AINsight: The ‘Right Stuff’ To Handle Stress | Aviation International News

AINsight: The ‘Right Stuff’ To Handle Stress

Stress is unavoidable for pilots, but it can be managed though preparation, anticipation, planning, communications, CRM, and time management.

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

June 25, 2021

Stress is part of everyday life—it’s unavoidable. In aviation, high levels of stress are prevalent in many occupations; topping the list of most stressful jobs are pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft technicians. The effects of stress are cumulative and when it's not managed properly, judgment can become clouded and errors made.

A commonly accepted definition of stress is Lazarus’s theory of stress: “stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” Stress is natural, it occurs because of bodily mechanisms—a series of physiological and biochemical changes.

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Contributor - Safety

About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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