Top performer survey: computerized psychological assessment in aircrew

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering
• Psychological Assessment

Background:

• Assessing aircrew performance is critical for aviation safety and mission success.
• Understanding the psychological and cognitive attributes of high-performing aviators informs training and selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel, anonymous, computerized testing protocol for gathering comprehensive aircrew data.
• To identify personal qualities associated with top-performing F-16 pilots through self-administration and peer ratings.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 29 F-16 pilots completed a computerized test battery including demographics, personality (MMPI-2), cognitive capacity (MAB), and psychiatric history (C-DIS).
• A peer rating survey was incorporated to identify top performers and their key attributes.
• Data were collected anonymously and self-administered in a field location.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrated that aviators could reach consensus on identifying top performers and their essential personal qualities.
• The computerized protocol proved successful in collecting detailed aircrew information within a squadron setting.
• Presented test data offer insights into the characteristics of elite F-16 pilots.

Conclusions:

• The developed computerized battery is an effective tool for collecting aircrew performance-related data in operational environments.
• This methodology facilitates the identification of critical traits contributing to aviator excellence.
• Findings support the utility of integrated psychological and performance assessments in aviation psychology.