What the Birkman Method© Can Tell Us about the Psychological Profile of Business Aviation Departments, Their Leadership, Strengths, and Challenges

ABSTRACT Method The study summarizes a significant amount of Birkman data, validated by one-on-one interviews with business aviation professionals and supported by close observation of the departments and corporations where they work. Objective Earlier research focused on military, commercial, and trainee pilots; the present study of business aviation examines not only pilots but also maintenance technicians, cabin attendants, schedulers, and directors of aviation who fly, maintain, and manage corporate jets. Results The findings compare the resulting profile(s) with output from previous studies; throw additional light on the “boomerang effect” in CRM training and other unresolved issues and ambiguities in existing knowledge; and suggest directions for further research, including refined methods and broadened uses for psychological assessments in and beyond the selection process.