Basic Attention Measures as Predictors of Success in Flight Training

Abstract

A two-stage study was conducted to assess the potential of a new methodological technique for measuring individual differences in basic attention capabilities and the validity of these differences in predicting success in flight training. A performance testing system included a digit-processing reaction-time task and a one-dimensional compensatory tracking task. Comparisons were made between separate and concurrent performances of these tasks, and simultaneous performances also included comparisons involving changes in task priorities. Results indicating consistent individual differences in basic attention capabilities suggest several dimensions for their description. A preliminary validation study compared scores for a group of 11 flight instructors and with a group of 32 student pilots. In addition, the student sample was dichotomized based on performance in training. There were reliable differences for both groups on combined task performance efficiency.