Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China

Abstract Human factors are often linked to unsafe events in civil aviation transport, with the competency level and decision-making abilities of flight crews playing a significant role. The leadership and teamwork competency of the flight crew in the cockpit directly influences the occurrence of avi...

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Main Authors: Chen Lin, Liu Bingwei, Hua Sicheng, Zhang Yuchi, Li Nan, Zhang Jiaqi, Zhu Honglei, An Jingyu, Zhang Xin, Wang Yanqing
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93713-y
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author Chen Lin
Liu Bingwei
Hua Sicheng
Zhang Yuchi
Li Nan
Zhang Jiaqi
Zhu Honglei
An Jingyu
Zhang Xin
Wang Yanqing
author_facet Chen Lin
Liu Bingwei
Hua Sicheng
Zhang Yuchi
Li Nan
Zhang Jiaqi
Zhu Honglei
An Jingyu
Zhang Xin
Wang Yanqing
author_sort Chen Lin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Human factors are often linked to unsafe events in civil aviation transport, with the competency level and decision-making abilities of flight crews playing a significant role. The leadership and teamwork competency of the flight crew in the cockpit directly influences the occurrence of aviation safety incidents. Leadership is a developmental and trainable skill. This study aims to explore the key components of leadership and the competency model for civil aviation flight cadets. Based on classic leadership theories and leadership development theories, the research adopts a qualitative analysis using grounded theory and utilizes Nvivo 11.0 software for data analysis. An initial leadership evaluation index system for flight cadets was developed. Through a survey of 319 civil aviation pilots and using SPSS 26.0 software for data processing, an evaluation index system was established, covering 4 dimensions—core values, leader competency, outstanding thinking, and positive behavior—with 22 indicators. The study also applied AMOS 24.0 software to conduct validation factor analysis and path analysis and construct the BLVT model of leadership development for civil aviation flight cadets. The findings indicate that, within the 4 dimensions of leadership and the BLVT model, core values influence positive behavior through leader competency and outstanding thinking, resulting in appropriate performance by flight cadets. Outstanding thinking directly affects leader competency, thereby driving the leadership development of flight cadets, who form the development of their leadership skills by recognizing their leadership competencies. The results of this study clarify the 4 key elements of leadership composition and development for civil aviation flight cadets, providing valuable insights into leadership training and development. This study significantly contributes to bridging the gap in civil aviation pilot leadership training and offers a clear pathway for enhancing pilot leadership.
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spelling doaj-art-1fc953502a464df095831bda3b84e6fc2025-08-20T02:24:30ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115113410.1038/s41598-025-93713-yConstruction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from ChinaChen Lin0Liu Bingwei1Hua Sicheng2Zhang Yuchi3Li Nan4Zhang Jiaqi5Zhu Honglei6An Jingyu7Zhang Xin8Wang Yanqing9Flight Branch, Civil Aviation University of ChinaJilin Branch, China Southern AirlinesChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaAir Traffic Management Bureau CAAC Tianjin BranchChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaChaoyang Flight College, Civil Aviation University of ChinaSchool of Safety Science and Engineering, Civil Aviation University of ChinaAbstract Human factors are often linked to unsafe events in civil aviation transport, with the competency level and decision-making abilities of flight crews playing a significant role. The leadership and teamwork competency of the flight crew in the cockpit directly influences the occurrence of aviation safety incidents. Leadership is a developmental and trainable skill. This study aims to explore the key components of leadership and the competency model for civil aviation flight cadets. Based on classic leadership theories and leadership development theories, the research adopts a qualitative analysis using grounded theory and utilizes Nvivo 11.0 software for data analysis. An initial leadership evaluation index system for flight cadets was developed. Through a survey of 319 civil aviation pilots and using SPSS 26.0 software for data processing, an evaluation index system was established, covering 4 dimensions—core values, leader competency, outstanding thinking, and positive behavior—with 22 indicators. The study also applied AMOS 24.0 software to conduct validation factor analysis and path analysis and construct the BLVT model of leadership development for civil aviation flight cadets. The findings indicate that, within the 4 dimensions of leadership and the BLVT model, core values influence positive behavior through leader competency and outstanding thinking, resulting in appropriate performance by flight cadets. Outstanding thinking directly affects leader competency, thereby driving the leadership development of flight cadets, who form the development of their leadership skills by recognizing their leadership competencies. The results of this study clarify the 4 key elements of leadership composition and development for civil aviation flight cadets, providing valuable insights into leadership training and development. This study significantly contributes to bridging the gap in civil aviation pilot leadership training and offers a clear pathway for enhancing pilot leadership.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93713-yCivil aviationFlight cadetsGrounded theoryLeadershipStructural equation model
spellingShingle Chen Lin
Liu Bingwei
Hua Sicheng
Zhang Yuchi
Li Nan
Zhang Jiaqi
Zhu Honglei
An Jingyu
Zhang Xin
Wang Yanqing
Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
Scientific Reports
Civil aviation
Flight cadets
Grounded theory
Leadership
Structural equation model
title Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
title_full Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
title_fullStr Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
title_full_unstemmed Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
title_short Construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets: An empirical study from China
title_sort construction of leadership competency model for civil aviation flight cadets an empirical study from china
topic Civil aviation
Flight cadets
Grounded theory
Leadership
Structural equation model
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93713-y
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