The Path to Airline Employment: Flight Experience and Performance in a Full-Mission Flight Simulation

Abstract

Commercial pilots were studied in order to determine whether systematic relationships existed between composition of flight experience and performance deficiencies during a performance evaluation in a flight simulator. Flight experience variables included: (a) multi-engine (ME) time, (b) Part 121/135 time, (c) instrument time, and (d) percentage of flight hours acquired as an instructor. A composite performance measure was generated by summing evaluator ratings across all eight phases of flight and all four task categories. Separate measures were generated from the evaluation rating form for each phase of flight and each task category as well. Errors were most common during the approach, arrival, and holding phases of flight. Errors involving control and navigation were more frequent than errors involving communication or configuration. Correlational methods were used to analyze relationships between experience and overall performance. Only ME and Part 121/135 time contributed significantly to prediction of performance in the simulator ( R = 0.42, p < 0.001). ME and Part 121/135 flight experience were associated with better performance during the arrival and approach phases of flight and with better aircraft control. ME experience was uniquely associated with better performance during the holding phase of flight and with configuration and navigation performance. Part 121/135 experience were uniquely associated with better performance during the takeoff and enroute phases of flight and with superior communication. Implications for pilot selection are discussed.