Technical understanding, mechanical comprehension tests

[mike172]

I'm attending an assessment day on Tuesday in Lincoln with BAE Systems for the role of trainee aircraft mechanic.
The tests include a technical understanding test as well as a mechanical comprehension and others.
I've found a couple of practice mech comprehension tests but I can't find any technical understanding test online.
There is also a fault diagnosis test, if anyone knows of any practice questions for this as well online or knows what form the questions take.

Any of you guys know of any tests online that I could have a look at?

It would be a great help to me.

Thanks

[woptb]

There used to be sample test questions on the RAF recruitment website,I think!
Try also the Airmech website.

[NutLoose]

Mike, this is aimed at pilots, but try to do the basics like how a plane flies and what the controls do, don't know what they will ask, they probably are not after much to start but to basically know how it flies cannot be a bad thing.....

Technical stuff I don't know what they will ask, try to know a little bit about the aircraft you are going to work on, make of powerplant, how much thrust, has it been exported etc, just general stuff that shows you are keen and have an idea, also try to get a little background on the company.

Flight theory contents (http://www.auf.asn.au/groundschool/contents.html)

as for the tests try the above mentioned....... good luck :)

Sample Airmen/Airwomen selection test (http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/aptitude/aptitude.html)

[mike172]

I did the tests this morning. Numerical reasoning was first. First 10 or so questions were dead easy and then they suddenly got much harder. We only had 12 mins for that test so left lots unanswered. Verbal reasoning was very easy I thought, and I easily finished with about five mins to spare. Fault diagnosis wasn't difficult, just time consuming and, again, I left maybe five or six unanswered because I ran out of time. Technical understanding was more of a verbal test really, easy, think I left two unswered due to time. The Mechanical comprehension wasn't too difficult either, just a few questions were I had to have a good think!

Overall I think I did okay but I'll wait for the results to come within the next week.

[NutLoose]

I always look at it that it is better to leave them unanswered than to guess..... It shows in your favour as they would rather have someone who isn't going to guess how it goes together and would rather ask or read the book.

Fingers crossed for you :)

[mike172]

Cheers,

Just got the phone call, passed the tests! I've got an interview on July 30, so fingers crossed once again!

[NutLoose]

Cool, :) :) remember swot up on the aircraft etc and the company :)

I do realise the money is cr*p to start with, but they pick up your accomodation bills and believe me it will improve and you will be getting some of the best training, which is what you need to get to your goal.

It looks good on any future CV too that you are Bae trained :)

[mike172]

Exactly NL, it's not about the money. It's a great opportunity to work on RAF fast jets and like you said the training will be top notch and having BAE Systems on my CV is a massive bonus too.

[woptb]

Well done mike! Good luck with the interview on the 30th.
There are any number of websites with advice on the type of questions that may be asked at interview. Get stuck in on the genning.

[mike172]

Cheers woptb. I'm dreading this interview to be honest, after looking at the type of questions that may be asked online. Has anybody got any experience of BAE Systems interviews or any advice they could give me?

[NutLoose]

DO a search fr BAe interviews on google. There are various bits on that, good luck, I would say try to find out about the Aircraft you will work on eventually and the company.

[mike172]

Had my interview earlier in a vert wet Lincoln! The interview was short, only about 20 minutes and to be honest I felt I didn't do that well. I had done loads of research on BAE Systems, Military Air Solutions, the aircraft and so on and got asked nothing about any of these subjects.
It was a competency based interview and altough I had lots of pretty good answers already thought out my mind went blank and I struggled at times. One question I didn't even answer because I just couldn't think of a decent answer.
Anyway, I shall wait and see! Hopefully they saw how passionate about aviation I am and how much I want this and I felt the tests didn't go so well and I passed them so who knows.

Thanks to all who gave advice and took the time to reply.

[woptb]

The worst judge of performance at interview is the person who was interviewed! Your nerves will have been taken into account Mike.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, hope it all comes good.
:ok:

[mike172]

Didn't get the job. Thanks for all the advice though.

[keel beam]

Bad luck Mike.

Don't stop now!

Contact BAe for a feed back on the interview. They should give you some pointers on your weaknesses. This will help prepare you for future jobs in your chosen field. (even with BAe, if opportunities arise again)

Good luck for the future.

[mike172]

I did get feedback, they phoned me. Say said they liked me and that although I did well in the tests I balls up my interview. She also said that I lacked any experience in the maintenance/engineering field.
I was told to get some experience and apply again as they recruit for apprentices yearly.

I have no idea where to get experience though. I've had so many job offers turned down lately I'm thinking about just joining the army and getting out of here.

[keel beam]

Isn't that the purpose of a trainee position, to learn and get experience?

I suppose if you have done something on your car might count towards that "experience".

[mike172]

keel beam, my thoughts exactly. How am I supposed to get experience if no one is willing to give me a chance?

[simonchowder]

Good idea ,why not join one of the armed services as a apprentice aircraft/heli engineer

[mike172]

Yeah, I've been thinking seriously about joining the forces.

[Mech one]

Joining the Army Air Corps or the Fleet Air Arm can put you into rotary and fixed wing (eg.Apaches or Harriers) and very good training opportunities in the air engineering field.
I did 20+ years putting aircraft back together for both outfits and had a great time. Doesn't have to be a commercial option only for you, there are other ways.