The Effectiveness of Pre-SUPT Flight Programs

Are successful Air Force pilots trained or screened? The Air Force currently adopts the notion that there is no statistical difference between pre-SUPT flight training and screening programs based upon a single variable, the SUPT attrition rate. This study attempts to dispel this conclusion with a thorough evaluation of existing research and an examination of a different variable, UPT performance. This study hypothesizes that USAF Academy cadets participating in a flight-screening program perform better in SUPT than those completing a flight-training program. The research hypothesis was not statistically supported. However, the results of this study paired with conclusions drawn from existing research did formulate a clear answer to the following questions: (1) Are pre-SUPT flight programs worth the investment? And (2) which pre-SUPT flight program better prepares pilot candidates for SUPT success? The conclusion synthesizes the study's findings to suggest the optimum structure for future pre-SUPT flight programs.