Aviation and personality: Do measures of personality predict pilot training success? Updated meta-analyses

Abstract

We conducted multilevel random effects meta-analyses to estimate mean effect sizes for 15 personality characteristic groups as predictors of the success of plane and helicopter pilot training. We integrated results from 25 primary studies with a total of 283 effect sizes, including several newer studies that were not previously included in meta-analyses. Pilot training success exhibited small significant positive relationships with conscientiousness and self-confidence and a small negative association with neuroticism. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the moderating effects of four variables. Criterion type was a significant moderator of the relationship between conscientiousness and success, whereas the year of publication did not moderate the association between personality and training success. We descriptively examined two potential moderators: aviation field and personality test type. Limitations with respect to the interpretation of the results and implications for future aviation selection research and practice are discussed with reference to self-report versus objective personality measurement.