Predictive Validity of Psychometric Assessments in Ab initio Pilot Selection: A Case Study

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the Mollymawk psychometrics test battery used in the selection process for ab initio pilot candidates in an airline. A total of 123 candidates participated in this study. As the criteria for training success, two parameters were used: average ATPL scores and additional required effort by the airline during training for line operation. While ATPL scores correlated with results in Mathematics and Science the amount of additionally required training events correlated with the majority of test parameters from Spatial Orientation and Working Memory. Time Sharing test results correlated with both criteria. The overall results confirmed that utilizing the psychometric assessment in ab initio pilot selection contributed to flight training success.