US Air Force Pilot Selection and Training Methods

Abstract

US Air Force (USAF) pilot selection and training procedures have changed substantially in the last several years. Pilot selection procedures were augmented with the introduction of computer-based testing to assess pilot aptitude. Training procedures have changed in an effort to modernize the training fleet and provide better, more specialized training earlier in the training process. Results: Despite several studies showing the utility of USAF pilot aptitude tests for predicting training performance, results of a recent policy capturing study suggest that this information is often ignored by pilot candidate selection boards. The two largest sources of USAF pilot trainees relied heavily on measures of officership when making selection decisions. Cumulative research findings suggest that USAF pilot selection decisions could be improved by making better use of currently available personnel attribute data. Further improvements could be expected from the addition of a structured selection interview and measures of personality.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA430320

Entities

People

  • Thomas R. Carretta

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Aircrafts
  • Attrition
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Flight Instruments
  • Flight Training
  • Military Pilots
  • Military Science
  • Pilots
  • Reserve Officer Training Corps
  • Students
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Trainees
  • Training

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.