An analysis of pilot flying performance in terms of component abilities.

Abstract

"Measures of flying proficiency in 24 separate maneuvers were obtained on a sample of student pilots. The intercorrelations among these maneuver performances were subjected to factor analytic study. The interrelationships were best interpreted in terms of ability factors, most of which had been identified previously in laboratory studies of experimental perceptual-motor tasks. The factors were identified as Control Precision, Spatial Orientation, Multilimb Coordination, Response Orientation, Rate Control, and Kinesthetic Discrimination. The results seem to indicate the usefulness of such ability categories in describing complex skills. Similar analyses of the interrelationships among component performance measures of other complex jobs may provide one way of defining the ability requirements underlying proficiency in those jobs." (33 ref.)

The Dimensions of Physical Fitness. A Factor Analysis of Strength Tests

“…This work is an outgrowth of earlier research on the structure of human perceptual-motor abilities (Fleishman, 1953(Fleishman, , 1956a(Fleishman, , 1956b(Fleishman, , 1958a(Fleishman, , 1958bFleishman & Hempel, 1954a, 1954bFleishman & Hempel, 1956;Fleishman & Ornstein, 1960;Parker & Fleishman, 1960).…”

Perceptual-Psychomotor Tests in Aircrew Selection: Historical Review and Advanced Concepts

“…Fleishman and Ornstein (1960) were found in this laboratory analysis of perceptual-psychomotor tests. The kinesthetic discrimination factor found in the analysis of flight maneuvers did not emerge in the laboratory evaluation.…”

“…It was defined as the ability to make adjustments relative to changes in speed or velocity of an object. Fleishman and Ornstein (1960) isolated a similar factor in the analysis of pilot flying performance.…”

“…Briggs, Bahrick, and Fitts (1957) found that force and amplitude cues improved performance on a tracking task but had little or no effect on rate of improvement. Fleishman and Ornstein (1960) found kinesthetic discrimination of the feedback from control manipulation to be important in a number of aircraft maneuvers.…”

Life Stress and Illness Patterns in the US Navy

“…General aspects of military aviation that have been studied included the component abilities required for flying (28), personality profiles of successful and unsuccessful aviators (29,30), general levels of anxiety in normal aircrews (31), physiologic and biochemical responses to the stress of flying (32)(33)(34) and psychopathologic reactions encountered during flight (35). Because this subject population differed significantly from the previously studied enlisted populations along several demographic dimensions, including age, length of service, officer rank, marital status and educational level, it was hypothesized that the civilian scoring system for the SRE would be more effective with The stressful features of combat aviation, which is one of the most complex and hazardous tasks required of naval officers, have been the subject of several previous investigations.…”