Relationship of Encoding Speed and Memory Tests to Flight Training Performance

摘要

The demands on the cognitive/perceptual abilities of military pilots have increased steadily as aircraft have become more sophisticated. The ability to encode and classify signals and to retrieve information from short-term memory are two of the several cognitive/perceptual abilities that have been linked to flying performance. Two tests, Encoding Speed (encoding and classification ability) and Immediate/Delayed Memory (short-term memory retrieval), were administered to 2,219 United States Air Force pilot candidates prior to entry into Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Performance on the Encoding Speed test was related to successful completion of UPT, in-flight performance measures, and advanced training assignment. However, scores on the Immediate/Delayed memory test were not related to training performance. Pilot candidates who made quick on accurate responses on the Encoding Speed test were more likely to perform well on in-flight performance measures and be recommended for post-UPT training in a fast-jet (Fighter-Attack-Reconnaissance) aircraft. Implications for pilot selection and classification are discussed.