open access
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open access
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ISSN : 1229-0696
The present research examined the relative roles of capacity-and skill-based cognitive characteristics in performance on a complex aviation task. Specifically, we examined the impact of individual differences in inherent capacity of working memory (WM) and acquired memory skill to encode situational information in an accessible form in long-term memory (LTM) on flight situation awareness (SA). We developed spatial and verbal measures of WM-based capacity and LTM-based skill, and then determined the ability of these measures to predict the differences in performance on SA tasks. While both spatial measures of WM-based capacity and LTM-based skill were important predictors of SA performance, their importance varied as a function of pilot expertise. Furthermore, evidence of a compensatory role of the two memory constructs is indicated. The results have practical implications for aviation professionals interested in pilot training and selection for developing pilot expertise.