The perception of cabin crew to potential hazardous conditions on commercial passenger aircraft : a case study

Abstract

This research attempts to analyse factors that contribute to a cabin crew safety culture and to establish if cabin crew could suffer underlying symptoms of fatigue. A survey was carried out using a questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed based on a survey carried out in an offshore environment (Cox and Cheyne, 2000) and which was subsequently used in the development of utilities to assess airline cabin safety culture (Lee, Stewart and Kao, 2006). Questions from Adrenal Fatigue (Wilsom, 2001) were also incorporated into the questionnaire used. The questionnaire made use of a Likert scale in order to collect data in a coherent manner which made it easier to analyse. The survey was distributed to cabin crew (210 cabin crew member in one organisation) and achieved a response rate of 50 per cent. The data analysis was compiled using PASW (Predictive Analytics Software) statistics software and presented by means of tables and charts. Findings suggested that commitment and leadership, safety rules and procedures compliance need to be improved. On the other hand, findings showed that a third of those who answered the survey exhibit symptoms of fatigue.