Personality (and Psychopathology) Assessment in the Selection of Pilots

Abstract

The assessment of personality when selecting flying personnel is a frequently misunderstood endeavor. This article conceptualizes the task as a two-step process composed of discrete activities: select-in, which uses psychological testing and other methods to measure traits that have been deemed desirable during a job task analysis, and select-out, which is a medical undertaking that is actually an assessment of psychopathology rather than strictly an assessment of personality. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 presents special challenges in U.S. civil aviation. Issues of response inflation and its mitigation are also considered. The unique challenges of personality disorders, particularly as an individual transitions from the military to the civil sector, are explored. Finally, an integrative approach, with one practitioner combining select-in and select-out methods, is discussed, as are the legal pitfalls of such an approach.

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Corrigenda

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The helpful suggestions offered by the two anonymous reviewers and Dr. Diane Damos and Dr. Carol Manning on earlier versions of the article are gratefully acknowledged. The general support of Mr. Ronald Riegle and the rest of the “dream team” (Dr. Paul Retzlaff, Dr. Mark Teachout, Dr. Malcolm James Ree, and Ms. Erica Barto) is also gratefully acknowledged. Finally, the editorial assistance of Elaine ‘Sandy’ Kawano was invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Distribution A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Case Number: 88ABW-2012–2212, 13 April 2012.