The Selection of an Experimental Test Battery for Aviator Cognitive, Psychomotor Abilities and Personal Traits
Abstract
In late 1986, the U.S. Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC) redesigned the Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) course for aviator candidates. The new training is called IERW Multitrack (IERW-MT) and became operative in May 1988. The research problem for the U.S. Army Research Institute Aviation R&D Activity (ARIARDA) was to develop tests and procedures for selecting aviator candidates for one of four helicopters prior to training day 100. ARIARDA simultaneously pursued two avenues of research. On the one hand, available test instruments were considered and evaluated for their potential to discriminate among aviators. On the other hand, groups of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) developed criticality-rated aviator candidate abilities and traits for specific operational helicopters. Extensive literature reviews and liaison with sister services and other agencies were accomplished. Four test instruments were evaluated for use. The underlying abilities, traits, and skills these batteries purported to measure matched the abilities, traits, and skills identified as necessary by the SMEs for each of their helicopters. Upon selection of the subjects contained in the ARIARDA experimental test battery, high-time aviators were given the experimental battery to develop scoring profiles for specific aircraft and to generate the data for the statistical analyses that resulted in the Preliminary Multi-Track Classification Algorithm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA231887
Entities
People
- Gabriel P. Intano
- Ronald J. Lofaro
- William R. Howse
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences