Showing papers in "The International Journal of Aviation Psychology in 1996"
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of full-scale evacuation simulations were performed in which the cabin design was systematically varied and which offered financial incentives to motivate volunteers to compete, and a number of similar evacuations without the financial incentive were carried out to simulate evacuations performed in less life-threatening circumstances.
Abstract: Evidence from aircraft accident investigations suggests that the behavior of the passengers during the course of an emergency evacuation can have a dramatic effect on their survival chances. In some cases, the design of the cabin interior has been cited as a mitigating factor in delayed cabin egress. The research described in this article formed the first stage of a longitudinal program of research designed to address these concerns and to identify means by which emergency evacuations may be optimized. A series of full-scale evacuation simulations were performed in which the cabin design was systematically varied and which offered financial incentives to motivate volunteers to compete. Additionally, a number of similar evacuations without the financial incentive were carried out to simulate evacuations performed in less life-threatening circumstances. The results revealed that blockages adjacent to the exits were more likely to occur when space was at a minimum, although serious blockages occurred only wh...
144 citations
TL;DR: Flying experience measured in number of F-15 hours was the best predictor of SA, and the measures of general cognitive ability based on working memory, spatial reasoning, and divided attention were found to be predictive of SA.
Abstract: Situational awareness (SA) is a skill often deemed essential to pilot performance in both combat and noncombat flying. A study was conducted to determine if SA in U.S. Air Force F-15 pilots could be predicted. The participants were 171 active duty F-15 AIC pilots who completed a test battery representative of various psychological constructs proposed or demonstrated to be valid for the prediction of performance in a wide variety of military and civilian jobs. These predictors encompassed measures of cognitive ability, psychomotor ability, and personality. Supervisor and peer ratings of SA were collected. Supervisors and peers showed substantial agreement on the SA ratings of the pilots. The first unrotated principle component extracted from the supervisor and peer ratings accounted for 92.5% of the variability of ratings. The unrotated first principal component served as the SA criterion. Flying experience measured in number of F-15 hours was the best predictor of SA. After controlling for the effects of ...
104 citations
TL;DR: Two experiments are reported that contrast rotating versus fixed electronic map displays, which pilots used for a simulated approach to a landing, and the costs and benefits of presenting information in 3D, ego-referenced format for both flight path control and terrain awareness.
Abstract: Two experiments are reported that contrast rotating versus fixed electronic map displays, which pilots used for a simulated approach to a landing. In Experiment 1, a rotating versus fixed-map display was experimentally crossed with a two-dimensional (2D) versus three-dimensional (3D) view (perspective map) as pilots' ability to maintain the flight path and demonstrate awareness of the location of surrounding terrain features were assessed. Rotating displays supported better flight path guidance and did not substantially harm performance on terrain awareness tasks. 3D displays led lo a substantial cost for vertical control hut did not differ from 2D displays in lateral control. In Experiment 2, pilots flew with the rotating 2D display and with an improved version of the rotating 3D display, designed to reduce the ambiguity of representing altitude information. Vertical control improved as a result of the 3D display design improvement, hut lateral control did not. The results are discussed in terms of the c...
93 citations
TL;DR: The analysis indicated that moderators might be operating for all test categories except academics, and the effect of several moderators were examined.
Abstract: The purposes of this study were to review the validity evidence for psychological measures used in pilot selection and to detect possible moderators for the relationship between predictors and pilot performance. A total of 66 independent samples from 50 studies were located and included in the meta-analysis. The best predictors of pilot performance were previous training experience (.30) and combined indexes, a combination of several cognitive and/or psychomotor tests (.37). The next best predictors were tests measuring cognitive (.24) and psychomotor/information-processing abilities (.24), as well as aviation information (.24) and biographical inventories (.23). The personality, intelligence, and academic tests yielded lowest mean validities (.14, .16, and .15, respectively). The analysis indicated that moderators might be operating for all test categories except academics, and the effect of several moderators were examined.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted three empirical studies: a review of National Transportation Safety Board aircraft accident reports, an empirical study of Aviation Safety Reporting System aircraft incident reports, and a simulator experiment.
Abstract: Cockpit task management (CTM) is the management level activity pilots perform as they initiate, monitor, prioritize, and terminate cockpit tasks. To better understand the nature and significance of this process, we conducted 3 empirical studies: a review of National Transportation Safety Board aircraft accident reports, a review of Aviation Safety Reporting System aircraft incident reports, and a simulator experiment. In the accident report study, we determined that CTM errors occurred in 76 (23%) of the 324 accidents we reviewed. We found CTM errors in 231 (49%) of the 470 incident reports we reviewed. In the simulator study, we found that CTM performance was inversely related to workload. We conclude that CTM is significant to flight safety and recommend that this realization be reflected in pilot training, in cockpit procedures, and in research to develop pilot aiding systems.
84 citations
TL;DR: On average, successful pilots score substantially higher on interpersonal scales and lower on emotional scales of the TSS, and this dichotomous criterion for job success can be predicted with 73.8% accuracy through the simulator checkflight and flying experience prior to employment.
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 (Temperament Structure Scales; TSS). Additionally, the applicants were graded in a simulator checkflight. On the basis of training records, the pilots were classified as performing either 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 emotion...
71 citations
TL;DR: An experiment to measure and compare the acquisition time for capturing visual targets under two conditions: standard head-down Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System display and three-dimensional (3-D) audio traffic alert and collision avoidance presentation showed a significant difference in target acquisition time between the two conditions.
Abstract: The advantage of a head-up auditory display for situational awareness was evaluated in an experiment designed to measure and compare the acquisition time for capturing visual targets under two conditions: standard headdown Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) display and three-dimensional (3-D) audio TCAS presentation. (The technology used for 3-D audio presentation allows a stereo headphone user to potentially localize a sound at any externalized position in 3-D auditory space). Ten commercial airline crews were tested under full-mission simulation conditions at the NASA-Ames Crew-Vehicle Systems Research Facility Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator. Scenario software generated targets corresponding to aircraft that activated a 3-D aural advisory (the head-up auditory condition) or a standard, visual-audio TCAS advisory (map display with monaural audio alert). Results showed a significant difference in target acquisition time between the two conditions, favoring the 3-D audio TCAS condition...
60 citations
TL;DR: In comparative analyses, g was found to be a better predictor of pilot criteria than specific abilities, however, some specific abilities or measures of job knowledge were found to increment the predictiveness of g.
Abstract: The role of general cognitive ability (g) in the selection of military pilots is discussed. Four seminal issues that threaten the interpretation of the results of ability studies are introduced and examined. A brief history of the use of g in pilot selection is presented, going back to the World War I era. At that time, many countries used tests such as perception and reaction time, later shown to be mostly measures of g. The World War II era brought the age of the multiple aptitude batteries, and with it, the theory of differential abilities. However, most militaries still used highly g-saturated measures. More recently, an awareness of the prominence of g in job performance has led to a series of studies that showed the central role of g in predicting pilot success. In comparative analyses, g was found to be a better predictor of pilot criteria than specific abilities. However, some specific abilities or measures of job knowledge were found to increment the predictiveness of g. Several selection variabl...
55 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that the vast majority of pilot selection batteries predict training performance rather than operational performance, and the batteries have low correlations between the predictors and the criterion.
Abstract: This article presents a critical examination of pilot selection batteries. The first part of the article focuses on two problems. First, the vast majority of pilot selection batteries predict training performance rather than operational performance; second, the batteries have low correlations between the predictors and the criterion. The second part of the article examines why these two problems occur. Last, a number of suggestions for improving the predictive validity of the selection batteries are offered.
54 citations
TL;DR: The reasons for the reluctance of the flight attendant to come forward with information, such as self-doubt about the accuracy or importance of the information, fear of dismissal or rebuke by the pilots, and misunderstanding of the sterile cockpit rule are explored.
Abstract: In a previous article (Chute & Wiener. 1995), we explored the coordination between the "two cultures" in an airliner's crew: cockpit and cabin. In this article, we discuss a particular problem: the dilemma facing the cabin crew when they feel that they have safety-critical information and must decide whether to take it to the cockpit. We explore the reasons for the reluctance of the flight attendant to come forward with the information, such as self-doubt about the accuracy or importance of the information, fear of dismissal or rebuke by the pilots, and misunderstanding of the sterile cockpit rule. Insight into crew attitudes was based on our examination of accident and incident reports and data from questionnaires submitted by pilots and flight attendants at two airlines. The results show confusion and disagreement about what is permissible to fake lo the cockpit when it is sterile, as well as imbalances in authority and operational knowledge. Possible remedies are proposed.
43 citations
TL;DR: Both amphetamine treatments decreased subjective sleepiness during the night and tended to increase subjective sleep latencies during a post-testing sleep period.
Abstract: We examined the effects of both 5- and 10-mg/70 kg body weight of d-methamphetamine HCI on high event rate vigilance and tracking performance in a 13.5-hr sustained-performance session during one night of sleep loss. At 01 16 hours, participants were administered either a 5 mgl70 kg oral dose of d-methamphetamine (n = lo), 10 mgl70 kg d-methamphetamine (n = lo), or a placebo (n = 10) using standard double-blind procedures. Performance on all measures degraded markedly during the night in the placebo group. Both the 5- and 10-mg methamphetamines treatment reversed an initial decline in d', and reversed increases in nonresponses (lapses) and tracking error within approximately 3 hr of administration. No evidence that amphetamine treatment increased impulsive responding (fast guesses) was observed. The magnitude of the performance effects of the methamphetamine treatments was similar at 3 hr postadministration. However, the effects of the 5-mg dose were shorter-lived, disappearing by the last testing session...
TL;DR: This review provides an historical perspective of the use of psychomotor, perceptual--cognitive paper-and-pencil, and automated tests for the selection of pilot trainees by the U.S. military services.
Abstract: This review provides an historical perspective of the use of psychomotor, perceptual-cognitive paper-and-pencil, and automated tests for the selection of pilot trainees by the U.S. military services. Automated versions of vintage psychomotor tests (developed in the 1930s and 1940s) seem to be as predictive of military pilot/aviator performance today as in the past. The psychomotor tests receiving the most attention today are the Complex Coordination and Two-Hand Coordination tests originally developed by Mashburn and colleges before World War II (Mashburn, 1934). These tests were significant predictors of Air Force and Navy pass-fail criteria in the past, and automated versions are similarly predictive today. The U.S. Army and Air Force are now using a combination of paper-and-pencil and automated psychomotor-cognitive tests for initial selection (Air Force) or helicopter assignment (Army). It appears that the Navy is considering the use of automated cognitive and psychomotor tests in a selection battery ...
TL;DR: Analysis of the overlap of the response distributions from different age groups suggested that age alone was not a definitive discriminator of an individual's time-sharing skill.
Abstract: Age and expertise effects on time-sharing performance were examined. Pilots were considered to have an expertise in time-sharing because of their cockpit experience. Ninety pilots and nonpilots performed a battery of cognitive tasks that represented different aspects of piloting. The results revealed that time-sharing performance was age sensitive. However, expertise appeared to have some moderating influence on the age effects. Further, analysis of the overlap of the response distributions from different age groups suggested that age alone was not a definitive discriminator of an individual's time-sharing skill.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the validation of the Cathay Pacific ab initio, second (SIO) and first officer (FIO) pilot recruitment systems, using performance ratings from operational base and line checks as criteria for the S/O and F/O entrants, and grading and training outcome as criteria, and good levels of prediction are found for the AB initio training course.
Abstract: This article reports the validation of the Cathay Pacific ab initio, second (SIO) and first officer (FIO) pilot recruitment systems, using performance ratings from operational base and line checks as criteria for the S/O and F/O entrants, and grading and training outcome as criteria for the ab initio entrants. Good levels of prediction are found for the ab initio training course. Higher levels of prediction are found for operational criteria for the S/Os than for the F/Os. However, both the S/O and F/O groups are performing to the predefined "company standard." The pattern of results is discussed in relation to Smith's (1994) theory on the validity of predictors in selection.
TL;DR: In this paper, a pilot selection database is used to demonstrate that the ranking of pilot training applicants is nearly identical for both linear and logistic regression methods and that both methods would select the same applicants.
Abstract: Selecting individuals for pilot training is typically accomplished by determining what human characteristics are predictive of training success using ordinary linear regression. Frequently, however. the measure of success is passing or failing training. Some critics suggest that ordinary linear regression is inappropriate for such a dichotomous criterion and recommend using logistic regression. For the practitioner the question becomes: "Will it make a difference in who is selected for pilot training?" A pilot selection database is used to demonstrate that the ranking of pilot training applicants is nearly identical for both methods. The rank correlations between the methods was .9967. Therefore, both linear and logistic regression would select the same applicants. Other considerations favoring the use of linear regression are discussed.
TL;DR: An experiment to assess visual target detection performance using a helmet-mounted display (HMD) and a conventional flight simulation dome display indicated significantly superior performance in the conventional dome display.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to assess visual target detection performance using a helmet-mounted display (HMD) and a conventional flight simulation dome display. Measures of workload and mood were also obtained. Participants in both viewing conditions scanned an area 120" vertical by 240" horizontal while attempting to locate targets that appeared to be approaching them from one of a possible 18 locations. Results indicated significantly superior performance in the conventional dome display. Workload and mood measures also showed a significant advantage for the dome display. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the design and use of HMD systems as components of airborne virtual environment interfaces.
TL;DR: This article reviews contemporary trends in the psychological testing of pilots in the particular context of draft European Joint Aviation Authorities licensing proposals which, in certain circumstances, envisage psychological testing for pilot licensing purposes.
Abstract: This article reviews contemporary trends in the psychological testing of pilots. It is written in the particular context of draft European Joint Aviation Authorities licensing proposals which, in certain circumstances, envisage psychological testing for pilot licensing purposes. The article aims to clarify issues relating to the validity, reliability, and value of pilot psychological testing in this particular context. It is first suggested that the entire domain is characterized by terminological and methodological confusion. The economic and other benefits of psychological testing are contrasted with the potential risks, including abuse and the use of tests in circumstances for which they were never designed. Reference also is made to cultural differences that potentially may impact on the practical realities of psychological testing—especially within the European context, where the debate is presently at its most intense.
TL;DR: In this paper, a national postal survey was undertaken utilizing a highly stressed occupational group, air traffic controllers, and 217 respondents returned questionnaires on Type A behavior pattern and health problems.
Abstract: A national postal survey was undertaken utilizing a highly stressed occupational group, air traffic controllers. Of the 400 randomly selected Canadian controllers, 217 returned questionnaires on Type A behavior pattern and health problems. In multiple regression analyses, the incidence of health problems was predicted by specific personality traits associated with Type A behavior pattern (e.g., time urgency, job dissatisfaction, and volatility). A global measure of Type A behavior pattern alone was not found to be a useful predictor in the regression analyses. Specific personality characteristics were also better predictors of the incidence of illness than well-known risk factors, such as diet, weight, and family history of illness. The interpretation of these results is qualified by noting that correlations between variables alone do not provide sufficient evidence for causation (but nonetheless are a necessary precondition).
TL;DR: Examination of the influence of operational factors on the perceived structure of real-world scenes viewed during low-altitude flight revealed differences in perceived environmental structure for pilots assigned to different types of jet-fighter aircraft.
Abstract: Previous research indicates that pilots of most jet-fighter aircraft attend to similar elements of the natural flight environment when flying at low altitudes. However, some evidence suggests that differences may exist for pilots of certain specific types of aircraft. The present experiment examined the influence of operational factors on the perceived structure of real-world scenes viewed during low-altitude flight. Multidimensional scaling analyses with stimuli consisting of videotape segments of low-altitude flight over a variety of real-world terrains revealed differences in perceived environmental structure for pilots assigned to different types of jet-fighter aircraft. These results provide evidence that perceptual learning evolves differently under different operational conditions and suggests that training programs should be designed to reflect those differences.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors tested near-threshold recognition performance throughout the visual field, examined the effect of the recognition task on a concurrent attitude tracking task, and tested whether individuals' nearthreshold performance would predict their dual-task performance.
Abstract: Two experiments tested near-threshold recognition performance throughout the visual field, examined the effect of the recognition task on a concurrent attitude tracking task, and tested whether individuals' near-threshold performance would predict their dual-task performance. In Experiment 1, an adaptive procedure measured the minimum viewing duration necessary for 75% performance in an aircraft classification task at various nonfoveal locations. Participants' critical tracking ability was also assessed using a central attitude display. Recognition deteriorated with eccentricity, and a wide distribution of recognition and tracking abilities was found. Experiment 2 combined the tasks; recognition was designated the primary task. Dual-task measures included the change in recognition accuracy and the increase in tracking error. Individuals' recognition thresholds (Experiment I) failed to predict their dual-task tracking performance (Experiment 2). Notably, viewers' critical tracking ability predicted their s...
TL;DR: The effects of low blood-alcohol levels on pilot performance have been found to be surprisingly inconsistent, given the variety of cognitive, attentional, and motor coordination processes involved in piloting tasks and the presumed susceptibility of these processes to alcohol as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The effects of low blood-alcohol levels on pilot performance have been found to be surprisingly inconsistent, given the variety of cognitive, attentional, and motor coordination processes involved in piloting tasks and the presumed susceptibility of these processes to alcohol. Discussed in this article are a number of methodological issues that are relevant to research in this area, including task and subject characteristics, compensation for alcohol effects, and experimental design procedure considerations. Such factors may complicate attempts to determine the relationship between blood-alcohol levels and pilot performance and lead to an underestimation of alcohol effects.
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