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Checklist professional profile (CPP)

A psychological instrument, to play a crucial role in the selection and training of (ab initio) pilots.

Experienced pilots would agree nowadays that the human factor plays an important role in their profession. For the past decade, the emphasis in their function is no longer on the technical aspects only. Managerial and communication skills, for example, are also of great importance. Taking on a pilot or flight school student who does not possess these kinds of competencies increases the risks for airlines and flight schools.

By using the psychological assessment methods this, risk can be reduced to acceptable proportions. Therefore the Institute of Aviation Psychology (IAP) has developed the Checklist Professional Profile (CPP), which can be described as a psychological instrument, to play a crucial role in the selection and training of (ab initio) pilots. More specifically, the test can be characterized as a – tailor made – personality questionnaire that measures relevant personality traits to assess the competences, as mentioned above, for the function of a (ab initio) pilot.

Hoe word je piloot bij de luchtmacht

Test construction

At first, relevant personality traits and competences were defined, based on extensive analysis of the target group and years of selection experience (within the aviation). After constructing the questionnaire, it has been filled out by a large number of applicants (ab initio pilots), who all participated in a selection procedure. This made it possible to create a so called ‘aviation data base’. Subsequently – with the help of a statistic program that has been developed for the research in social sciences – special norms have been constructed for (ab initio) pilots. Based on the results of the CPP, compared to these norms, interpretations and conclusions are made. The Checklist Professional Profile (CPP) can be filled out online and is easy to understand and interpret. Usually, it takes an applicant about 40 minutes to answer the questions.

Interpretation and conclusion of the results

Scoring the answers of the CPP questionnaire leads to the construction of a unique, personal profile. In this profile one can immediately read out whether someone has enough potential to function as a pilot and/or to join a flight education successfully. In other words the profile makes clear to which extend the demanded personal competences are already present and/or in which way they need to be further developed. As mentioned above the CPP questionnaire produces a personal profile of each applicant and/or student. As far as the selection of applicants concerns, conclusions can be divided into five categories, indicating the extent to which one seems fit for the function of a (ab initio) pilot, as follows:

  1. Contra-indication
  2. Moderate
  3. Average
  4. Good
  5. Very good

Application

The CPP can be used to assess individuals in selection procedures as a basic tool. During a follow up procedure (interview, compass etc.) one can use the results of the questionnaire as a guideline for a more specific questioning and observation. Furthermore, this instrument can be applied as a departure point for training or coaching procedures of (ab initio) pilots.

Hoe word je piloot bij de luchtmacht