Personality types among experienced military pilots

Three distinct personality subtypes were empirically identified in a sample of 170 experienced U.S. Army pilots, using a new measure of personality developed for use in occupational settings. The subtypes are similar to those previously derived in a sample of military aviation trainees. No significant differences across the clusters were found for the types of missions flown, years of aviation or military service, or number of flight hours. A significantly greater number of instructor pilots was found among a cluster which comprised the smallest percentage of pilots in the sample. Overall, the results support the notion that no one type of personality is a prerequisite for success in military aeronautics, and highlight the need for additional studies of personality type in military and commercial aviation, using more sophisticated measures of aeronautical adaptability.