PROBLEMS IN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. VII. JOB AND TRAINING PERFORMANCE OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS--MEASUREMENT, STRUCTURE, AND PREDICTION,

Abstract : A statistical study of training- and job-performance measures of several hundred Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) representing Enroute, Terminal, and Flight Service Station specialties revealed that training-performance measures reflected: (1) performance in the training laboratories; (2) academic performance; and (3) instructors' opinions. In the job-performance area, supervisors seemed to be evaluating (1) overall performance of an ATCS; (2) his interpersonal orientation; (3) job orientation; (4) job potential; (5) job performance; and (6) emotional stability. By examining the practicability of the job-performance measures by training performance, aptitude tests, previous job-relevant experience, and demographic characteristics, evidence was elicited that: (1) the ATCS specialties differ in the characteristics required for job performance; (2) Terminal supervisors more consistently evaluate their ATCS in comparison with Enroute supervisors; (3) opinions of the ATCS training-course instructors are the best predictors of subsequent job performance; and (4) aptitude tests, previous job-relevant experience, and age at entry into training are related to job performance but not at very high levels. (Author)