The Role of Basic Flight Simulators in the Selection of Ab Initio Airline Pilots

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This paper aims at identifying the factors influencing performance in basic flight simulators in the selection of ab initio pilot candidates and to determine the incremental value of these flight simulators in predicting performance in flight training. Background Several factors such as cognitive ability, personality, and demographic information are discussed to be associated with performance in basic flight simulators. Many commercial flight operations tend to refrain from using flight simulators in the selection of ab initio pilot candidates in favor of less expensive test batteries. Method Study 1 uses 4,340 candidates in the selection of major European airlines to investigate the factors influencing performance in the basic flight simulator. Study 2 then uses 1,753 candidates to evaluate the incremental validity of the basic flight simulator in predicting issues in flight training. Results Multiple task ability, gender, and previous flight experience are the strongest predictors of performance in the basic flight simulator. Still, the flight simulator shows significant incremental validity in predicting problems in flight training. Conclusion These findings seem to justify the additional use of a basic flight simulator in the selection of ab initio pilot candidates. Despite a strong correlation with more economical multiple task ability tests, the flight simulator still shows incremental validity in predicting success in flight training.