The Relationship between Time of Day and Student Check Ride Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate if there is a relationship between check ride performance and the time of day that these check rides occur.  The population for this study was students in the flight training program at a midsized-midwestern university. The study utilized the results of more than 10,000 check rides, specifically examining the outcome with respect to time of day.  A Chi Squared test yielded a significant finding for the data overall (χ²=363.910, df =2, n =10998, p <.001) indicating that there is a difference in the actual evaluation outcomes when compared to starting time versus the expected outcomes.  Further study of chronotypes in aviation and specifically flight training was recommended.