Simulator-Based Assessment of Flight-Specific Aptitudes in German Armed Forces’ Aircrew Selection

This paper outlines German Armed Forces’ (GAF) approach to predict future success in flight training of applicants for becoming aircrew member. GAF’s aircrew selection procedure consists of three phases. Phase I and II include the assessment of basic aptitudes and the aviation-medical examination. Phase III (fixed wing) is more complex. It consists of one week simulator-based screening in a typical training scenario: Candidates prove their skills both in 4 simulator-flight missions with increasing workload and in academic training. As in real flight training, a briefing, a demonstration and a practice phase and subsequent debriefings prepare candidates for their check phases. The aim is to evaluate aptitudes and to propose specific cockpit assignments (e.g. jet pilot, transport pilot, weapon system officer/ navigator) and to minimize attrition rate during basic flight training. GAF’s aircrew selection is primarily conducted before applicants decide to join German Armed Forces. The aircrew selection process works quite well, as long term evaluation shows: Attrition rates during flight training are very low (e.g. in ENJJPT: 2007 to 2012: less than 10% total and less than 5% due to flying deficiencies). Approximately 200 applicants are tested at Phase III fixed wing per year. This paper wil

Measuring Distribution of Attention as a Part of Situational Awareness - a Different Approach

This paper outlines a different approach to measure pilot aptitudes during flight simulator missions. An algorithm was developed to assess a candidate’s distribution of attention beyond observation technique, eye-tracking or multidimensional tracking (e.g. altitude, speed, heading), thus getting rid of typical measurement problems. The algorithm used to evaluate candidate’s distribution of attention in Phase III, German Armed Forces’ third phase of aircrew selection consisting of simulator flights in a typical training scenario, is a mere time measure. The following article describes its construction as well as advantages and disadvantages