perception explained 52% of the variance in behavioural intentions. Additionally, pilots’ risk-taking decisions can be influenced by experience. Inexperienced pilots had a relatively stronger intention to take risks and a more favourable attitude towards risky behaviour. Moreover, pilots were more likely to rely on their own direct experience in the decision-making process.

Practitioner summary: This study examined the pilots’ risk-taking intentions under adverse weather conditions using a questionnaire based on the TPB theory. Results demonstrated that the TPB model can be applied to the risk-taking scenario and that experience can influence pilots’ decisions. These findings have implications for improving flight safety and lowering accident rates.

Keywords:

• Aviation safety
• the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)
• risk perception
• risk-taking behaviour

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the valuable remarks and comments from the editor and the anonymous reviewers for improving this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, 72021001 and 72171015), and the Key Laboratory of Flight Techniques and Flight Safety at CAAC (FZ2021ZZ02).