PP, strafer, Rob,
It is an interesting subject. For me personally because this is one part of the interview process which seems to be at whim of intangible things. Not good IMHO.
I guess the proof is in the pudding. If the pilots they had recruited using these techniques turned out to be 'unsatisfactory' or 'unsuitable' I guess they would question the value of the process and use something else. All the time they get pilots that are what they wanted they must be happy, whatever way they view the 'value'.
Frankly, I don't think there is any data to support one view or the other. Have these tests been around long enough to show that they work? Have the F/Os recruited gone on to be among the best Captains in the industry?
I just today finished the HPL section of my ground school study and I think the ATPL notes did a grand job of deconstructing human personality. It is clearer to me really where this is heading but I still have a problem understanding what the interviewers do with the results. If there is some YES/NO process then fine, I can deal with that. But if these tests are just another tool in the box to complicate an already dreadfully hit and miss process then surely the recruiters are back where they started – i.e. how on earth can they determine what actually worked.
I understand PP’s query of why should we be bothered by these as they are just a-n-other test, but as far as I am concerned, what I don’t understand can hurt me.
Cheers,
HWD.