On the Relation Between Personality and Job Performance of Airline Pilots

Abstract

The validity of a personality questionnaire for the prediction of job success of airline pilots is compared to validities of a simulator checkflight and of flying experience data. During selection, 274 pilots applying for employment with a European charter airline were examined with a multidimensional personality questionnaire (Temperature Structure Scales; TSS). Additionally, the applicants were graded in a simulator checkflight. On the basis of training records, the pilots were classified as performing at standard or below standard after about 3 years of employment in the hiring company. In a multiple-regression model, this dichotomous criterion for job success can be predicted with 73.8% accuracy through the simulator checkflight and flying experience prior to employment. By adding the personality questionnaire to the regression equation, the number of correct classifications increases to 79.3%. On average, successful pilots score substantially higher on interpersonal scales and lower on emotional scales of the TSS.

Personality types of pilot students: A study of an Australian collegiate aviation program

“…The difference in the Agreeableness scale between the current study and Callister (1999) suggests that the training environment (civil or military) or the different selection criteria could be contributing factors, which calls for further studies. In terms of strong Conscientiousness, this study conforms to some previous studies which suggested higher levels of Conscientiousness (Fitzgibbons et al, 2004;Carretta et al, 2014), highly competitive (Picano, 1991;Callister, 1999) achievement striving (Hormann & Maschke, 1996;Callister, 1999;Lambirth et al, 2009) and highly motivated (Chidester et al, 1991) among the pilot population. Such finding supports the notion that pilot students are aware of the challenges to achieve success in aviation.…”

“…Hormann and Maschke (1996) used Temperament Structure Scales (TSS) and found airline pilots could be characterised by strong factors of sociability, well-balanced selfassertiveness and strong orientation towards actions and activity. Other personality traits included the need for mastery and expressivity along with low scores associated with arrogance and hostility.…”

“…It must be noted that different personality instruments are administered where definitions of personality scales are less conforming to other inventories, although some have evidently surfaced. Notably, pilots are seen to be more emotionally stable (Picano, 1991;Fitzgibbons et al, 2004), highly conscientious (Fitzgibbons et al, 2004;Carretta et al, 2014), highly assertive (Hormann & Maschke, 1996;Callister, 1999;Fitzgibbons et al, 2004), achievement striving (Hormann & Maschke, 1996;Callister, 1999;Lambirth et al, 2009), highly competitive (Picano, 1991;Callister, 1999); tough-minded (Bartram,1995;Callister, 1999) and show elevated levels of extraversion (Ramachandran et al, 1983;Bartram, 1995;Callister, 1999;Dillinger et al, 2003;Hamilton, 2007;Carretta et al, 2014). Within the realms of the MBTI, personality categories of extraversion, sensing, thinking and judging (ESTJ) types have been observed (Roen, 1991;Hamilton, 2007).…”

“…Other survey inventories measuring various pilot performance data have resulted in consistent traits and have concluded that personality interacts with job performance (Lambirth et al, 2009). Performance tasks included check flights (Hormann & Maschke, 1996), emergency command ability (Flin & Slaven, 1996), stress coping strategies (Dillinger et al, 2003), cognitive ability (Carretta et al, 2014), Machiavellianism (Hamilton, 2007) and crew coordination (Chidester et al, 1991). The motivation of these studies was that a specific personality attributing to the success in future flight training could be identified.…”

Personality Profiles of Experienced U.S. Army Aviators Across Mission Platforms

“…The MMPI, MMPI-2, and the MCMI enabled the measurement of traits so findings could be validated by subsequent research. For example, research using instruments such as versions of the MMPI or the MCMI have resulted in descriptions of aviators as being "self-assertive," and "action oriented," with "high achievement needs," and "stable self-identity" (Hormann & Maschke, 1996;Shinar, 1995).…”