The US Air Force frequently carries out research into the psychological aspects of being a pilot. The results of a survey conducted between September 2009 and April 2011 into what it takes to become a good UAS pilot were presented as a report in May 2011, and have recently been cleared for publication. Here is the ABSTRACT:
Among U.S. Air Force remotely piloted aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper have emerged as critical assets to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and close air support operations. The effective selection of Predator/Reaper pilot training candidates for such aircraft is essential to successful training and operational performance.
However, a profile of “the right stuff” (i.e., cognitive aptitudes, personality traits, and motivation) guiding aeromedical flight screening and selection processes for such pilots does not exist. This study addresses the gap in the literature by formulating such a profile based upon the input of line commanders and subject matter experts (SMEs). A total of 82 SMEs provided input on the psychological attributes perceived as critical to acquisition of Predator/Reaper pilot skills, as well as adaptation to the operational environment.
The researchers analyzed, organized, and integrated the results of SME interviews in to a theoretical, multidimensional profile, which serves as a communication tool between aeromedical leadership and line commanders regarding psychological attributes that should be considered prior to a Predator/Reaper pilot training applicant entering the career field. The profile may also guide aeromedical and personnel assessment and selection procedures, as well as waiver evaluations to reduce attrition, and improve retention in such a high-demand, high-operational aviation career field.
SUMMARY
Recognizing the capabilities of U.S. Air Force (USAF) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the USAF is fully committed to increasing and expanding such operations across theaters of conflict and areas of national interest.
However, there is no clearly established list of inherit psychological attributes identified as critical to pilot training, skill acquisition, and adaptation to such a unique combat-oriented RPA platform. The identification of a core set of psychological attributes is essential to identifying USAF commissioned officers who are aeromedically suitable for RPA operations and who are likely to thrive in such a unique and critical role.
Military flying in support of combat and/or humanitarian missions is an extraordinary profession requiring a special set of traits and talents. It is perceived by many that those who desire to become military pilots possess high levels of courage, self-discipline, aggressiveness, self-confidence, and a strong interest in high-risk activities. These traits are believed to accompany a superior level of intelligence, dexterity, coordination, and reflexes that are combined with a strong motivation to fly. This particular picture of a pilot has been portrayed in novels as well as films (e.g., “The Right Stuff” and “Top Gun”) and is a common perception among military leadership and civilians.
Having an accurate assessment of the cognitive aptitudes and personality traits of USAF pilots is important to aeromedical providers tasked with evaluating rated pilots and training applicants and making decisions about whether such persons are aeromedically suitable to pursue such a challenging and high-risk occupation. However, our current understanding of the psychological attributes (i.e., cognitive aptitudes and personality traits) considered critical to performance is based upon pilots in manned airframes. At the present time, our understanding of such traits and attributes among pilots of unmanned airframes is very limited.
A psychological profile that explicates cognitive abilities, personality traits, and motivation that distinguish MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots from pilots of manned aircraft would serve as a powerful tool for identifying training candidates and incumbents likely to thrive in such a unique and challenging occupation. The purpose of this study is to: (a) elicit the input of USAF subject matter experts (SMEs) (e.g., line commanders, pilots) from active duty training and operational squadrons and (b) systematically organize their input into a comprehensive, multidimensional list of psychological attributes considered important or critical to MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilot performance.
CONCLUSION
MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilot duties are considered to be in a high-risk, high-demand, aviation-related position and pivotal to successful force protection, reconnaissance, and precision-strike operations. Based upon the results of interviews with SMEs, there are multiple cognitive aptitudes, personality traits, and motivational issues that influence performance. No one single domain (e.g., cognitive functioning) is considered sufficient for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and adaption to operational demands.
It is also important to note there appears to be an overlap in the psychological attributes perceived by SMES as critical to performance in other sensitive, high-risk military positions. An assessment and selection programme selecting out RPA pilot applicants who are not suitable for the position may be centred on the critical attributes reported by SMEs and theoretically organized in this study.
Such a template provides a frame of reference for the selection of tests, measures, and structured interviews for aeromedical evaluations and the development of a Predator/Reaper pilot assessment and selection programme. Equally as important, the findings of this study may serve as a valuable tool for medical personnel communicating with SMEs and operational CCs regarding the demands and requirements for successful completion of training and working in an operational RPA environment.
The full report is availabl from TIME here.