Important and Critical Psychological Attributes of USAF MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Pilots According to Subject Matter Experts

Abstract

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

An analysis of post-traumatic stress symptoms in United States Air Force drone operators

“…This is particularly concerning for a military population expected to be fully alert and well rested ready prior to each mission. This finding of common sleep disturbance raises concern regarding increased risk for problems with attention, learning, memory, and higher order cognitive processes (i.e., reasoning and decision making) (Ahrberg, Dresler, Niedermaier, Steiger, & Genzel, 2012;Eschenko & Sara, 2008) that are deemed critical to the performance of USAF MQ-1 Predator/MQ-9 Reaper drone operators Chappelle, McDonald, & McMillan, 2011a). Such sleep related difficulties are also known to lead to decreased frustration tolerance, and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety (Killgore, 2010) that negatively affect daily performance.…”

Personality Test Scores that Distinguish U.S. Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft Drone Pilot Training Candidates

“…However, UPT pilot training candidates who were reassigned to RPA pilot training appear to be different from both other groups of pilot training candidates regarding personality traits (such as deliberation or thinking carefully before acting) that have been found to be predictive of performance for manned pilots [6,31]. They also differ on interpersonal qualities (i.e., team-player mentality, frustration tolerance) perceived critical to RPA pilot performance [23]. If these differences in personality prove to be predictive of operational performance or retention, then the current findings could be an impetus to examine the current methods for reassigning UPT pilots to the RPA career field and possible job-person match concerns for this subset of pilot candidates.…”

“…Additionally, they are more inclined to prefer the company of others, be more socially dominant, as well as crave excitement and stimulation. Such attributes have been identified by subjects matter experts (USAF RPA unit commanders, pilots, training cadre, flight surgeons) as critical to effectively adapting to operational rigors of the career field [23]. Such attributes have also been found in USAF pilot training candidates [28,29] and rated pilots for manned airframes [30].…”

“…A more lengthy study that included the input of over 80 USAF RPA subject matter experts (training cadre, pilots, and commanders) also identified several personality traits (e.g., stress tolerance, assertiveness, selfconfidence, impulse control, etc.) perceived to influence training outcomes and adaption to the USAF RPA pilot career field [23].…”

Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-Second Edition Intelligence Testing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Candidates Compared with Manned Airframe Training Candidates

“…Bailey reasoned that cognitive aptitudes contribute to about two-thirds of the factors associated with Predator pilot job training and success. Lastly, USAF subject matter experts (e.g., RPA squadron commanders, training instructors, and trained pilots) reported high levels of cognitive proficiency, visual perception, attention, spatial processing, memory, reasoning, and psychomotor reacting time as critical to successfully completing training and adapting to operational rigors [19].…”