Some personality and aptitude characteristics of air traffic control specialist trainees

This study examined the interrelations of personality traits, aptitude test scores, and job performance self-expectations as predictors of success in the FAA Academy screening program of prospective air traffic controllers. Based on the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), men and women Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) trainees exhibited less anxiety and anger than normative groups of college students and Navy recruits. ATCS pass rates for 1,284 entrants were lower within each aptitude test score level for the subjects with anxiety or anger scores above the normative levels. Analyses indicated significant relationships between self-expectations of future job performance and both anxiety and aptitude test scores. Personality factors were found to affect the predictive validity of the primary test used for determining a student's aptitude for learning air traffic control principles and procedures.