Cross-Cockpit Authority Gradient in Sri Lankan Military Aviation

Aircraft accidents and incidents are a major concern in the world of aviation. Cockpit Authority Gradient (CAG) has been identified as a contributory factor on this concern and extensive researches have acknowledged factors behind the same. Thus, this research aims to identify the factors associated with CAG and the relationship between aircraft accidents and incidents in the context of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) being the sole military aviation organization. Based on the literature review, an online survey was conducted with the participation of pilots who engage actively in flying duties while in-depth interviews were conducted with the contribution of senior pilots who have much experience. Through the analysis it was identified that personal interaction, leadership and communication have a positive relationship towards CAG exercised while no relationship with aircraft accidents and incidents as per maintaining CAG by SLAF pilots. Further, it was revealed that natural and technical consequences do not associate with CAG but directly deal with aircraft accidents and incidents. Based on results, it is recommended to continue and upgrade current practices in order to maintain effective CAG with the provision of adequate training and grooming opportunities for pilots and it is suggested to conduct a study on how gender would affect over CAG in the context of SLAF.