Predictors for success in the aviation flight program at Purdue University

Henry Kim Holevinsky, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether relationships exist between selected predictor variables and a specified measure of success, defined as an above average performance in advanced flight and simulator courses in the aviation flight program at Purdue University. The population of this study was all Purdue University Aviation Flight Program graduates; the sample was the graduates of the ten classes that began in the fall semesters of 1986 through 1995. The dependent variable was advanced flight/simulator performance (AFSP), a group of eleven courses represented by grades from advanced aviation flight and simulator courses. Forty-seven variables (25 academic and 22 social) were collected and used as independent variables. Pearson correlations were computed between the independent variables and the dependent variable. All but three of the independent variables (HSR, SATV and SATM) from the academic data set had significant positive correlations with the dependent variable. These twenty-two variables were grouped by area: sophomore aviation program non-flight/simulator courses, sophomore general education courses, and sophomore flight/simulator courses. Only six of the variables from the social data set had significant relationships with the dependent variable. Two of these were related to pre-college factors: school-sponsored clubs and groups, and parent(s) involved in flight careers. The remaining four related to during-college teaching activities: certification in flight instruction, instrument flight instruction, simulator instruction and active flight training. Stepwise multiple regression combined several independent variables to enhance the predictability of success in the aviation flight program. Regression equations for the academic data set included components from the three sub-groups: four variables (AT 254, AT 144, AT 249, and AT 241) from the sophomore aviation program non-flight/simulator courses, three variables (ENGL 101, ECON 210, and PHYS 219) from the sophomore general education courses, and four variables (AT 253, AT 248, AT 210, and AT 145) from the sophomore flight/simulator courses. ANOVA analyses further enhanced the predictability of success in the program by selecting six variables (PCSSCG, PFLY, DCCFI, DCCFII, DCFRA, DCTF) from the social data set. There were no significant differences in the advanced flight/simulator performance between male and female students.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Kline, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Educational technology|Vocational education

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