Three studies of biographical factors associated with success in air traffic control specialist screening/training at the FAA Academy.

Using Biodata to Select Air Traffic Controllers

“…The criterion measure used in the majority of previous research projects investigating the relationship between biodata and performance was FAA Academy pass or fail (Collins et al, 1990;Pierce et al, 2013;VanDeventer et al, 1983;VanDeventer et al, 1984). In the few instances where field-based performance measures were used, the definition of unsuccessful training performance was not as clearly defined as in the current research (Manning & Aul, 1992), which was among the first to use the NTD's definition of unsuccessful training performance.…”

“…Previous research was based on two generations of controllers: those hired in the 1960s and 1970s and those hired following the 1981 controllers' strike (e.g., Cobb & Nelson, 1974;Collins et al, 1990;VanDeventer et al, 1984;VanDeventer, Taylor, Collins, & Boone, 1983). Even the Pierce et al (2013) study analyzed data captured from 1986-1992.…”

The Efficacy of Biographical Inventory Data in Predicting Early Attrition in Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Training.

“…Ghiselli (20) reviewed numerous investigations and found that as time delays increase, the validity of performance predictions decreases. Other research (21) suggests that delays less than 18 months produce the best statistical relationship with the expected criterion. Considering these limitations, the use of biographical data derived from multiple-choice measures would appear to remain a viable and cost-effective means of initial pilot cazdidate selection.…”