The Relationship between Chronological; Age and Aptitude Test Measures of Advanced-Level Air traffic Control Trainees

Abstract : The study examined the interrelationships of age, aptitude measures, and training performance scores for 710 men. They ranged in age from 21 to 52 years, but less than 12 per cent were over 40. Most of the subjects were former military controllers who possessed sufficient prior ATC experience to be selected for training with an exemption from a qualifying aptitude index, and appointed to trainee status with higher-than-normal pay grades. Age correlated negatively with 21 of the 22 aptitude measures and with training course grades. On most tests, performance means for subjects over age 34 were significantly lower than those obtained for the younger trainees, and their attrition rate for the training course was three times that of their younger classmates. The results indicated that greater effectiveness in screening such applicants could be attained if eligibility standards were modified to include consideration of both age and aptitudes. (Author)