Pilot Selection Research Gaps: What We Do and Don't Know About "The Right Stuff"

Abstract

Ever since the commencement of high-powered flight, pilot selection has been a crucial process within military, general, and commercial aviation. Through effective pilot selection, individuals with the necessary aptitudes, or "the right stuff" to get through a training program and successfully perform the job, can be chosen. There is a range of different aptitudes that have been shown through research to correlate with effective pilot performance. However, there is currently not a comprehensive understanding of the aptitudes, including both cognitive abilities and psychological attributes, necessary not only for effective pilot performance but also for a successful career as an aviator. This paper provides an overview of the history of pilot selection and reviews pilot selection research that has examined cognitive abilities, personality traits, and other skills as predictors of pilot performance. Further, we discuss the reliability and predictive validities of pilot selection batteries aimed at measuring these traits. Finally, we identify gaps in the research and provide a roadmap for future research designed to identify "the right stuff," and how we can both select for, and where possible, train individuals for a successful career as an aviator.

Authors

• Scott, Tomas C. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Carroll, Meredith, Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• pilot selection
• aptitude
• personality
• psychological assessments
• pilot training
• human factors
• safety.
• Advanced Air Mobility
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Human Factors Psychology