Release of World-First General Aviation Survey Results
7 July 2025
Navigating Aviation has announced that the final report from the National General Aviation (GA) Culture and Wellbeing Survey is now publicly available.
This ground breaking initiative, launched in late 2024 in partnership with Bastion Insights, was aimed at exploring the lived experiences of Australian GA workers and identifying psychosocial hazards and cultural themes impacting the sector.
Director and Founder, Angela Garvey, brought this survey to life through her own 30 years of experience in the sector and an unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and attractive future for the GA workforce.
“My overall goal in this project was to advocate for change in the management of and attitude toward culture and mental health challenges in GA,” Ms Garvey said.
After briefing key industry stakeholders, through a multi-step communication process, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), and the General Aviation Advisory Network (GAAN), Navigating Aviation is now in a position to share the results more broadly across the aviation community.
THE 5 KEY FINDINGS
01.
Many across the GA sector have concerns about mental health
Our findings suggest that the sector as a whole is not managing mental health challenges as well as it could or should be. With an increasing shortage of qualified workers across the sector, it’s imperative that the mental health of workers is actively considered to ensure safe and sustainable GA operations into the future.
02.
GA needs to address the culture of silence
While many across the sector are thriving, our results suggest those experiencing mental health challenges are not encouraged to either raise this with their employer or to engage in support they may need for fear of impacting their career and livelihood. This likely further compounds the stress and isolation these workers experience and negatively impacts the risk profile of their respective workplaces.
03.
Younger GA workers need better support
Across the findings, younger industry participants were found to be experiencing mental health challenges at much higher levels than their older peers. The sector needs to consider how it is engaging and training this next generation –not only to ensure they are retained in the sector but also to ensure they are positive advocates for the sector to other young people considering aviation careers.
04.
More than half feel working in GA negatively affects mental health
Key reasons provided for this include the perceived toxic workplace culture that they endure including bullying and verbal abuse, unprofessional behaviour, poor communication, being subject to threats and intimidation as well as a general lack of appreciation or recognition. Some mentioned experiencing discrimination, particularly gender-based. Lack of training and support in the role was also noted.
05.
Fear of losing job or career main barrier to speaking up on mental health
The survey suggests there is a need for some significant cultural and potentially regulatory reform in terms of ensuring those experiencing mental health challenges get the support they need. This is likely to require industry education & training, as well as better understanding of mental health issues from a regulatory and licencing perspective.