The Outstanding Jet Pilot

Abstract

A study of 105 superior jet pilots aged 20 to 40 years revealed that most were firstborn children with unusually close father-son relationships. They were self-confident, showed a great desire for challenge and success, were not introspective, and tended toward inter-personal and emotional distance. The author cites implications for population control and small families. He feels that we should give more attention to the significance of birth order and specific parental influence in regard to other groups.