Exploring Human Resource Strategies for Improving Situational Awareness Training through Gamification

The aviation industry increasingly relies on advanced training methods to ensure the safety and efficiency of flight operations, with situational awareness being one of the most critical competencies for crew members. As automation and technology play an ever-larger role in aviation, managing cognitive load during training has become a pressing issue. This study addresses the problem of how human resource (HR) departments can integrate gamification techniques into crew resource management (CRM) training to improve situational awareness while reducing cognitive overload. The aim of the study is to explore HR strategies that optimize cognitive load using gamification in aviation training programs. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 15 experts, including HR professionals, aviation trainers, and cognitive psychologists. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software facilitating the coding and identification of key themes. The findings reveal that HR plays a pivotal role in reducing cognitive load by incorporating scenario-based training, real-time feedback, and post-flight debriefing sessions. Additionally, gamification methods—such as VR simulations, competitive challenges, and performance feedback loops—were found to enhance situational awareness by optimizing cognitive engagement. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of gamification, cognitive load management, and HR training strategies in aviation, providing new insights into how emerging technologies can be effectively applied to improve crew performance and safety in high-pressure environments. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on aviation training by highlighting the practical implications of gamification for HR professionals.