The Creation and Validation of a Pilot Selection System for a Midwestern University Aviation Department.

摘要

The current study outlines an attempt to create a selection test for a Midwestern university aviation department pilot training program. Thirty-seven pilots were given a pre-test consisting of cognitive (math, arithmetic reasoning, spatial measures, table reading, and mechanical knowledge), attitudinal (cockpit management attitudes questionnaire - CMAQ), and personality questions (IPIP items, Achievement-Striving, Impatience/Irritability, and the Academic Motivation Scale). An additional measure of professionalism was collected during the training program. Following the completion of a 25-lesson course in flight training, pilots were assessed on performance throughout the initial flight course. The performance ratings ranged from supervisory ratings to hours used to complete the lessons. Though the main research question was largely exploratory in nature, five specific hypotheses are outlined in the paper. Correlation analyses and both curvilinear and linear regression analyses were run in order to assess any significant relationships between the pre-test and flight performance in the program. Results indicated several positive relationships, namely between motivation, hours taken to complete the lessons, and overall performance, as well as a measure of professionalism and overall performance. Limitations and implications are discussed in the paper.