On the Relationship Between Personality and Job Performance of Airline Pilots

Abstract

The validities of a personality questionnaire for the prediction of job success of airline pilots is compared to validities of a simula- tor 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 (TSS - Temperament-Structure-Scales). Additionally, the applicants were graded in a simulator checkflight. On the basis of training records, the pilots were classified as performing either standard or below standard about three years after 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 the average successful pilots score substantially higher on the interpersonal scales and lower on emotional scales of the TSS.