PSYCHOLOGICAL-TESTING AND PILOT LICENSING

This article reviews contemporary trends in the psychological testing of pilots. It is written in the particular context of draft European J oint Aviation Authorities licensing proposals which, in certain circum stances, envisage psychological testing for pilot licensing purposes. The article aims to clarify issues relating to the validity, reliabili ty, and value of pilot psychological testing in this particular contex t. It is first suggested that the entire domain is characterized by te rminological and methodological confusion. The economic and other bene fits of psychological testing are contrasted with the potential risks, including abuse and the use of tests in circumstances for which they were never designed. Reference also is made to cultural differences th at potentially may impact on the practical realities of psychological testing-especially within the European context, where the debate is pr esently at its most intense.