The Relationship between Personality and Irrational Judgment in Civil Pilots

Abstract

The construct validity of five “hazardous thought patterns” that are hypothesized to mediate pilot judgment was examined in a sample of 35 civil pilots using a self-assessment inventory developed in previous FAA research. A significant relationship was observed between three of the hazardous thought patterns and scores on both the 16PF integration/self-concept control scale and the Rotter locus of control scale. No relationship to 16PF impulsivity or superego strength was noted. The implications for pilot training and certification are discussed.