An Evaluation of the Utility of AT-SAT for the Placement of New Controllers by Option

Abstract

As a follow-up to the completion of the Concurrent Validation of the Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) test for Tower Controller Hiring (CoVATCH) project, we investigated the utility and fairness of using AT-SAT scores to place Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) applicants into terminal or en route facilities. Generally speaking, controller pay is higher at en route facilities than at most terminal facilities; placement by option thus affects the terms and conditions of employment and therefore is a selection decision within the scope of the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1978). While results of statistical analyses indicated that AT-SAT could be considered a valid tool for use in placement, based on technical considerations only, it was concluded that it should not be used in that way due to lack of utility and potential for adverse impact. The analyses indicated that if AT-SAT were used for placement, while the field training success rate (the proportion of developmentals achieving Certified Professional Controller status at the first field facility) would increase in en route facilities, the success rate would decrease in terminal facilities. Since more positions are available at terminal facilities, the overall success rate across both options would not change substantially and might actually decrease slightly. Furthermore, using AT-SAT to place new ATCSs into en route or terminal facilities might have adverse impact on blacks, Hispanics, and females. If the FAA were to use AT-SAT for placement, the risk of additional adverse impact and pay disparities should be evaluated against the marginal utility of placement in terms of changes in field training success rates.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Accession Number
AD1050296

Entities

People

  • Cristina L. Byrne
  • Dana L. Broach

Organizations

  • Federal Aviation Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Traffic
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Aviation Medicine
  • Employment
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Job Analysis
  • Job Training
  • Management Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Standards
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Training
  • Transportation
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Systems Analysis and Design