Airline Pilots

The Test Solution “Airline Pilots” provides a test battery that can be used to assess a person's psychological suitability for the profession of airline pilots. The focus is on professional airline pilots who fly aircraft (especially in passenger or cargo transport). The Test Solution “Airline Pilots” is designed to be suitable for testing both individuals applying for pilot training and applicants who already have professional experience as airline pilots. Therefore, the selection of test dimensions was based on the guidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA, 2019) and findings from individual empirical studies (Martinussen et al., 2022; ALMamari & Traynor, 2021; Wang et al., 2018; Zierke, 2014; Arendasy et al., 2007) and meta-analyses on the relationship between psychometric test results and flight performance or training success of civil and military Airline Pilots (Breuer et al., 2023; ALMamari et al., 2019; Johnson et al., 2017; Martinussen, 1996; Hunter & Burke, 1994).

To assess the basic cognitive abilities of pilot candidates, IATA (2019) recommends the use of computer-based psychometric tests, with logical reasoning and sustained attention considered important across all levels of experience among applicants. In addition, testing of memory capacity, information processing, and visualization is recommended for experienced and ab initio candidates, among others. The importance of these cognitive dimensions is also supported by a large number of empirical studies. Meta-analyses show that both general (Hunter & Burke, 1994; Martinussen, 1996; ALMamari et al., 2019) and specific cognitive abilities, such as visualization, quantitative ability (Hunter & Burke, 1994; Johnson et al. 2017), information processing (Hunter & Burke, 1994; Martinussen, 1996; Johnson et al., 2017; ALMamari et al., 2019), reaction speed (Hunter & Burke, 1994), and attention (ALMamari et al., 2019) are relevant to the job profile of Airline Pilots. In addition, (sensory and psychomotor) motor skills are central (Hunter & Burke, 1994; Martinussen, 1996; ALMamari et al., 2019; Martinussen et al., 2022).

Working and short-term memory are also important in the selection of Airline Pilots, as Wang et al. (2019) were able to show, for example. In a study by Arendasy et al. (2007), a combination of psychometric tests on logical reasoning, visual-spatial ability, working memory, reactive stress tolerance, and sensomotor coordination achieved a high classification accuracy (89.8%) and high prognostic validity (R = 0.79) in relation to performance in a flight simulator.

In addition to the importance of cognitive abilities, the relevance of personality-related characteristics is also discussed. A recent meta-analysis by Breuer et al. (2023) shows that of the Big Five personality factors, conscientiousness and emotional stability in particular play a role in the selection and training of airline pilots, especially in civil aviation. The importance of these personality traits is also reflected in IATA (2019), which emphasizes the personality aspects of stress resistance and professionalism (e.g., self-discipline, self-organization).

The Test Solution “Airline Pilots” was compiled based on these findings. In accordance with the implementation recommendations for compliance with the legal safety requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (AMC1 CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b) Endangering safety), the Test Solution covers both cognitive performance areas and key personality traits. In addition, it is recommended that technical and social skills be assessed in accordance with the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) – these aspects are not covered by this test battery. The following dimensions are assessed:

• Divided attention (TACO) and eye-hand coordination (2HAND)

• Visual-spatial ability (INT), reactive stress tolerance (DT), logical reasoning & numerical ability (both INT)

• Working memory (SPAN) & sustained attention (TACO)

• Personality: conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, extraversion, and openness (FCB5)

The best available effect sizes in terms of criterion validity were identified for the weightings used to calculate the overall score, taking into account results from validation studies and meta-analyses in the field of training and professional success of airline pilots. The dimensions of divided attention and eye-hand coordination are given the highest weighting in the calculation of the overall score. The second most important dimensions are visual-spatial ability, reactive stress tolerance, logical reasoning, and numerical ability. These are followed by the dimensions of sustained attention and working memory, as well as personality traits (ALMamari et al., 2019; Breuer et al., 2023; Hunter & Burke, 1994; Johnson et al., 2017; Martinussen, 1996; Martinussen et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2018). The table below provides a complete overview of the specific weightings of the individual tests used to calculate the overall score for the Test Solution “Airline Pilots”. Further information on the calculation of the results and its interpretation can be found on the page: Notes on evaluation and interpretation.

Both a standard form and a more time-efficient screening form are available for testing Airline Pilots, which does not require additional hardware and is open-mode capable. The standard form covers a comprehensive range of cognitive and traffic-related personality traits, while the screening form focuses on a few key cognitive dimensions (logical reasoning, visual-spatial ability, and concentration) and basic personality traits. The tests included have been selected to allow for open mode administration. The standard form takes about 102 minutes to complete, while the screening form takes about 37 minutes.

References can be found here: Literature