558th Flying Training Squadron Sensor Operator Production Analysis - Capstone Research Analysis

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

The 558th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) trains remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) sensor operators whose work is critical for intelligence collection and strategic decision support. Students must complete the Basic Sensor Operator Course (BSOC), with a target pass rate of at least 90%, yet the current rate is 83% and washout has risen to about 17%. This analysis develops mathematical models using ASVAB test and section scores to identify likely BSOC outcomes. Results indicate ASVAB scores are not correlated with BSOC pass or fail, so screening should use a more holistic assessment of candidate suitability for the RPA sensor operator role.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

1.1 Problem Statement

1.2 Data

1.3 Related Work

558th Flying Training Squadron Sensor Operator Production Analysis Colton Bassford, Andrzej Buniowski, Daniel Nesburg, Nicholas Swanson, John Miller, and Ethan Salgado Operations Research Program United States Air Force Academy Air Force Academy, CO 80840 Corresponding author's Email: [John.Miller@afacademy.af.edu](John.Miller@afacademy.af.edu) Authors’Note: The cadet authors are all first-class cadets at the U. S. Air Force Academy, partnering with the 558th FTS. The analytics team would like to thank our faculty advisors, John Miller and Ethan Salgado, for their expertise in the completion of this capstone research analysis. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the position of the United States Air Force Academy, the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense. Abstract: The 558th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) is an Air Force training squadron tasked with training remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) sensor operators. Sensor operators for RPAs are essential for collecting intelligence to inform strategic decisions for military forces. To qualify for this role, individuals must complete the Basic Sensor Operator Course (BSOC) offered by the 558th FTS. The 558th FTS has the goal to achieve a BSOC passing rate of at least 90%; however, the current passing rate is 83% . To improve this statistic, multiple mathematical models were developed using Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test scores and section scores, an exam meant to determine eligibility for a military career, to identify students who are more likely to be successful in the BSOC course. Our models suggest that ASVAB scores are not correlated with passing or failing BSOC. Therefore, the analytics team recommends not using ASVAB scores to predict the pass/fail rate of BSOC. A more holistic approach to assessing each candidate’s desire to be an RPA sensor operator would likely produce more significant results. Keywords: Logistic Regression, Sensor Operators 1. Introduction The 558th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) is an Air Force training squadron focused on training remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) sensor operators. As the 558th FTS is the only squadron that conducts the basic sensor operator course (BSOC), all future sensor operators go through the 558th FTS for training. The squadron has a BSOC student production requirement of 236 sensor operators annually. Sensor operators conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of targets of interest using RPA equipment. Sensor operators must complete the BSOC at the 558th FTS to stay in the career field. To pass the BSOC course, students must pass seven exams each with a score of 80% or better. If a student is unable to meet this standard, they wash out (i.e., fail out) of the course and are reassigned to a different career field. An RPA flight needs one pilot and one sensor operator. The 558th FTS has seen an increase in washout rate during the BSOC course. Historically, they saw a 10% attrition rate from the BSOC course, but now the attrition rate is about 17% . If too many students fail out of the training course, the 558th FTSwill not be able to supply the number of sensor operators needed to fill the required positions in the Air Force. If the cause of the washout rate can be resolved, the attrition of students at the 558th FTS can be reduced by screening candidates for predictors of washing out. This will lead to more mission-capable operators, and the 558th will be able to utilize their time and resources more efficiently. 1.1 Problem Statement Recently, students of the 558th FTS BSOC, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, have been washing out at a rate of 17%, much higher than the historical 10%. If this rate continues, the 558th BSOC production requirements will not be met, and the mission of the 558th FTS and the RPA career field will be adversely affected. ISBN: 97819384964-4-8 045 1.2 Data The 558th FTS provided a data frame contain

FAQs

What problem does the analysis address at the 558th FTS BSOC?

The BSOC washout rate has increased to about 17%, compared with a historical 10%, threatening the squadron’s ability to meet annual sensor operator production requirements.

What data and tests are used to build the models?

The study uses a dataset of 1628 student observations from ASVAB testing results, including sub-category scores and total ASVAB score, along with whether students passed or failed BSOC.

What conclusion is reached about ASVAB scores as predictors of BSOC outcomes?

The models suggest ASVAB scores are not correlated with BSOC passing or failing, so ASVAB should not be used to predict pass/fail rates.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai