Act_6_3

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Exploring the Pros and Cons of Pilot Commuting By: Name – Team Lead Name – Team Member Name – Team Member Name – Team Member Name – Team Member Name – Team Member Presented To: Dr. Name - Instructor

2 Executive Summary The problem to be explored in this qualitative study will be to understand the pros and cons of commuting. With many pilots commuting, the goal is to develop a better understanding from commuting pilots about the views on commuting and the associated impacts. While previous studies have focused on aspects such as the negative impacts of fatigue and pilot satisfaction levels with commuting, this study will focus on examining both the good and the bad aspects of commuting. Open-ended questionnaires will be sent to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The anonymous responses will allow common themes, ideas, and characteristics to be identified. Based off the identified pros and cons, it would be expected to find that commuting for pilots should be avoided, if possible, since there were more negative impacts than positive impacts. With that information, recommendations were provided to improve the impacts of commuting, along with ideas for related research.

3 Exploring the Pros and Cons of Pilot Commuting Problem Statement The aviation industry offers many experiences to pilots. Some pilots operate under part 91, others under part 135 and part 121. Some pilots perform short-haul (SH) operations, while others perform long-haul (LH) operations. In most of the operations mentioned, some pilots need to commute to get to the domicile for the start of the pilot’s trip. According to the National Research Council et al. (2015), the definition of commuting can be identified as the time pilots leave from home to get to the starting point of work, which in this case, is the domicile. Commuting can be accomplished in many ways. Commuting has its pros and cons. For example, an identified benefit is that crewmembers can live anywhere, preventing the uprooting of families (Brown, 2010). Other benefits could be spending more time with family, avoiding ground traffic, and saving money. Some negative aspects of commuting would be related to traveling long distances, contributing to experiencing poor sleep and potentially developing health risks (Pellegrino et al., 2019). As a result of commuting, the risk of fatigue could be increased. The problem to be explored in this study will be to understand the pros and cons of commuting. Most aviation accidents involve human error. Even though different studies have been conducted on the negative factors, not enough studies have been conducted to evaluate both the pros and cons of commuting. If a better understanding is not developed, better ways of commuting cannot be created. Intent The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the pros and cons of pilots commuting from home to a domicile, also known as a crew base. To collect the data, an open-ended

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4 questionnaire will be sent to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which allow commuting. The airlines will be instructed on how to distribute out the questionnaire, allowing commuting pilots to provide anonymous feedback on the impacts of commuting. Analyzing that data will allow conclusions to be made on whether the pros of commuting outweigh the cons. The goal is to develop a better understanding from commuting pilots about the views on commuting and the associated impacts. This research should allow common opinions and experiences to be identified directly from the source. From there, major themes can be determined. Utilizing the open-ended questionnaire allows anonymous responses to be provided. As a result, more honest feedback should hopefully be produced. This feedback would help participating airlines determine future approaches to efficiently improve pilot commuting. Research Question What are the major pros and cons of commuting from home to a domicile? Literature Themes The Prevalence of the Problem Pilots from different airlines can have different experiences in the work environment. One thing that stays the same between the airlines is pilot commuting to reach the pilot’s domicile. Looking at previous research, it was found that some of the reasons that people commute are to find free time, to read, to think, to listen to music, and to enjoy the present environment (National Research Council et al., 2015). In aviation, commuting becomes a way of life since pilots can live in any location. Factors, such as lifestyle and economic challenges, are considered when a pilot chooses to commute (National Research Council et al., 2015). According to Smith (2010), in 2009, Flight 3407 suffered an accident resulting from an

5 aerodynamic stall. That occurred from poor attention to detail from pilots that had previously commuted. Even though the article mentioned that this accident was proof of some of the major problems regional airline pilots face, it was advised by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that pilot commuting needed to be managed by the airlines (Smith, 2010). Related Studies While there are no known previous studies that have analyzed both the pros and cons of pilot commuting, a study was conducted on the impacts of commuting on pilot fatigue. It was determined that many airlines have different policies when it comes to pilot commuting, sick leave, and fatigue (National Research Council et al., 2015). That indicates inconsistencies in policies, which could negatively impact safety. To develop a better understanding of the impacts of fatigue, the researchers recommended that commuting pilots be studied for 48 to 72 hours to develop a better understanding of commuting experiences (National Research Council et al., 2015). Another study analyzed regional airline pilot commutes to develop a better understanding of the pilots’ satisfaction with life, while also analyzing why commuting was conducted. The study found that pilots that traveled by aircraft from home to a domicile were slightly satisfied with life, as compared to pilots utilizing a traditional commute being satisfied with life (Kleinfehn, 2016). A traditional commute would be when a pilot travels a shorter distance to the airport by car, bus, or train. That indicated that commuting may have an impact on lifestyle. The research identified that the main reasons pilots commute is to maintain family stability, with lifestyle choice as a close second (Kleinfehn, 2016). While not focused on aviation, two separate studies were conducted on daily work commutes and overall happiness and satisfaction levels. The first study found that individuals

6 viewed public transportation as boring, depressing, and stressful (Gatersleben & Uzzell, 2007). That could be comparable to a commuting pilot taking a flight from home to a domicile. The second study wanted to analyze the positive and negative impacts on happiness levels related to daily commutes. It was found that there was a negative influence on overall happiness when individuals were dissatisfied and a positive impact on the individuals that were satisfied (Olsson et al., 2013). Relating that back to commuting pilots, it is important to consider as of 2015, over 50% of the pilots in the industry commute (National Research Council et al., 2015). That number has increased since then. Previously Identified Themes and Recommendations Many of the other studies conducted that relate to pilot commuting focused on the negative aspects. Overall, other researchers have been attempting to identify ways to improve the approach to commuting through developing ways to make it a more positive experience. One study recommended that potential and current commuting pilots follow a four-step process. Those individuals should become educated about commuting, obtain a firsthand pilot perspective, develop an individual perspective, and discuss the topic with family or significant others (Kleinfehn, 2016). There is not a one size fits all approach to improving the commuting process for pilots (National Research Council et al., 2015). As a result, it has been difficult for previous researchers to develop general conclusions on the impacts of commuting on pilots. That has limited the ability to establish and develop major changes throughout the industry when it comes to commuting. From previous research, relying on a crash pad, suffering from high levels of stress, and relying on proper planning are some of the negative aspects that commuting brings (Ellis, 2022). Unlike some of the previous studies that focused on the various negative impacts, such as

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7 fatigue, stress, and other potentially unsafe hazards, this study will focus on examining both the good and the bad aspects of commuting. By analyzing the pros and cons of commuting, recommendations will be generated for various airlines to create a better commuting system. Data Collection and Analysis Plan Data Collection To gather data for this study, an open-ended questionnaire will be distributed to three major airlines. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all reported having between 14,000 and 16,000 pilots (Delta, 2023; Lampert, 2023; United, n.d.). A total of 477 surveys will be sent out, with 159 surveys sent to each individual airline. This sample number was calculated using 45,000 pilots for the population size, a 95% confidence interval, and a 5% margin for error using Krejcie & Morgan’s (1970) formula for determining sample size. An 80% response rate is expected, which would still provide an acceptable sample size for analysis. The questionnaire will begin by asking some demographic questions to understand the experience level and lifestyle. These demographic questions will cover pilot age and rank, commute time, the number of time zones crossed while commuting, and total flight time with passengers. The total flight time with passengers would allow for pilot experience level to be considered. The duty period represents when a pilot reports for duty until being released from duty. Additionally, home life questions will be asked, including questions relating to marital status, number of children, and number of pets. Data gained from Table 1 will be used to classify and group pilots from each airline.

8 Table 1 Pilot Demographic Data Age Rank Years with the Airline Total Commute Time/ Duty Period Number of Time Zones Crossed while Commuting Marital Status Number of Children Number of Pets Note. This table illustrates the demographic questions that will be asked before the individuals complete the open-ended questionnaires. The open-ended questionnaire will consist of seven open-ended questions, focusing on pilot opinions and experiences while commuting. The questions that will be utilized in the questionnaire are illustrated in Table 2.

9 Table 2 Commuting Questionnaire In what ways do you experience stress while traveling from home to a domicile? How do you spend your time commuting? How does commuting impact your performance when working? How has fatigue impacted your shift after commuting? What actions would you take to ensure that commuting does not impact your work? What could your employer do to improve your experience when commuting? Describe your satisfaction level with commuting. Note. This table illustrates the questions in the questionnaire that will be sent out to commuting pilots at American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Distribution Executive management for each airline will be sent the open-ended questionnaires comprised of demographic data and open-ended survey questions. Executive management at each airline will be instructed to evenly distribute surveys between their major hubs, with each airline having between nine and ten major hubs. That will allow for an inclusive sample, as both SH and LH pilots will fly through their respective airlines’ hubs (Diaz, 2022). Three weeks will be allowed for completion, upon which results will be returned for analysis. Analysis A software program will be utilized for data analysis to group common themes, ideas, and characteristics found within the responses. Major themes will be identified and analyzed to gain insight into the pros and cons of pilot commuting. That would also allow potential risks to be identified. By conducting this data collection and analysis process, a better understanding of the experiences of commuting pilots can be developed. That provides a way for the pros and

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10 cons to be identified from firsthand experience of commuting pilots. That will allow ways to be identified in which airlines can support these employees, contributing to a safer and more efficient aviation industry. Results After completing the research utilizing a questionnaire provided to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, it would be determined that commuting for pilots should be avoided if possible. Based off previous research and the expected questionnaire responses, the expected findings would be that pilots chose to commute due to the ability to live anywhere and the ability to maintain current lifestyle practices, potentially at a lower cost of living (National Research Council et al., 2015). Factors that deterred pilots from choosing to commute would most likely be reported as additional time away from home, as well as experiencing fatigue. In fact, most pilots stated that commuting caused more fatigue, resulting in more accidents and incidents in the flight deck and reducing mental acuity (Kleinfehn, 2016). While there would be more negative aspects associated with commuting, the commuting pilots would most likely still portray the commuting process in a positive way. It would be expected to find that responses differed between each airline due to varying commuting policies, practices, and distances. However, the expected consensus would be that commuting was more hazardous, stressful, and troublesome for pilots. A previous study noted that regional commuting pilots reported that time spent commuting was lengthy and highly unproductive (Kleinfehn, 2016). As a result, expected satisfaction levels associated with commuting would be slightly satisfied. To reduce the effects of fatigue after commuting, the expected replies would discuss that pilots plan their commute or other activities that would not exceed 16 hours prior to the start of their duty day (National

11 Research Council et al., 2015). Other pilots who chose to arrive at the airport early would utilize the pilot’s lounge to sleep and relax prior to their scheduled shift. To help improve the experience of commuting, common themes would be expected that related to employers being encouraged to ensure that commuting pilots can have a seat on an aircraft to the domicile. That would help reduce the stress of making it to work on time. From previous research, it would be expected to receive responses from pilots discussing that having more accessibility to multiple pilot lounges is beneficial. That could also help reduce the impacts of fatigue on commuting pilots (National Research Council et al., 2015). Conclusions Commuting allows pilots to relax by taking time for themselves and provides the option for pilots to live in a desired location (National Research Council et al., 2015). However, based on the expected answers from the questionnaires and previous research, it would be determined that there were more negative aspects of commuting than positive aspects. Those negative aspects would be relying on crash pads, experiencing high levels of stress, and heavily depending on proper planning (Ellis, 2022). Commuting pilots would most likely still portray commuting in a positive way because they wish to maintain family lifestyle and current residential location. Even though knowledge of commuting was acquired, some limitations of the study would be different response times, lack of participants, and the focus of a small group of airlines with the same operations. The expected difference in replies to the open-ended questionnaires would most likely be a result of different procedures and policies that exist among the different airlines (National Research Council et al., 2015). After analyzing themes related to the pros and cons, a major way to improve the commuting process would be to standardize those procedures and policies across the aviation

12 industry. Commuting can be improved by adopting standardized commuting procedures. Based on the expected questionnaire replies, these procedures would be enforced to ensure that commuting pilots arrive at the domicile eight hours prior to the start of the mission day. That would help relieve some of the negative aspects of commuting, like stress, fatigue, and other external factors. Monitoring commuting pilots quarterly, through evaluations and questionnaires, would help airlines have an up to date and accurate status of the fitness and mission status. After developing a better understanding of the common problems with commuting, the airlines should be more prepared in monitoring pilot welfare. Hopefully that would help proactively prevent any pilot related issues, while also improving the commuting process for the pilots. Recommendations Fatigue from commuting over long distances on days off, which can impact performance and safety, is a major cause for concern. This can be more costly to the airlines. As a result, the airlines can provide a cost-of-living adjustment for pilots that are based at more costly locations, like New York City and Los Angeles, to help offset the financial burden. This will help remove the temptations for pilots to commute on the day of operations, resulting in more rest and the ability to better perform duties. Accommodations and confirmed tickets can be provided for commuting pilots. That would help alleviate the logistical stress of having to compete for an available seat with several other crew members. More efficient work schedules should be designed to allow commuting pilots to experience maximum work-life balance. Pilots should have the opportunity to build flight pairings, that will maximize the duty limitations most efficiently. That could also provide reasonable time-off for pilots to commute, while still getting to spend time with family. Companies should pay particular attention to the regulations as per 14 CFR PART 117, as well

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13 as the guidance and oversight of the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) policies. When replicating this study, cargo pilots should be included to evaluate how a commuting lifestyle can affect performance and overall well-being, also referred to as the work- life balance. The nature of cargo and commercial passenger operations can vary drastically, which results in different levels of fatigue and stress between various groups of pilots. A second study can be performed on other transit job-related fields like bus, train, truck, or heavy machinery operators. That would allow comparisons to be made on how it affects overall performance. A similar study can be performed on SH and LH commuter pilots to analyze the impacts on performance and lifestyle.

14 References Brown, L.J. (2010). The effects of light exposure on crewmember fatigue and jetlag: To improve transportation safety and productivity. International Congress of the Aeronautical Sciences. https://www.icas.org/ICAS_ARCHIVE/ICAS2010/PAPERS/567.PDF Delta. (2023, March 1). Delta pilots ratify new working agreement. Delta News Hub. https://news.delta.com/delta-pilots-ratify-new-working-agreement#:~:text=The %20contract%2C%20which%20runs%20through,compensation%20and%20work %20rule%20improvements Diaz, A. (2022, July 27). List of major airline hubs. Travel Miles 101 . https://www.travelmiles101.com/list-of-major-airline-hubs/ Ellis, D. (2022, May 7). Commuting as an airline pilot: Pros and cons. DKEllis . https://www.dkellis.com/commuting-pros-and-cons/ Gatersleben, B., & Uzzell, D. (2007). Affective appraisals of the daily commute: Comparing perceptions of drivers, cyclists, walkers, and users of public transport. Contemporary Accounting Research , 39 (3), 416–431. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916506294032 Kleinfehn, A. D. (2016). Regional airline pilot commute: How commuting by air affects pilots’ satisfaction with life . ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. Krejcie, R.V., & Morgan, D.W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement , 30 (3), 607–610. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001316447003000308

15 Lampert, A. (2023, March 9). American Airlines pilot union sets April strike authorization vote. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/american-airlines-pilots- union-sets-april-strike-authorization-vote-2023-03-09/ National Research Council., Transportation Research Board., Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education., Board on Human-Systems Integration., & Committee on the Effects of Commuting on Pilot Fatigue. (2015). The effects of commuting on pilot fatigue . National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13201 Olsson, L. E., Gärling, T., Ettema, D., Friman, M., & Fujii, S. (2013). Happiness and satisfaction with work commute. Social Indicators Research , 111 (1), 255–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0003-2 Pellegrino, P., Moreno, C.R. de C., & Marqueze, E.C. (2019). Aspects of work organization and reduced sleep quality of airline pilots. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6508943/ United. (n.d.). Advancing aviation safety and security since 1931. ALPA. https://www.alpa.org/en/about-alpa/our-pilot-groups/pilot-groups/united#:~:text=Photo %3A%20Chris%20Weaver,goal%20of%20growth%20and%20expansion

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