Motivation and Resolve of U.S. Air Force Pilot Candidates

Abstract

Prior to beginning U.S. Air Force pilot training, individuals complete neuropsychological testing to assess ability and stability of pilot candidates. Until recently, motivation and resolve have not been formally assessed during Medical Flight Screening. Pertinent research on motivation and resolve related to military aviation is reviewed. Novel measures of motivation and resolve were developed and administered to 720 U.S. Air Force pilot candidates, revealing higher intrinsic than extrinsic motivation to become pilots, as well as high amounts of resolve to pursue a military career in aviation. Those candidates slotted for manned versus unmanned aircrafts were compared, revealing similar amounts of motivation and resolve. However, manned aircraft pilot candidates were found to be slightly more intrinsically motivated and have slightly more resolve as it relates to their consistent diligence in their efforts to fly.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 2017
Accession Number
AD1036910

Entities

People

  • Jared T. Haynes
  • Rebecca Walsh
  • Ryan P. Peirson
  • Teg W. Mcbride

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircrafts
  • Flight Training
  • Information Processing
  • Instructors
  • Military Aviation
  • Military Pilots
  • Motivation
  • Pilots
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Students
  • Training
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Video Games

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Naval Personnel Management
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy