Aviation psychology is a subfield of psychology that deals with the application of principles
and techniques in psychology to specific situations and challenges in the aviation industry 1.
Aviation psychology is specifically concerned with the use of various psychological
perspectives and skills for safe, efficient and comfortable air travel 2.
In the process, aviation psychology, which is closely related to clinical and organizational
psychology, has expanded to include the psychological processes of passengers, airline
employees and crew in general 2.
Looking at the scope of an aviation psychologist's job, we can see that it covers many topics.
These are: To handle the selection process of all airline personnel including pilots, to address
the problems that may arise in the airline industry, to evaluate the personnel working in the
flight crew, to counsel them, to understand the attitudes and behaviors of the passengers, to
provide psychological support, to strengthen the inter-team communication between the flight
crew members. and examining interaction with passengers 3.
Other Sub-branches of Psychology and Aviation Psychology
Psychology has continued to contribute to the developing subfield of Aviation psychology,
with its broad subfields. Some of the most contributors from these subfields can be listed as
industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology. Apart
from these, they also contribute to the field of aviation psychology with their studies in
psychopathology, behavioral psychology, biopsychology, health psychology and intercultural
psychology 3.
1. Nazım, A. T. A. Türkiye’de Havacılık Psikiyatrisi ve Psikolojisi. Mersin Üniversitesi
Tıp Fakültesi Lokman Hekim Tıp Tarihi ve Folklorik Tıp Dergisi, 11(1), 160-172.
2. Bor, R., Eriksen, C., Oakes, M., & Baum, P. (2013). Aviation psychology. Principles
and practice of travel medicine, 315-327.
3. Birsel, M. Aviation Psychology: Constructs, Research and Practices.
