Most math used in the cockpit is easy basic mental arithmetic - doing this under pressure within a time limit is actually fairly essential and is a learned skill. PILAPT style tests which I'm sure successful candidates will undertake are more a test of inherent ability.
Both skills are necessary and I think that is what these combined phases will assess.
As for the name of the river running through a particular country - I suppose they would argue that the Capital of that country is one of the routes operated by EY and that the GK test also aimed to assess your knowledge of the route network and a bit about Etihad itself - ie to see if you have taken an interest in the airline you will be working for if selected.
Congrats to those that got through - and as has been rightly said to those that were unsuccessful do keep trying - if it's your dream and you want it enough you will get there and stumbling at this point does not mean you won't still be an excellent pilot one day.
Last edited by EYXW; 25th Feb 2009 at 18:22.