Among U.S. Air Force remotely piloted aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper have emerged as critical assets to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and close air support operations. The effective selection of Predator/Reaper pilot training candidates for such aircraft is essential to successful training and operational performance. However, a profile of "the right stuff" (i.e., cognitive aptitudes, personality traits, and motivation) guiding aeromedical flight screening and selection processes for such pilots does not exist. This study addresses the gap in the literature by formulating such a profile based upon the input of line commanders and subject matter experts (SMEs). A total of 82 SMEs provided input on the psychological attributes perceived as critical to acquisition of Predator/Reaper pilot skills, as well as adaptation to the operational environment. The researchers analyzed, organized, and integrated the results of SME interviews in to a theoretical, multidimensional profile, which serves as a communication tool between aeromedical leadership and line commanders regarding psychological attributes that should be considered prior to a Predator/Reaper pilot training applicant entering the career field. The profile may also guide aeromedical and personnel assessment and selection procedures, as well as waiver evaluations to reduce attrition, and improve retention in such a high-demand, high-operational aviation career field. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Remotely piloted aircraft, pilot selection, cognitive aptitude, critical psychological attributes 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT SAR 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 43 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON

This report is published in the interest of scientific and technical information exchange, and its publication does not constitute the Government's approval or disapproval of its ideas or findings.

The goal of this study is to repeat a survey administered in 2010 to assess for changes in mental health among United States Air Force aircrew operating Predator/Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, also commonly referred to as "drones." Participants were assessed for self-reported sources of occupational stress, levels of clinical distress using the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist-Military Version. A total of 1,094 aircrew responded to the web-based survey composed of the commercially available standardized instruments mentioned above. The survey also contained nonstandardized items asking participants to report the main sources of their occupational stress, as well as questions addressing demographics and work-related characteristics. The estimated response rate to the survey was 49%. Study results reveal the most problematic self-reported stressors are operational: low manning, extra duties/administrative tasks, rotating shift work, and long hours. The results also reveal 10.72% of operators self-reported experiencing high levels of distress and 1.57% reported high levels of PTSD symptomology. The results are lower than findings from the 2010 survey and from soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Implications of the study and recommendations for United States Air Force line leadership and mental health providers are discussed.

This report is published in the interest of scientific and technical information exchange, and its publication does not constitute the Government's approval or disapproval of its ideas or findings.