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.