Problems in air traffic management. II. Prediction of success in air traffic controller school.

An analysis of scores for an extensive battery of. psychological tests administered to a large number of air traffic <.-'On troller (A TC) trainees indicated that such tests can make a useful contribution in the selection of personnel for ATC training. Five test areas which emerged as most predictive of ATC school performance were: abstract reasoning, numerical ability, spatial relations, non-verbal analogies, and a specially designed test of air traffic mntrol problems. The results of previous studies by Brokaw" ' and Trites,.' have demonstrated that an assessment of aptitudes, attitudes, and other personal attributes of air traffic controller trainees can be used to effectively predict (a) school performance measures attained in a basic training course and (b) ratings by supervisors representing on-the-job pP.rformance evaluation of work accomplished at operational facilities one to five years after completion of the basic training course. Both Brokaw's investigation and the five-year follow-up study by Trites were based on data obtained for a sample of subjects who began their training in 1956. In contrast, the present report concerns an experimental testing program involving the more current classes of the Air Traffic Controller School. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) provides for two basic Air Traffic Controller ( ATC) courses at the Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The instruction and training offered in either of the two basic eight-week courses i!i oriented toward qualification for an Air Traffic Control Specialist (A TCS) Certificate. However, the objectives of the courses are different. One provides training relevant to work required of controllers at an Air Route Traffic Control Center and hence is referred to as the Enroute or Center course. The other, designated as the Terminal or Tower course, focuses on training of personnel for terminal or airport tower duties. The student input is programmed so that a new class begins each of the courses every two weeks. Trainees receive instruction in academic subjects directly related to air traffic control and are required to perform laboratory work simulating that which will be experienced after assignment to an operational facility. Participants are selected by FAA Regional Headquarters personnel from eligibility rosters supplied by the United States Civil Service Commission ( CSC). No formal assessment of aptitudes by testing procedures in involved in the CSC screening of applicants or in the FAA's final choice of personnel for training. Instead, selection is based upon previous aeronautical experience, particularly Air Traffic Control, Air Traffic Communications, and/or piloting experience. In most instances, this qualifying experience has been attained while on active duty with one of the military services. The objective of the present study was the determination of the most effective psychological test measures for the prediction of trainingcourse-performance criteria for students in relatively recent classes of the Enroute Controller School. The Brokaw study represented a major