Why They Fly: An Expectancy-Based Analysis of the Factors that Motivate Commissioned Army Aviators to Gain Flying Experience
Abstract
Recent changes to Army publications have emphasized the importance of gaining flying experience for commissioned Army aviators, particularly in earning a designation as pilot-in-command. Based on these changes, the author evaluated the factors that motivate commissioned Army Aviators to gain flying experience. A sample of 44 aviators participated in the study. It was hypothesized that commissioned Army aviators were more intrinsically motivated (e.g., seeking competence, skill, challenge, and enjoyment) than extrinsically motivated (e.g., seeking a master aviator badge, command selection, recognition from others, and promotion) to gain flying experience. A paired samples t-Test indicated that participants were more intrinsically motivated. Multiple regression analyses, however, indicated that intrinsic motivation did not significantly contribute to the prediction of either total flight hours or pilot-in-command hours. Gaining this flying experience is considered a function of an aviator's self-development, and intrinsic motivation is related to participation in self-development programs. The implications of these findings associated with barriers to self-development are discussed, and recommendations for future research are identified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471406
Entities
People
- Todd H. Marshburn
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College