ABSTRACT

Objective: The present study examined the predictive validity of a widely used pilot selection test known as COMPASS, in terms of its ability to distinguish between candidates and predict individuals’ aptitude for flying.

Background: The Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System, more commonly known as COMPASS is a widely used selection test for ab-initio pilots. However, a literature search failed to uncover any research examining its predictive validity.

Method: Thirty-five trainee pilots completed COMPASS, along with a simulated flight on a computer-based flight simulator to obtain an objective flight performance measure. Hours to flying milestones, including first solo and Recreational Pilot License, along with more subjective measures such as performance ratings by flying instructors were also compared to COMPASS. Twenty non-pilots also completed COMPASS.

Results: The results revealed COMPASS to be effective in distinguishing between trainee pilots and non-pilots. However, there was no relationship between COMPASS scores and the various flight performance measures.

Conclusion: These results should aid decision-makers when considering the viability of pilot selection tests, and reiterate the importance of using multiple methods/tools when attempting to select appropriate candidates for a specific role.

摘要

目的：本研究检验了一种广泛使用的飞行员选择测试（称为 COMPASS）的预测有效性，该测试在区分候选人和预测个人飞行能力方面的能力。

背景：计算机化飞行员资质筛选系统，通常称为 COMPASS，是一种广泛使用的从头开始的飞行员选拔测试。然而，文献检索未能发现任何检验其预测有效性的研究。

方法： 35 名实习飞行员完成了 COMPASS，同时在基于计算机的飞行模拟器上进行了模拟飞行，以获得客观的飞行性能测量。飞行里程碑的小时数，包括首次单飞和休闲飞行员执照，以及更主观的衡量标准，如飞行教员的表现评级，也与 COMPASS 进行了比较。20 名非飞行员也完成了 COMPASS。

结果：结果显示 COMPASS 可有效区分受训飞行员和非飞行员。然而，COMPASS 分数与各种飞行性能指标之间没有关系。

结论：在考虑飞行员选择测试的可行性时，这些结果应该有助于决策者，并重申在尝试为特定角色选择合适的候选人时使用多种方法/工具的重要性。