A Comparison of Personality Characteristics Between University Aviation Students and Airline Pilots

Abstract

This study represents the first phase of a multiphase project to develop a model for selecting and assessing professional pilot applicants into a university aviation flight program. Using the NEO-PI, the present study compares the personality characteristics of freshmen enrolled in the introductory aviation course with students in a third-year flight courses (persistors), and pilots employed by a major U. S. carrier. Significant differences were found between students in the freshman and junior courses, between make and female students, and between students and the line pilots. Significant correlations were found between grade point averages and scores on the NEO-PI.