Energy Drink Consumption and its Effects on Student Pilots: Perceptions of Collegiate Flight Students

During the past ten years, there have only been a few published research studies examining the possible behavioral consequences of energy drink consumption by college students. With that in mind, the authors surveyed collegiate aviation flight students regarding their consumption of energy drinks and their perceptions of side effects and behavioral patterns after consuming energy drinks. Results show that 57% of student pilots surveyed consume energy drinks 1-3 times a week. In addition, 56% stated they can only consume one energy drink (16 ounces) without experiencing side effects. A majority (60%) reported they consumed energy drinks the same day they piloted an aircraft; and the same percentage (60%) had observed other student pilots consuming energy drinks the same day they piloted an aircraft. And yet, 67% of the participating flight students agree that energy drinks have an effect on collegiate flight students’ ability to pilot an aircraft.