http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/15141310

Stress and performance in T-37 pilot training

Catecholamine excretion was determined for USAF student pilots (N=8) during three basal and four T-37 training conditions. When viewed as the dependent variable, catecholamine excretion patterns support the conclusion that the Basic Cockpit Training Emergency Procedures unit was not stressful. The remaining lesson units, including Power-on Stall and Spin-recovery, First Solo, and Instrument Check lesson units, resulted in a pronounced stress response. When catecholamine excretion data were interpreted for psychological significance, it was concluded that the lesson unit which included Power-on Stalls and Spin-recoveries created the highest arousal, anxiety, and apprehension. Student pilot observations support this interpretation. The relative production of epinephrine and norepinephrine showed changes accompanying pilot training which may be interpreted as demonstrative of successful coping behavior. When compared with inferior students, pilot trainees rated as superior appeared to be under lower stress during nearly all phases of the T-37 Undergraduate Training Program. Interestingly, the increase in epinephrine excretion over basal levels during the three most stressful conditions was strongly related (r=+.934) to the neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Inventory.

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