The Relationship Between Pilot Candidates’ Self-Control, Self-Efficacy and Training Performance in Terms of Safety Climate

Objective This study investigates the relationship between pilot candidates’ self-control, self-efficacy, and training performance in terms of safety climate.Background Self-efficacy and safety climate are essential for the flight performance of pilots. However, the effect of self-control on flight performance has yet to be studied. In addition, high self-efficacy is always determined as an essential risk for aviation, but this reality has yet to be researched regarding the safety climate.Method This study employs qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Data are obtained from 244 pilot candidates training in flight schools in Turkey and then analyzed.Results There is a significant relationship between self-perceptions and flight performance of pilot candidates. Safety climate has a moderator role in the relationship between self-efficacy, self-control, and flight performance. In the second research model, it is determined that there is a significant relationship between safety climate and flight performance. Self-control and self-efficacy of pilot candidates moderate this relationship.Conclusion Flight schools and airline companies should exert more effort to establish a safety culture within their institutions, particularly for individuals with excessive levels of self-efficacy. Excessive self-efficacy poses a significant potential risk for those who need to perceive safety culture more in their flight school. In addition, the pilot candidates’ self-control level should be considered necessary when recruiting them.