“That level of pressure is... what breaks a pilot”: A qualitative exploration of perceptions around stress and mental health in UK commercial pilots

Objective
This study aimed to explore commercial pilots’ perceptions and experiences of stress and mental health while working in the aviation industry

Background
Although previous research has examined pilots’ mental health, most studies have used quantitative methods. This study adds the direct voices of pilots themselves, enabling a richer understanding of the types of stress they encounter, the workplace and personal stressors involved, and the potentially modifiable factors that could inform targeted support.

Method
Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with commercially licensed pilots (N = 8), recruited through convenience and purposive sampling via pilot networks. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Coding was carried out iteratively, with multiple authors independently reviewing transcripts and collaboratively developing subthemes through discussion and consensus.

Results
Four key themes were identified from the data: Fatigue; Fear of the Medical; Organizational Communication and Support; and Family Pressures.

Conclusion
There were multiple factors identified that impacted a pilot’s mental health, some personal to the pilot’s interviewed and others more generalized to the whole pilot population. All of the pilots interviewed encountered common elements such as fatigue and family issues which can lead to comparable instances of stress and mental health. Implications of the findings in terms of support of pilots and their mental health are discussed.