Study on mental attributes of aged test pilots

Abstract

Mental ability will decline by ageing while the experience accumulating. It is important to study the mental attributes of aged test pilots in order to maximum professional span and ensure flight safety. Methods A total of 35 experts including test pilots and aircraft design engineers were interviewed on the issues of the mental ability of aged test pilots through completing a questionnaire about the issue. A battery of mental ability test and 16PF were used to examine 37 test pilots who were divided into three age groups (age above 45 year, n = 16) and control group (age below 45 year, n = 21). Results Most important mental attributes of older test pilots were related to professional spirits, flying expertise (judgment) and personality. The firstly aging abilities were cognition and psychomotor ones. Scores of Detecting special graph, Distinguishing direction and Distracted listening were lower than those of control group (P < 0.05), which were negatively correlated to age (r = −0.335, −0.411, −0.409, P < 0.05). Conclusion Mental abilities related to reaction speed decline earlier. Although the expertise may compensate for the decline, routine aptitude test will benefit the increasing need for test pilot and aviation safety.