Introduction
This is a callout email for your participation in my research study concerning general aviation flight safety in British Columbia. Please read the following information and contact me, Jonathan Davis (primary researcher) if you are interested in contributing to the increase of flight safety in GA !
You, the research candidate, should read the information below in consideration for becoming a research participant, and contact me if you have any questions or concerns – or to schedule your participation for interviews, focus group, or in-flight/ simulator portions. Please note that the survey component of the project will be sent out at a later date, and its participation is voluntary.
I can be reached at: [email protected] (please put “research participant” in the subject line)
Yours in aviation.
Kindly,
Jonathan D.R. Davis
Study Information
Thompson Rivers University Research Ethics Board File No. 101720 (December 19th, 2017 – December 18th, 2018)
Study Title
“From the Ground Up: A Study on General Aviation Flight Safety in British Columbia, Canada.”
Purpose
The primary intention of this study is to explore current themes surrounding flight safety in the general aviation community of Transport Canada’s Pacific Region with a focus on how current Canadian Aviation Regulations may promote or dissuade effective, competent, aircraft operation in non-professional aviators.
Type of Research Intervention
Study candidates may be asked to participate in a survey, interview, and/or focus group and may also be selected to partake in experimental flying sorties with the primary researcher onboard their aircraft. Portions of the study may also take place in a high-end flight simulator. Information derived from the study may be used as findings within an academic research paper, presented to the general aviation community or flying clubs, shared at academic related conferences, or relayed to Transport Canada for the purpose of increasing flight safety awareness throughout the duration of their current flight safety campaign. The identity of participants will be protected at all times for the duration of the study, as well as during dissemination of research findings. Candidates may request at any time a copy of the final research paper.
Benefits of Study Participation
The research study aims to uncover flight safety themes that are unique to general aviation in Canada, and the rules and regulations that govern non-professional pilots in that country. Voluntary participation in the study can help to increase flight safety amongst general aviators, and possibly to inform current Canadian Air Regulations (CARs). Participants will be able to say that they contributed to this cause, and will also gain perspective on their perceived and actual flying ability. Participants may also receive feedback from the primary researcher (aerobatic flight instructor) at no cost.
Participation Risks and Concern for Participant Welfare
The survey, interview, and focus group portions of the research study are expected to proceed without an inconvenience or discomfort to the participant that goes beyond levels anticipated in everyday life.
The piloting of aircraft presents with inherent risks such as mechanical failures and pilot error. The primary researcher is trained to the professional standard of pilot licensing and a copy of the primary researcher’s flight credentials may be requested at any time by any participant. The primary researcher will provide these documents in a timely manner.
No negative impact or harm on participant physical, mental, or spiritual health are expected to occur in either the quantitative or qualitative research components beyond those already associated with the passion for, and act of, flying aircraft along with the training that leads up to the acquisition of pilot license privileges.
Compensation
No compensation will be provided in return for participating in the survey, interview, or focus group aspects of the study. As an incentive for the experimental flight portions, an incentive will be offered in order to offset fuel costs for the participant while using their aircraft. If this part of the study takes place in a flight simulator, the researcher will cover the cost for simulator rental.
Ethical Challenge Response Plan
Additionally arising ethical concerns will be handled in accordance with the standards set
forth by The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada, & Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, as well as
through careful consultation with the institutional Research Ethics Board.
Clarification
Any questions raised by participants pertaining to the research study or content presented within it will be answered by the researcher in a timely manner to ensure that the participant Is fully informed of all aspects of the study including its risks and benefits. Questions may be posed at any time throughout the duration of the study.
Right to Withdraw
It is the right of the participant to withdraw from the study at any point in time without any explanation provided to the primary researcher. If the participant chooses to withdraw from the study, they may also elect to have their data erased from all study records. The participant may also request to rejoin the study at a later time if they choose. The participant should inform the primary researcher, in writing, of their decision to withdraw and note it they also intend to have their data removed from the study.
The decision of pilots to participate or not has no bearing on their relationship with the primary researcher, the project supervisor, or the affiliated institution.
Right to Access Information
Participants will be provided with a copy of the consent form to retain for their records. Participants may also request a copy of the final academic paper, or to view any academic posters or other materials arising from the study that relates to them. Participants will be encouraged to follow up with the primary researcher and to attend any study presentations.
Data Recording Devices
During interview, a voice-recording device may be used so long as the participant has granted consent. During in-aircraft or flight simulator sessions, a video camera may be used to capture events. The use of these data recording devices will allow the researcher to more efficiently gather data, and a more thorough understanding of the research problem. The participant has the right to refuse any or all portions of the study and may even elect to participate in the study without the use of recording devices. Participants may state which devices they agree to be recorded on, and sign for these on the consent form. Data acquired through the use of recording devices may be transcribed and presented within the final report of the study without the use of participant names or identifying factors. Throughout the entirety of the study, the identities of participants will always be protected.
Anonymity
Participant identities will only be known to the primary researcher and the direct project supervisor. In order to preserve participant confidentiality, all names will be changed to alphanumerical identifying markers for the duration of the study and for post-study presentations. The legend for participant identification will be stored on an encrypted, password protected computer file in order to mitigate this risk, and only participant codenames will be represented within any publicly visible research dissemination, including the final article (CIHR, NSERCM & SSHRC, 2014, p. 8).
Further Questions
Additional questions or concerns may be directed to the primary researcher via the provided email listed above.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, &
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. (2014). TRICOUNCIL POLICY
STATEMENT: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. TCPS2.
