Personality Theory for Aircrew Selection and Classification

Abstract : Growing acceptance of a taxonomy of personality traits developed by the Air Force in the late 1950s (Tupes and Christal, 1961) has prompted a reexamination of the utility of personality measures for aircrew selection and classification research. Candidate theories are identified and then evaluated according both to general scientific criteria and to specific operational criteria (e.g., Hall and Lindzey, 1978; Imhoff and Levine, 1981). The Five Factor Model (Goldberg, 1990; McCrae and Costa, 1985; Tupes and Christal, 1961) is selected as the most suitable framework for guiding future Air Force research in the personality domain. Example items to measure relevant characteristics are proposed, as are directions for future research. Personality tests, Pilot candidate selection, Undergraduate pilot training.