NSU Horizons Spring 2013

BY KARA POUND The Psychology of Flying W hen Kelley Pennington and Regis M. Burdier wanted to pursue a career in aviation, they enrolled in a new NSU course: Intro- duction to Human Factors in Aviation. The two former soldiers wanted to learn how to fly an airplane and to know and understand the psychological factors that would affect a pilot. Both students have found the course invaluable. Among other studies, the course focus- es on critical thinking, prob- lem solving, communication, safety, and effective cockpit management. The course is part of the Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration degree with a concentration in Human Factors in Aviation. “The course taught me about aeronautical decision making,” said Burdier, a 33-year-old United States Air Force veteran from Pompano Beach, Florida. NSU’s Institute for the Study of Human Service, Health, and Justice launched the interac- tive, online bachelor’s degree during the fall 2012 semester. The degree offers two additional concen- tration options—Basics in Aviation, for students pursuing a private pilot’s license and instrument rating certificate, and Professional Development in Aviation, for students pursuing a commercial pilot’s license and flight instructor certification. For hands-on training, NSU has partnered with American Flyers, an accredited flight school that offers a full range of training with eight locations throughout the United States, including Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Dallas. Like many of NSU’s online programs, this degree is supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chatrooms, email, and multimedia presentations—all specifically designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychological factors associated with flight before they get on a plane. “This program looks at the human side of flying,” said Kimberly Durham, Psy.D., executive dean of NSU’s Institute for the Study of Human Service, Health, and Justice and community liaison for clinics at the Division of Applied Interdisciplin- ary Studies. “It is increasingly imperative new pilots understand human factors associated with flight to mitigate risk, and this program takes an innovative approach to ensure students are equipped with these skills.” Pennington, a 25-year-old United States Marine Corps veteran and NSU freshman, said she has learned much in the Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation course. “For me, at first, flying was stressful,” she said. “But once I learned to relax and ask the questions I needed to ask, the bird’s-eye view became the most beautiful thing.” n 40 HORIZONS Students Kelley Pennington (top) and Regis M. Burdier, both former soldiers, soar in a new NSU aviation course.