What Characterizes The Capable Pilot
This letter was put together by an industrial psychologist from Chicago.
I am of the opinion that something can be said about the structure of the “capable pilot”, at least that this group has a kind of common divisor. In general, pilots are athletically built or pyknic, they are good sportsmen, take pleasure in being actively engaged, and move smoothly. They are extraverted in general, they act primarily, and often rehearse their conversations. They are, as a rule, of an optimistic disposition and their state of mind is either normal or somewhat getting to a pole of buoyancy-often flushed with joy. There is often a notable incomplete use of intelligence.
When still at school, they are not very ambitious, often passing examinations owing to their natural aptitude for the exact subjects. Guidance counselors and teachers often communicated to their parents that they are not working to their full potential. They have an affinity for acceptance by their piers and often did things to be noticed by the opposite sex. In their group at school, they showed remarkable little leadership; not by lack of vitality, but due to their individualistic attitude. Their self-confidence is always above average. They have an enormous capability to “tune out and daydream.” Vanity is ever present. Remarkably often, they are the oldest male child born to their parents.
In many cases, their masculinity is not overly developed. An oral fixation is often available. Smooth conversation is amazingly easy for them in any social gathering or class structured environment. They often dominate conversations in social gatherings without seeming boorish or boasting. Their spouses anticipate conversations with non-pilots and members of the non-flying public to center on aviation related topics. Pilots enjoy a buoyant sense of life. They get farther in the art of living than they do in the sciences, yet their favorite television programs are of the educational and informative type. Viewing habits border on fixation. They are prone to “surf” with remote controls even when watching their favorite programs and loathe commercials. Though this is true with most adult males, the tendency in pilots is astounding, owing much to their learned ability to “scan” as though they were cross-checking their instruments while bringing their aircraft in for a landing.
They have often remained adolescent, boyish without being infantile in their personal development. It is more playfulness than naivete, rather taking pleasure in functioning they get to a laborious building of a far away ideal. They compartmentalize everything. Information, structure, cleanliness and order border on the irrational. On account of this structure, most of their private problems are to be expected. “Order” is the order of the day. These feelings are encouraged by the very nature of their work; hence “checklists” and structure are either completely abandoned in private settings or greatly intensified. It is difficult for them to live in an average environment. Most will seek women who are thin and attractive and have the physical qualities to remain in form throughout their lives.
Hobbies include those which live life on the edge. Motorcycles, down-hill skiing, scuba diving and powerful automobiles eventually give way to golf, luxury cars and the retention of one of their favorite past times holding over into their retirement.
To this rough and incomplete sketch it could be added - this with respect to the helicopter pilot - that he has the toughness to live under primitive conditions. They are adept at being able to face dangerous conditions without getting consciously afraid. Most are kind-heartedly primitive with a certain special liking for nature (hunting, fishing camping). Rather than playing musical instruments they often listen to it, usually too loudly. Whether this has anything to do with the natural drone of engines or the need to cover their ears with headphones - they like their music loud. Tapping their fingers or feet is as natural as breathing. They are able to bear loneliness and hardship, looking upon it as necessary in life. While it is true that pilots have a propensity to bear female offspring, it is especially true of helicopter pilots.
Dr. A.M. Slager
Medical Department
Schreiner Aviation Group
