How Wearable Technologies Enhance the Implementation of Peer Support Programs in Aviation Training
Authors: Henneberry Debra , Ziakkas Dimitrios , Brown Stephanie 
Published: November 2024

Integrating wearable technologies and affective computing into aviation training presents a promising avenue for enhancing Peer Support Programs (PSPs), a critical component in promoting pilots' and aircrew's mental health and well-being. PSPs have traditionally offered emotional and psychological support to aviation professionals, fostering a culture of mutual care and intervention. However, traditional PSPs face challenges in real-time monitoring and early detection of stress, fatigue, and emotional distress. Wearable technologies, such as biometric sensors, smartwatches, and EEG headsets, combined with social and affective computing, provide a novel approach to addressing these limitations by enabling continuous, real-time assessment of physiological indicators linked to emotional and cognitive states.This paper explores how wearable technologies can augment the effectiveness of PSPs by offering several key advantages. First, real-time monitoring through wearables allows for early detection of mental health challenges, enabling timely peer or professional intervention. Second, the data collected from wearable devices can be used to create personalized mental health profiles, allowing for more targeted support tailored to trainees' individual needs. Third, affective computing enhances peer interactions by analyzing emotional states in real time, fostering empathy, and improving group dynamics during training sessions. Fourth, wearable technologies provide real-time feedback to trainees on their emotional and cognitive states, helping them develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for high-stress aviation environments.Furthermore, integrating wearable technologies into PSPs supports a broader safety and mental well-being culture in aviation. By normalizing the use of such technologies in training, the industry can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health monitoring and encourage open discussions about psychological resilience. The paper also addresses ethical concerns about data privacy and consent, proposing best practices for handling sensitive biometric and emotional data in aviation training contexts.Based on the literature review, wearable technologies and affective computing offer significant potential to transform PSPs in aviation training. This approach provides a proactive, data-driven approach to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of aviation professionals. This integration not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to overall aviation safety by ensuring that pilots and crew members are mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of their roles.The presented research examines how Europe has proactively explored wearable technologies to enhance PSPs. This is partly due to EASA’s comprehensive safety management system requirements, which encourage innovation in mental health support. In the U.S., while there is growing interest in using technology to monitor pilot well-being, regulatory and cultural challenges have slowed the widespread adoption of wearables in PSPs. In both the U.S. and Europe, these technologies can:1. Improve Early Detection: Wearables can help detect signs of stress, fatigue, and emotional distress earlier than traditional PSP methods, allowing for more effective peer support interventions.2. Facilitate Personalized Support: The data collected can be used to create personalized mental health profiles, enabling more tailored support for pilots and crew members.3. Enhance Training and Performance: Real-time feedback on emotional states during training sessions can help pilots develop better emotional regulation and resilience, ultimately improving performance in high-stress environments.Finally, implementing wearable technologies in PSPs requires careful consideration of ethical and privacy concerns. In Europe, robust data protection laws like GDPR provide a model for how sensitive health data can be handled responsibly, balancing privacy with the benefits of real-time monitoring. In the U.S., the lack of a unified regulatory framework presents challenges, but the growing emphasis on safety and well-being in aviation could drive further adoption of these technologies.In conclusion, this paper examines how Wearable Technologies Enhance the Implementation of Peer Support Programs in Aviation Training, following the ICAO ADDIE approach in the USA and Europe.