Also called: Pilot Selection Psychologist, Aerospace Psychologist
Screens airline and military pilots, evaluates pilots returning after illness or addiction, and studies fatigue and stress in the cockpit.
You give a pilot hours of computer tests on memory, attention and reaction time, then interview him about the treatment he finished. Your report helps the FAA decide if he can fly again. On other days you help an airline build a hiring test or study how night flights affect crews.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology or neuropsychology, plus aviation-specific training.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology.
Growing faster than average. Pilot mental-health screening has expanded after high-profile crashes.
Low risk for 10 years. Computer testing is already standard; interviewing pilots and making safety calls that affect careers stay human.
Classes: AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3039.
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