MSc (Research) student

Anecdotal evidence suggests that commercial airline pilots are delaying reporting aircraft defects to accommodate for commercial pressures. Such a practice has both safety and legislative implications. Moreover, under the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 - Reg 248, pilots are required to report all aircraft defects arising during each phase of flight.

As a result, the proposed research intends to investigate the prevalence of delaying aircraft defect reporting and investigate the underlying mechanisms that support such a practice. This will be achieved by examining trends in data relating to the reporting of aircraft defects and examing the culture, practices and management hierarchy and styles that maintain the behaviour.