Age 60 Study, Part 4: Experimental Evaluation of Pilot Performance

Abstract : This report was a deliverable from the research contract with Hilton Systems, Inc. on the FAA's mandatory retirement for pilots operating under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121, the Age 60 Rule. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of developing an individually-based pilot performance assessment, as well as design an experimental methodology to empirically examine the relationship between pilot aging and performance. Pilot performance was measured with both domain-dependent, as well as domain- independent assessments to test a decrement with compensation model of expertise and aging. Computerized cognitive test batteries, COGSREEN and WOMBAT, were selected as the domain-independent measures. Flitescript and whole task performance in the B727 simulator were domain-dependent measures. Forty B727- rated pilots were recruited from air carriers and the FAA. Pilots were males between the ages of 41 and 71 years (M=53.9, sd=8.1).