According to the theory of group polarisation, perceived invulnerability could
be greater in multi-crew operations than for single pilots. The purpose of this study was to
measure the level of perceived invulnerability among general aviation pilots in New
Zealand and to examine whether the level of perceived invulnerability was influenced by
the presence of other pilots. Whilst it is of some concern that the majority of the pilots
exhibited perceived invulnerability, no evidence was found to suggest that the level of
perceived invulnerability is affected by a group polarisation effect, although further
replication of this study is recommended.
