CAE skills assessment
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Hi , i have a stage 2 assessment at Oxford in 2 weeks, if you have done it i was wondering how the layout of maths and physics is for example is it 4 option boxes that you have to tick or long answers, i have been preparing this week, i bought the CAE Oxford CBT Maths and Physics books as well as a ADAPT program from LatestpilotJobs for 50£, i have noticed that all my results from ADAPT are above average however I'm stressing out because of Maths and Physics, i know that they are 30min each but do you maybe know all the topics that come up or are they random, because him working my ass off revising the CAE Interactive books of maths and physics and I'm sure that not everything will come up because its just too much. Cheers,
The truth is you will likely get ‘good’ and ‘bad’ questions, just do your best so that you can have a good stab at what you’re less familiar on.
Personally I was a little bit annoyed by the fact that out of everything there was about 2 topics covered. I wasted possibly weeks of revision! But I shouldn’t say as I know the tests are changed and I don’t want to mislead you. Just go through the list and do as much as you can.
Whats also important is your mental state. Don’t go in thinking “oh god this is going to be hard” but be confident. Tell yourself you’ve got this.
Its very competitive right now, I heard that they’ve had to up the pass mark!
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I passed the stage 2 at first attempt 1 week ago, it’s hard but if you prepare well you won’t have any problem.
Maths & Physics questions are easy up to the question 14, where them become harder. Don’t worry about the formulas as they provide them to you.
Regarding FAST, Fixed Wing, and the Ball game just be focussed, maybe I shouldn’t be a reference in that as I have some experience in flight simulator (the best you can do in case that you want to improve your skills in these areas) but they were really really easy for me.
But at all, good luck, read the questions carefully and answer ASAP as they are measuring your speed there.
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JackPerry;
Hi Jack,
I've got my stage 2 coming up soon and I'm just trying to prepare for it now. From the email I got from CAE, my understanding is that everything is computer based during the Stage 2. Is this correct?
Also, the email says that Maths & Physics is tested in ADAPT but does not mention a Numerical reasoning section. So I was wondering if you could shed some light on that for me. From what I understand, you are tested on the following:
• Personality Questionnaire
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Cognitive
• FAST
• Fixed Wing
• Ball Game
Finally, I've read on another thread that you're not allowed a calculator, so I'm thinking it may have changed recently.
Thanks.
Hi Jack,
I've got my stage 2 coming up soon and I'm just trying to prepare for it now. From the email I got from CAE, my understanding is that everything is computer based during the Stage 2. Is this correct?
Also, the email says that Maths & Physics is tested in ADAPT but does not mention a Numerical reasoning section. So I was wondering if you could shed some light on that for me. From what I understand, you are tested on the following:
• Personality Questionnaire
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Cognitive
• FAST
• Fixed Wing
• Ball Game
Finally, I've read on another thread that you're not allowed a calculator, so I'm thinking it may have changed recently.
Thanks.
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ADAPT Tests
As there is discussion of ADAPT tests here we thought it would be useful to clarify a few points.
The ADAPT tests are widely used for selection at airlines and ahead of flight training programs. The ADAPT test battery varies per airline or training school, however, if you want to familiarise yourself with the ADAPT tests including FAST, Ball Game, Maths, Physics and cognitive reasoning, you can access them on our ecommerce site to help you know what to expect before your assessment day. Each test contains randomly generated questions and will be unique, allowing you to practice and revise as much as you feel would be helpful on each individual subject. If you are unsure what tests you will be taking on the day of your assessment I recommend that you contact the training school, company or airline and ask them so that you know which ones to practicePlease note we are aware of other websites claiming to offer preparation for the ADAPT tests – these are in no way affiliated with Symbiotics and the tests available from these sites are not our ADAPT tests that you will be taking on your assessment day. We do not have resellers, distributors or partners.All the best on your assessment day and future career in aviation and if you have any questions about the ADAPT tests we’ll be happy to help, please message us on here and we will be happy to respond to your queries.
Best Wishes
Karen Moore
The ADAPT tests are widely used for selection at airlines and ahead of flight training programs. The ADAPT test battery varies per airline or training school, however, if you want to familiarise yourself with the ADAPT tests including FAST, Ball Game, Maths, Physics and cognitive reasoning, you can access them on our ecommerce site to help you know what to expect before your assessment day. Each test contains randomly generated questions and will be unique, allowing you to practice and revise as much as you feel would be helpful on each individual subject. If you are unsure what tests you will be taking on the day of your assessment I recommend that you contact the training school, company or airline and ask them so that you know which ones to practicePlease note we are aware of other websites claiming to offer preparation for the ADAPT tests – these are in no way affiliated with Symbiotics and the tests available from these sites are not our ADAPT tests that you will be taking on your assessment day. We do not have resellers, distributors or partners.All the best on your assessment day and future career in aviation and if you have any questions about the ADAPT tests we’ll be happy to help, please message us on here and we will be happy to respond to your queries.
Best Wishes
Karen Moore
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Couple of points based on the above posts.
Firstly, In my Stage 2 I was allowed a calculator, they gave me one. Even though the instructions said do not use one.
In my Stage 3 that included a resit of the same physics test, they said no calculators allowed. If there is a logic to this it's beyond me.
Regarding the ADAPT tests, apart from the CAE maths and physics CBT products on their website, which is absolutely worth the money and will help you prepare (and in all honesty, I'm a science guy so I quite enjoyed watching the videos) I would say that it is not terribly productive to spend time trying to prepare for the other ADAPT assessments. That is to say -- though i did use Pilot Aptitude Test and Latest Pilot Jobs, and though they did offer a reasonable representation of the ADAPT elements, they didn't really offer any preparation beyond the observation that "oh I recognise this!". The "ball game" is based on your ability to manage hand eye coordination, the FAST test designed to test your situational awareness. Much of the variables in these "in the moment" type tests are established as you are doing the test. What I'm saying is that you ARE expected to prepare for a physics exam, but you aren't really expected to prepare for an ab initio pilot aptitude test - they're just not designed that way.
But this is in no way to discourage people from preparing as best they can with the products available, I just think ones performance on these tests are based on a natural aptitude, as the name would suggest. Rather than the month or two I practiced the "Ball game recreation"
Firstly, In my Stage 2 I was allowed a calculator, they gave me one. Even though the instructions said do not use one.
In my Stage 3 that included a resit of the same physics test, they said no calculators allowed. If there is a logic to this it's beyond me.
Regarding the ADAPT tests, apart from the CAE maths and physics CBT products on their website, which is absolutely worth the money and will help you prepare (and in all honesty, I'm a science guy so I quite enjoyed watching the videos) I would say that it is not terribly productive to spend time trying to prepare for the other ADAPT assessments. That is to say -- though i did use Pilot Aptitude Test and Latest Pilot Jobs, and though they did offer a reasonable representation of the ADAPT elements, they didn't really offer any preparation beyond the observation that "oh I recognise this!". The "ball game" is based on your ability to manage hand eye coordination, the FAST test designed to test your situational awareness. Much of the variables in these "in the moment" type tests are established as you are doing the test. What I'm saying is that you ARE expected to prepare for a physics exam, but you aren't really expected to prepare for an ab initio pilot aptitude test - they're just not designed that way.
But this is in no way to discourage people from preparing as best they can with the products available, I just think ones performance on these tests are based on a natural aptitude, as the name would suggest. Rather than the month or two I practiced the "Ball game recreation"
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Kylan, I did my stage 2 in March, then stage 3 in June. It's possible that the no-calculator rule is a policy of resits. I was taking my physics test along with other stage 2-ers and I don't know if they were also disallowed. But hey I passed without it and had to resit WITH it, so who knows? But mental maths will always be handy, so that's a good skill to work on. Good luck pal
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Hi all,
I've very recently attended a Stage 2 assessment at CAE's Oxford Academy and therefore I'm going to put in my two-penny worth.
Firstly, it is difficult. There's no point in lying, but remember, that's the entire point. My biggest piece of advice for anyone who has their Stage 2 coming up is to relax. That doesn't mean don't put any work in revising, but do not beat yourself up if you don't succeed. Remember, you're very fortunate that you're pursuing the aviation industry as there's so many routes to the cockpit, there's a million-and-one ways to achieve your dream. Do not put pressure on yourself while you're in there, thinking that this is your only opportunity to become a pilot. Ultimately, that will only hinder your performance.
Of course, if you're completely laid back and take no time to revise and prepare I wouldn’t expect to get too far. Complacency is dangerous in the aviation game. Remember, a little nerves is a good thing!
Progressive Maths & Physics
As you all know, 20 questions in 30 minutes, getting progressively harder.
Now to answer the calculator conundrum. You are NOT allowed to use a calculator at any point during the Stage 2 assessment, sorry! Now, as we know people have been able to use calculators in the past. If the questions were any different or not, I do not know. From what I've heard speaking to people who were allowed to use a calculator, my guess is that the questions are of similar difficulty as they were before. I can only assume CAE has changed their expectations of candidates to keep inline with the change.
I don't think that the questions were that hard to warrant the use of a calculator, although there were some calculations that were a little tricky. Personally, I found that your mental arithmetic was tested at other points throughout the tests anyway. Therefore, I think it would be better to have harder questions and allow the use of a calculator. This way you're testing a candidates deeper understanding and ability to apply themselves on these subjects.
Cognitive Tests
This section I personally found hardest to prepare for. Wether or not you can improve through practice is a different discussion entirely. But by using software such as SkyTest (Pan Asia), you can familiarise yourself with the type of questions they may ask.
FAST
Keep your eyes moving! Don't concentrate one one thing, you need to split your attention. Strangely, I quite enjoyed doing this one. I found that it made me feel as though I'm driving and in some way, I can see the relation. Looking outside at the road ahead, looking at the car in front, reading road signs as they fly by, followed by a quick scan down at the speedometer, look back outside, check the sat-nav, whilst listening to a podcast and changing gear! If you're already in the habit of splitting your attention through something like driving, then I think you'll find that experience definitely helps.
There is an activity on SkyTest (Pan Asia) that is quite similar to the FAST test which I found very helpful to prepare with.
Fixed Wing
If you, like me, have spent countless hours playing flight simulators, then I wouldn't worry too much. Just follow the instructions.
My biggest point, take it easy on the controls. They're very sensitive. Little and smooth movements is what you're looking for. If you start over-correcting you're going to end up with a case of Pilot-Induced Oscillation.
Ball Game
This one caught me off guard, much trickier than expected. Requires lots of concentration, don't let your mind slip!
yap800, you use the forward and back axis of the joystick and you're absolutely correct, both axes are inverted and you use the twist axis to move the ball left and right.
Good luck all!
I've very recently attended a Stage 2 assessment at CAE's Oxford Academy and therefore I'm going to put in my two-penny worth.
Firstly, it is difficult. There's no point in lying, but remember, that's the entire point. My biggest piece of advice for anyone who has their Stage 2 coming up is to relax. That doesn't mean don't put any work in revising, but do not beat yourself up if you don't succeed. Remember, you're very fortunate that you're pursuing the aviation industry as there's so many routes to the cockpit, there's a million-and-one ways to achieve your dream. Do not put pressure on yourself while you're in there, thinking that this is your only opportunity to become a pilot. Ultimately, that will only hinder your performance.
Of course, if you're completely laid back and take no time to revise and prepare I wouldn’t expect to get too far. Complacency is dangerous in the aviation game. Remember, a little nerves is a good thing!
Progressive Maths & Physics
As you all know, 20 questions in 30 minutes, getting progressively harder.
Now to answer the calculator conundrum. You are NOT allowed to use a calculator at any point during the Stage 2 assessment, sorry! Now, as we know people have been able to use calculators in the past. If the questions were any different or not, I do not know. From what I've heard speaking to people who were allowed to use a calculator, my guess is that the questions are of similar difficulty as they were before. I can only assume CAE has changed their expectations of candidates to keep inline with the change.
I don't think that the questions were that hard to warrant the use of a calculator, although there were some calculations that were a little tricky. Personally, I found that your mental arithmetic was tested at other points throughout the tests anyway. Therefore, I think it would be better to have harder questions and allow the use of a calculator. This way you're testing a candidates deeper understanding and ability to apply themselves on these subjects.
Cognitive Tests
This section I personally found hardest to prepare for. Wether or not you can improve through practice is a different discussion entirely. But by using software such as SkyTest (Pan Asia), you can familiarise yourself with the type of questions they may ask.
FAST
Keep your eyes moving! Don't concentrate one one thing, you need to split your attention. Strangely, I quite enjoyed doing this one. I found that it made me feel as though I'm driving and in some way, I can see the relation. Looking outside at the road ahead, looking at the car in front, reading road signs as they fly by, followed by a quick scan down at the speedometer, look back outside, check the sat-nav, whilst listening to a podcast and changing gear! If you're already in the habit of splitting your attention through something like driving, then I think you'll find that experience definitely helps.
There is an activity on SkyTest (Pan Asia) that is quite similar to the FAST test which I found very helpful to prepare with.
Fixed Wing
If you, like me, have spent countless hours playing flight simulators, then I wouldn't worry too much. Just follow the instructions.
My biggest point, take it easy on the controls. They're very sensitive. Little and smooth movements is what you're looking for. If you start over-correcting you're going to end up with a case of Pilot-Induced Oscillation.
Ball Game
This one caught me off guard, much trickier than expected. Requires lots of concentration, don't let your mind slip!
yap800, you use the forward and back axis of the joystick and you're absolutely correct, both axes are inverted and you use the twist axis to move the ball left and right.
Good luck all!
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I physically have no idea how they can expect us to not be allowed a calculator if we’ll be expected to do formulas such as SOH CAH TOA and velocity formulas. I studied A level Maths and wouldn’t have an idea how to do it. Are your sure there isn’t simply a calculator and non calculator paper?
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think they'll will for that sort of stuff , but for mental arithmetic it'll be pen and paper or at least I hope so cause it would seem near impossible to do otherwise, judging by there prep software mock questions.
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As of my test 3 weeks ago, no calculators were allowed at any point but they're not necessary for the questions asked. You are however, given a pen & paper.
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Thanks for clarifying the pen and paper thing, Ive booked my first assessment for December, what happens on Level 2 assessment day? Do we do any of the group exercises? Whats the verbal reasoning thats mentioned is that the personality quiz? Haven't seen anything mentioned on CAE.
I used SkyTest for pan-asian pilots to prepare for the FAST test and the cognitive tests. The mock FAST test was actually quite similar to the real thing.
As of my test 3 weeks ago, no calculators were allowed at any point but they're not necessary for the questions asked. You are however, given a pen & paper.
As of my test 3 weeks ago, no calculators were allowed at any point but they're not necessary for the questions asked. You are however, given a pen & paper.