Psychometric testing

[JPJP]

Originally Posted by Staffypilot

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-i...eedbrake-armed

These pilots would have passed every psychometric test the BS compass test that VA used, HR interview, and simulator check and still ended up in a high-workload situation where standard items were missed. Why? Because psychometric testing doesn’t measure the things that actually matter on a real flight deck.
Psychometric tests can’t predict:

• How you’ll respond to an unexpected ATC instruction
• How you manage time-critical tasks under real stress
• How you prioritise SOPs when the workload spikes
• Whether you’ll challenge a the crew member or back each other up
• Whether fatigue, pressure, or operational circumstances will change your behavior on the day

What actually protects the operation is:

• Strong SOPs
• Good leadership and training
• Active CRM
• Threat and error management
• A positive, robust blame free safety culture

Pilots are human beings, not personality profiles and this ozstraunaght BS culture. If you can fly, if you're trained and current, and if you bring the right humble attitude, that matters far more than any BS pre-employment test.

I read the report and thought - there but for the grace of god go I. I’m sure most pilots would say the same. It happened recently in fact, with the same initial speed (just over 250Kts). The differences ? (1.) Dropped the gear immediately. (2.) Just before the stable approach altitude the PM leaned over and armed the speed brake and pulled out the before landing checklist. The former is not their normal role, both were good crm. Task loading is a beach.

I’d add experience and low authority gradient to your above list. Yes, plenty of experienced pilots make a mess. But I’d rather have it in the cockpit than not.

The airline has no psychometric testing and never has. It’s been around for quite a long time.