Consistency of Pilot Trainee Cognitive Ability, Personality, and Training Performance in Undergraduate Pilot Training.

摘要

Data regarding pilot trainees' cognitive ability, personality, and training outcomes collected between 1995 and 2008 from four US Air Force pilot training bases across three training tracks were examined to determine consistency in pilot aptitude and training outcomes. A sample of 9,641 pilot trainees was administered the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB) and the NEO PIR prior to beginning Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. The predictors were the MAB Verbal, Performance, and Full-Scale IQ scores and the five NEO PI-R domain scores. The criterion was the C-Score percentile rank which is a weighted average of daily and check flight grades. Analyses were conducted by training track, base, and year and included descriptive statistics, mean score comparisons, and correlational analyses to determine how well the MAB and NEO PIR predicted C-Score percentile rank. Results indicated few differences across training tracks, bases, and years and that none were substantial enough to warrant concern. Correlational results were consistent with previous research indicating that cognitive ability tests are the best predictors of performance in pilot training (Carretta & Ree, 2003; Ree & Carretta, 1996) and a variety of other occupations (Schmidt & Hunter, 1998). Overall, this research illustrated the consistency of the quality of pilot trainees as assessed by cognitive ability and personality measures, and the consistency of these measures in predicting pilot training performance over time. This overall consistency results in a more stable training system, enabling greater efficiency and effectiveness. Recommendations for future research are presented.