Risk profiling of airline pilots: Experience, temperamental traits and aggression

It has been assumed that the greater the number of flying hours, the better the pilot is at solving problems. The studies suggest, however, that this issue is more complex. What is important is not only a pilot's experience but also their personality traits such as temperament, aggression, and risk-taking tendencies, which all influence how the pilot reacts under stress. After examining 112 pilots of passenger planes, we found that individuals characterized by a high need for stimulation seek situations, consciously or not, of excessive or unnecessary risk to achieve the right level of stimulation. In terms of their psychological characteristics, the study also revealed that some pilots are less predisposed to be airline pilots.