Flying In Ireland is pleased to help highlight a new aviation research project focused on pilot wellbeing, stress, and the supports available within the industry. The study is being conducted by Louise Farrell‑Doyle, an EAAP Aviation Psychologist and Doctoral Researcher at Buckinghamshire New University, who is seeking participation from pilots and their partners across Ireland and beyond.
Louise’s work explores how pilots experience stress, both inside and outside the cockpit, and how Peer Support Programmes and family relationships influence wellbeing throughout a flying career. With increasing attention on mental health in aviation, this research aims to identify what supports are working well, where gaps exist, and how the industry can continue to improve the systems designed to protect pilot wellbeing.
The study is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Commercial pilots (currently flying or recently employed)
- Cadet pilots
- TRI/TREs
- Peer Support Pilots
- Pilot partners or adult family members
Participants are invited to complete a short, anonymous online survey, taking approximately 15 minutes. The study is fully confidential, independent of any airline or regulator, and has received ethical approval.
Louise hopes that by gathering the lived experiences of pilots and those closest to them, the findings will help strengthen wellbeing resources and promote healthier, more supportive working environments across the aviation community.
If you’d like to take part, or share the survey with colleagues or pilot family members, the links are below:
Survey Links
Pilot Survey:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bucks/pilot-peer-support
Partner / Spouse / Family Member Survey:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bucks/family-of-pilot
Flying in Ireland is delighted to support research that contributes to safer, healthier, and more supportive aviation operations. Your participation could make a meaningful difference in shaping future wellbeing programmes and policies.
