Pilot Personality Profile Using the NEO-PI-R

Abstract This paper recounts the qualitative research conducted to determine if a general personality measure wouldprovide a personality profile for commercial aviation pilots. The researchers investigated a widely used generalpersonality inventory, the NEO-PI-R , with 93 pilots. The results indicate that a "pilot personality" does exist.Future research and implications are discussed. Acronym List CRM Cockpit Resource ManagementNASA National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNEO Neuroticism, Extraversion, OpennessNEO-PI-R NEO-Personality Inventory-RevisedUK United KingdomUS United States Introduction Pilot Personality Literature Most current approaches to flight safety and optimization of performance emphasize technical aptitude andproficiency (Chidester, Helmreich, Gregorich, & Geis, 1991). Additional efforts have been made to improve uponthe interpersonal aspects of crew coordination in the form of cockpit resource management (CRM) training (Orlady& Foushee, 1987). However, none of these programs consider any stable personality characteristics that mayinfluence crew performance and error management. Therefore, research examining personality characteristics isneeded to determine if it can make an impact on crew performance.The performance of pilots can be construed as a product of skill, attitude, and personality factors (Chidester etal., 1991). The primary focus of this research is personality. Previous studies have indicated several personalityfactors that are critical to pilot performance. Chidester and associates (1991) have identified two core dimensions:(a) instrumental traits relating to achievement and goal seeking (achievement motivation) and, (b) expressive traitsrelating to interpersonal behaviors, sensitivity, and orientation. Instrumentality is defined as “person’s level of goalorientation and independence,” and expressivity is defined as “interpersonal warmth and sensitivity," (Chidester,Kanki, Foushee, Dickinson, and Bowles, 1990 p.3). Chidester and associates (1990) found personality factors, ingeneral, contribute to crew effectiveness, and that both instrumentality and expressivity are important predictors ofteam performance in aerospace environments.Hormann and Maschke (1996) found sociability, balance, self-assertiveness, and orientation towards actionsand activity as successful characteristics of pilots. Bartram (1995) examined pilots in the UK Army Air Corps andfound those who pass training are more stable, extroverted, tough-minded, and independent than those who failtraining. Shinar (1995) found three personality attributes that had a significant effect on pilot achievement: (1) ahigh need for achievement; (2) a willingness to exert oneself and to face difficulties to fulfill the need; and (3) a self-identity that is able to take success in stride, to experience it positively without dissonance, at least in the context ofchallenges, missions, and special demands of the piloting profession.Picano (1991) studied experienced military pilots and found three distinct personality types. The first and mostcommon type was composed of those pilots that were the most affiliative and out-going. These pilots had astructural approach to problem-solving which stresses planning, logical analysis, and attention to detail. The secondgroup consisted of individuals who are emotionally controlled, inhibited, apprehensive and socially retiring. Thesepilots prefer stability, security, and predictability in their environment. They are reserved and somewhatuncomfortable in social situations and pessimistic in outlook. The third group was made up of pilots described as