Psychological Pilot Selection in the U.S. Air Force, the Luftwaffe, and the German Aerospace Research Establishment.
Abstract
As financial resources for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the German Luftwaffe (LW) dwindle, reducing attrition from military aviation training becomes vital. Finding the optimal mixture of applicant personality, stamina, and psychomotor skills for aviation is a goal as complicated as it is elusive. This paper compares the USAF, LW and German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) pilot selection programs. The LW and DLR utilize a sequential psychological selection system including apparatus tests, psychological interviews and behavioral observations, while in the USAF psychological selection does not play an important role. Instead, medical standards, flight screening, and training attrition are used as USAF selection criteria. However, a new USAF program, Neuropsychiatrically Enhanced Flight Screening (N-EFS) will examine the personality characteristics of pilot applicants for further study. The USAF and LW could learn from the strengths and weaknesses of their respective selection programs. The opportunity for cooperative research is even greater, considering that the USAF and LW pilot students share common jet pilot training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293779
Entities
People
- Christopher F. Flynn
- Monika Gnan
- Raymond E. King
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine