verbal and spatial performance...

[ILS_approach]

Hi there!

New to this forum and it has been a great experience so far.
About a year ago I did a psychological test measuring all kinds of aspects to see if one is suitable to become a professional pilot and be competitive in the airline market. The test was conducted by the swedish air force and its the same test used here in Sweden to find suitable fighter pilots. Anyways, I had below average results especially in spatial and verbal understanding and was wondering how important these factors are to become a major airline pilot and how I can improve these factors? Am I doomed just because I didn't do well on these points :(? Any thoughts are welcome...Thanks!

M.Y

[ILS_approach]

............................................................ ............................................................ .....................anyone??

[scroggs]

Spatial awareness is an ability unlikely to be improved in a way that would affect aptitude testing results. Verbal reasoning can be, however, with training - but in which language?!

In UK, aptitude testing is used as part of the selection process for most sponsorship schemes and, as in Sweden, for the military. The tests are usually framed in such a way that an individual's underlying aptitude can be assessed whatever their experiences have been up to then. Psychological tests are also used, but are far less critical to the end result.

A below average result does not of itself mean that you could not become a pilot, or that you would not be offered a job by those doing the testing. Only a failure to reach the minimum standard would do that. If you are assessed as above average in other respects, you may well find that you can succeed.

Scroggs
Virgin/Wannabes Moderator
[email protected]

[Hornetboy]

Scroggs I read somewhere that most aptitude testing scores are converted into stanines in a procedure called "Standardisation". Basically 1 to 9, with the average being 5, and as it is under a normal distribution, a score of 9 puts you in the top 4%. As such, the cut-off is usually chosen to be 5, while a Standard Score of 4 may be considered under certain circumstances. Doesn't this then mean below average often equates a failure to reach the minimum standard?

I'm quoting from a book "Aviation Psychology : A Science and a Profession", edited by Klaus-Martin Goeters.....

"Suitable applicants should not have clear deficiencies in any of the required aptitudes......The whole profile of aptitude-tests is relevant. It should be average or better compared to the norm sample. A deficiency identified for one aptitude cannot be compensated by high scores for another aptitude if these two areas are not strongly interrelated."

.....Unfortunately it looks like you have to have the whole package.

I don't claim to be a professional in this subject. I just flicked through a few books out of interest and in preparation for a resit of some air force tests. But I am a believer that pretty much everything can be improved with practice. (I passed the resit)

ILS perhaps by practicing visualization in your head, you could work on that aptitude? That's something I've done and have somewhat improved on the air force aptitude tests, despite that section not being my problem. Maybe just try and picture objects moving through space (count sheep at night?...doing somersaults??lol). If you remember what the tests were perhaps you could picture the graphic scenarios in your head. I was advised to get someone to draw up different scenarios for me to practice. Or just get a hold of some practice tests and get your times down. Make that brain work! ;) You could also start learning to fly, and some of these things could just come to you after a bit of practical application. I started my Night Rating to get some practice on instruments, which definitely helped.

Anyway when do you get to try the tests again? Whatever it is don't give up :)

[ILS_approach]

Thanks hornet and scroggs for the info. They define "below average" relative to what other wannabes performed during this particular test, not relative to some general standard.

Since this test is conducted by TFHS( Swedish school of aviation) and is funded by the government and is in other words free, the competition is fierce.

One of the test persons told me that I didn't have enough high scores relative to what they consider as "pass", but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be suitable as a pilot.

About 300-400 aspirants apply to this school each year and only between 10-20 are admitted, so they have some pretty high standards. There is a possibility to do the tests again after two years were maturity and life experience might have improved the logical thinking.

I will apply again for fall this year and it's up to a commission to consider if I may take the tests again based on how close I was the first time. We will see what happens. Cross my fingers:)

[High Wing Drifter]

There is a possibility to do the tests again after two years were maturity and life experience might have improved the logical thinking.
Now this is going to sound like a really strange thing to advise, but if you think you need to improve on your general reasoning and adopt a more logical approach to problem solving then read philosophy (if you don't already). I personally recommend "Plato's Dialogues" as an hors e'durve. If the subject grows on you, you will decide what to pick up next.