Abstract
Two flight simulator studies explored the effects of financial incentive on general aviation pilots' willingness to proceed under visual flight rules flight into adverse weather. Study 1 assessed 60 pilots' takeoff behavior into varying degrees of adverse weather seen immediately at taxiway level. Thirty pilots received straight salary, while 30 received salary plus a bonus contingent on takeoff. Trend emerged in regression analysis for effect of incentive. Study 2 examined 45 pilots' in-flight continuation into weather degrading to zero visibility. Fifteen pilots received straight salary, 15 received salary plus a partial bonus, 15 received salary plus a full bonus. Bonuses were contingent on reaching the assigned destination. Although all pilots diverted before reaching the destination, financial incentive was a powerful stimulant to continuation into IMC ( p = .001). The difference between studies involves an information contrast effect. That is, when conditions deteriorate slowly, a bad situation can develop unnoticed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
