2023, Volume 29, Issue 3
PERSONALITY PROFILES OF PILOTS IN MULTI-CREW OPERATIONS: VIEWS OF EXPERIENCED AND INEXPERIENCED CREW
PIOTR ZIELIŃSKI1, MARCIN BIERNACKI1
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1Department of Aviation Psychology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
Autor korenspondencyjny: MARCIN BIERNACKI; Department of Aviation Psychology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine; email: mpbiernacki@gmail.com
Streszczenie
Introduction: Personality traits and the ability to cope with critical situations play a crucial role in the performance of aviation tasks, especially in multi-pilot crews. However, these factors are noticeably absent from most pilot job descriptions. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological competencies required for effective performance in multi-crew pilots.
Methods: A total of 95 participants took part in the survey, where they were asked to complete an original questionnaire developed specifically for this analysis. The questionnaire consisted of 13 statements describing various dimensions of personality and coping styles in difficult situations. Respondents were tasked with assigning a weighting to each personality trait based on its relevance to multi-crew flight performance. Statements were based on the definitions of NEO-FFI, CISS, and PROKOS scales.
Results: The results indicated that the optimal levels for most personality traits, such as emotional balance (low neuroticism) and task focus, were rated as high or elevated. Extraversion and openness to experience were rated as average, while lower levels of traits, such as emotion-focused and avoidant coping styles, were considered more desirable.
Discussion and Conclusions: The results confirm that certain personality traits can be considered crucial for the effective functioning of multi-pilot crews in aviation. Emotional stability, task focus, and cooperativeness should be prioritized in both the selection of pilot candidates and the training processes. Integrating work psychology with the practical demands of the pilot’s role can enhance flight safety and efficiency.
Słowa kluczowe
personality, coping, psychological competencies, multi-crew flights, Crew Resource Management (CRM)