COMPARING PILOT-ERROR ACCIDENT RATES OF MALE AND FEMALE AIRLINE PILOTS

This study analyzes whether differences existed in the pilot-error acc ident rates of male and female United States airline pilots. Results a re based on data of aviation accidents in the years 1986-92, obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration. The study found that females employed by major airlines had significantly higher accident rates th an their male counterparts overall. However, female airline pilots, on average, were less experienced and much younger than males. Male pilo t-error accidents were modeled using logistic regression, regressing o n age, experience (total flying hours), risk exposure (flying hours in the last 6 months), and employer (major/non-major airline). The male model provided a good fit for female airline pilots as sell as for mal es. After adjusting for variables included in the model, accident rate s of males and females were not significantly different. These finding s suggest that neither males nor females are a safer pilot group. Airl ines should make every effort to recruit and retain experienced female s. The key challenge for managers of airline flight operations is to l earn how to manage diversity in the workplace, while maintaining the h ighest level of safety. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd