Development of a Pilot Selection System for a Midwestern University Aviation Program

This paper discusses the evaluation of an existing selection system for a Midwestern University\u27s Aviation Program and attempts to find significant predictors of pilot performance using personality measures including the Five Factor Scale, Cockpit Management Attitudes Questionnaire, Self Monitoring Scale, an Integrity Scale, and cognitive measures including Block Counting, Rotated Blocks and Numerical Reasoning. Data from 24 student pilots was examined with bivariate correlations and stepwise regression and results indicate personality plays a role in predicting successful pilot performance. The CMAQ, extraversion and block counting measures were positively correlated with facets of performance including decision making in-flight, consistently arriving on-time for lessons, and situational awareness in-flight, respectively. Also, agreeableness predicted a negative relationship with situational awareness in-flight and instructor rating of performance. Based on the results, it is suggested the current selection measure consist of the Five Factor Scale, CMAQ, Block Counting and Rotated Blocks measures and be validated in the future to evaluate reliability