Validation of the Cathay Pacific airways pilot selection program

This article reports the validation of the Cathay Pacific ab initio, second (S/O) and first officer (F/O) pilot recruitment systems, using performance ratings from operational base and line checks as criteria for the S/O and F/O entrants, and grading and training outcome as criteria for the ab initio entrants. Good levels of prediction are found for the ab initio training course. Higher levels of prediction are found for operational criteria for the S/Os than for the F/Os. However, both the S/O and F/O groups are performing to the predefined ''company standard.'' The pattern of results is discussed in relation to Smith's (1994) theory on the validity of predictors in selection.