Aviation professionals, particularly pilots, are often thought to embody a unique blend of skills and personality traits—the so-called “right stuff.” While cognitive and technical abilities are well-established as essential for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation maintenance technicians, the influence of personality traits on aviation performance is more complex and nuanced.
The “Honeymoon Effect”: Personality’s Delayed Impact
The role of personality in aviation has been likened to a “honeymoon effect” (Helmreich et al., 1986). Studies of airline ground employees revealed that personality assessments did not predict job performance immediately after training but became strongly correlated with success after six months on the job. Similarly, Tracey et al. (2010) observed in the restaurant industry that traits like conscientiousness and extroversion predicted performance only after employees gained experience. These findings suggest that while cognitive and technical skills drive initial success, personality traits grow more influential as aviation professionals adapt to team dynamics and operational demands over time.
Personality in Pilot Selection: Limited Predictive Power
Historically, personality assessments have had a limited role in selecting pilot candidates. Meta-analyses, including Hunter and Burke (1994) and Martinussen (1996), found that personality traits are generally poor predictors of pilot training success, a conclusion echoed by individual studies like Siem (1990) in military flight training. This may be because initial training emphasizes technical and cognitive skills through intensive, individualized instruction, leaving little room for personality to influence outcomes. However, as pilots transition to operational roles within flight crews, personality becomes more significant. For instance, Cooper et al. (1979) reviewed commercial aviation accidents and found that technical skill deficits were rarely the primary cause; instead, breakdowns in communication and workload management—areas tied to interpersonal skills—were far more common.
Counsellor New Westminster, BC
Do you want to enhance personal and spiritual growth, increase personal effectiveness, improve interpersonal relations, strengthen coping styles and adjust to life transitions? The change begins here.
Keith Norris, RTC, MTC is a Counsellor in New Westminster, BC specializing in Therapy for Depression and Anxiety and Couples Counselling. He maintains a Client Centered method to his therapy but will combine other systems to custom fit each Client’s needs.
Personality’s Critical Role in Operational Performance
Research indicates that personality traits play a larger role once pilots are integrated into airline operations. Chidester et al. (1991) linked superior command performance in jet transport aircraft to high scores on instrumental traits, such as task mastery, and low scores on negative traits, like arrogance and hostility. This highlights the importance of interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, and leadership in operational settings, where personality can significantly impact safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
While early training outcomes are primarily driven by cognitive and technical abilities, personality traits become critical in operational settings where teamwork, communication, and leadership are essential. This shift underscores the importance of ongoing assessment and development, ensuring that aviation professionals not only possess the necessary technical expertise but also the interpersonal competencies required for safe and effective flight operations.
References
Chidester, T.R., Helmreich, R.L., Gregorich, S.E., & Geis, C.E. (1991). Pilot personality and crew coordination: Implications for training and selection. The International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 1(1), 25–44.
Cooper, J.E., White, M.D., & Lauber, J.K. (1979). Resource management on the flight deck. NASA Conference Publication 2120, NASA—Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA.
Helmreich, R.L., Wilhelm, J.A., Kello, J.E., Taggart, W.R., & Butler, R.J. (1986). Reinforcement of cockpit management attitudes: Exploring the “Honeymoon Effect.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 57(12), 1198–1200.
Hunter, D.R., & Burke, E.F. (1994). Predicting aircraft pilot-training success: A meta-analysis of published research. The International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 4(4), 297–313.
Martinussen, M. (1996). Psychological measures as predictors of pilot performance: A meta-analytic review. The International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 6(1), 1–20.
Siem, F. (1990). Selection and training of military aviators. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 61(1), 49–53.