The increasing role of MQ-1 Predator aircraft in support of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and weapons deployment operations has resulted in the need to increase the number of fully trained pilots. To date, there are no published studies assessing the cognitive functioning of MQ-1 Predator pilots despite the important role these operators have in current unmanned U.S. Air Force (USAF) aviation. To partially fill the gap in the literature, this study obtained comprehensive computer-based intelligence testing (Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-II) and neuropsychological screening (MicroCog) on USAF MQ-1 Predator nonrated pilot training candidates who passed the initial remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) flying screening course (n=108), nonrated training candidates who failed training (n=52), as well as USAF rated pilot training candidates who cross-trained to the MQ-1 Predator from manned airframes (n=157). The results of the study revealed nonrated pilot training candidates performed in the high average to superior range on a measure of intelligence. Nonrated pilot training candidates who passed training scored higher on measures of spatial analyses/reasoning, memory for novel spatial arrangements, general visual reasoning, visual construction, general executive reasoning, and general information processing accuracy when compared with nonrated pilot training candidates who failed training. Furthermore, nonrated pilot training candidates who passed training performed substantially higher on measures of spatial analyses/ reasoning, memory for novel spatial arrangements, visual reasoning, general information processing accuracy, and cognitive proficiency (a combination and accuracy of speed of information processing) in comparison to rated pilots who cross-trained from a manned airframe. The results of the study provide helpful normative data on cognitive and neuropsychological aptitudes that distinguish nonrated pilots who pass the initial RPA flying screening course. The results of the study provide insights into the aptitudes needed to adapt to the rigors of the training program, as well as the cognitive capabilities of those training candidates newly recruited for this career field. The results are considered for improving personnel selection and classification as well as aeromedical evaluation processes.
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