Citation

Vermeulen LP, Mitchell JI. Int. J. Aviat. Psychol. 2007; 17(2): 197-218.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10508410701328680

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Despite a long history of women flying aircraft, stereotypes and preconceptions still exist regarding female aviators' abilities and the suitability of women as professional air pilots. This study reports on the development and validation of the Aviation Gender Attitude Questionnaire (AGAQ), which was designed to assess aviators' perceptions about gender-related pilot behavior. A total of 544 South African aircraft pilots participated in the validation of the questionnaire. A four-factor measurement model was established by using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a good fit between the multifactor solution for the AGAQ and the data. The four factors associated with perceptions about gender-related pilot behavior were flying proficiency, safety orientation, flight confidence and flight standards. The AGAQ appears to be valuable tool to capture data that can be used to confirm or reject the existence of gender-related biased perceptions among aviation personnel, make pilots aware of their perceptions of gender-based differences, improve understanding and communication between female and male pilots, improve gender sensitivity, and develop diversity training to address gender bias and discrimination.