Examining the relationship between pilots' stress management skills and intuitive decision making

This research aimed to examine the relationship between pilots' stress management skills and intuitive decision-making. Accordingly, this research was conducted in the relational screening model. The research was conducted with 294 volunteer participants selected by convenient sampling method among pilots working in Turkey. In the study, primary data was collected using an online survey form including a sociodemographic information form, Stress Coping Methods Scale and Intuitive Decision Making Scale. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. In the research, the effects of stress coping methods on intuitive decision making in pilots were examined. In this context, the equal studies show how stress affects pilots' desicion-making abilities and how this effect can increase operational risks. Stress management srengthening their skills allows pilots to stay calmer in stresful situations and it can help them make better decisions. On the other hand, it was observed that problem solving, positive evaluation, seeking professional support and seeking environmental support did not have significant effects on intuitive decision making. In the research, t-test and ANOVA analyzes were also carried out to examine whether the methods of coping with stress and the level of intuitive decision-making differed according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the pilots. In the analysis of methods of coping with stress, it was determined that problem solving, positive evaluation, seeking professional support and seeking environmental support were at higher levels in women, over 40 years of age, married, with 1,001-5,000 hours of flight time, with more than 15 years of flight experience, and in captain pilots. On the other hand, it was observed that the logical analysis did not show any significant difference according to the demographic characteristics of the pilots. In the analyzes regarding intuitive decision-making, it was determined that male pilots, between 20-29 years of age, single, with 0-1,000 hours of flight time, with 0-5 years of flight experience, and co-pilots had higher levels of intuitive decision-making.