Research programs were conducted involving the experimental testing of 2000 enlisted men, 1200 officers, and 1200 ROTC cadets. At the start of the program, major attention was given to development and evaluation of measures to select enlisted personnel for rotary wing training, including preflight (OCS- type) training to prepare graduates for warrant officer commissioning. A number of interim test batteries, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing, were developed and operationally implemented. In 1963, recommendation was made for the consolidation of the separate selection procedures into a comprehensive program. The report summarizes the important stages in the separate fixed-wing and rotary-wing research and the more recent effort by which results were integrated in the development of a comprehensive selection program.

Research programs were conducted involving the experimental testing of 2000 enlisted men, 1200 officers, and 1200 ROTC cadets. At the start of the program, major attention was given to development and evaluation of measures to select enlisted personnel for rotary wing training, including preflight (OCS- type) training to prepare graduates for warrant officer commissioning. A number of interim test batteries, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing, were developed and operationally implemented. In 1963, recommendation was made for the consolidation of the separate selection procedures into a comprehensive program. The report summarizes the important stages in the separate fixed-wing and rotary-wing research and the more recent effort by which results were integrated in the development of a comprehensive selection program.

This paper documents the results of a study conducted in 1994. It is intended to provide baseline data for ongoing research into success rates among Army pilot trainees, and the efficacy of predictors used in their initial selection.

The present study has shown important evidence for the incorporation of biographical predictors of success in military aviation training selection. Through the use of discriminant analysis, the ABI was shown to be a valid predictor of success and failure in military aviation training. The main findings using the ABI method with the present sample were: 1. A 2% increase in the base rate of success in Flight Screening Program which translates to three more successful pilots than would have resulted from the use of the Existing method or four less people being entered into training to obtain 100 qualified pilots. 2. In addition, an annual cost savings of over $314,000 was calculated with use of the Autobiographical Inventory in addition to the existing selection methods. Both of these findings will be addressed in the following discussion. This study conformed to the traditional approach to selection error reduction which is in the direction of reduction of false accepts. Reducing the number of applicants that will fail is in the best interest of the organization. (sdw).