Risk Perception and Safety Attitudes in Indian Army Aviators

Abstract Risk perception and safety attitudes with respect to risk taking and hazardous events were studied in 275 army helicopter pilots using a questionnaire-based method. Results indicated that higher risk-taking tendency was associated with low scores on both the delayed risk and immediate high risk components of risk perception, and with lower levels of self-confidence and safety orientation attitudes. Higher risk-taking tendency was also associated with higher risk attitude scores and involvement in hazardous events. Results suggest that aviator risk management training programs are needed to modify attitudes and risk perception, especially in older and experienced pilots and instructors who are more exposed to risky flying. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Indian Army or Indian Air Force.