Connections between the academic achievement, vocational selection, and careers of pilots

Abstract

Research demonstrates that a pilot should have specific skills and abilities. Therefore, professional aptitude tests developed by AGAI are used to select the best graduates for the pilot profession. This research investigates the connections between pilots’ academic achievement, vocational selection, and careers. The sample comprises 52 subjects who started studying in 2009, 2010, and 2011. They were evaluated based on their maturity examinations, vocational selection, academic achievement, and professional career. We observed that the average scores for the pilots’ Lithuanian language, mathematics, and physics maturity examinations are statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the average scores of Lithuanian school graduates. The vast majority of the enrolled students completed their studies and began work in their field of specialty. The academic achievement of those working as pilots (a person who has completed 5 years of pilot studies and works as a captain or first officer) differ in that their average scores in physical study subjects are statistically significantly higher. The graduates who received higher study scores during this study show a statistically significant frequency in their employment as pilots (2–4 quartile). These research findings show that academic achievement and vocational selection are characteristics of those who work as pilots.