APTITUDE Testing:Info or Intox?
 

Dear All,

Having recently,I admit,failed an aptitude test for an Airline,I would like to have some comments on why these tests are being used to assess crews.
I understand they may be used as a selection process by airlines to decide which of the candidates will be trained and hired by them but on a basis that these above future pilots dont have any experience,licences yet.(ie:ab initio) and training is paid by the sponsor.
For people who already have reached a certain standard in the business(ie;ATPL) and have shown that they do indeed, have spatial orientation,and can use their feet while their hands and mind are in action..
I believe that Interviews are essential to the selection as each airline may me looking for different minded people and sim checks to allow both parties to show and assess CRM aptitude.
Eventhough Air France still asks its HR to interpret their potential recruits on manuscript interpretation,is aptitude testing relevant to people who have proven in the past, their ability to operate and fly an aircraft,Is asking them to mentally fold and unfold boxes a correct way to select the above?

Comments welcomed,

M.85

M.85,
Airlines have many reasons for making aptitude tests for candidates seeking employment as pilots as such:

* It allows them to quickly wittle down the numbers that are applying, especially with big airlines such as Qantas that get large application numbers.

* It allows one to be assessed in competitive situations.

* It allows candidates to be assessed comprehensively for selection purposes.

* To select people best suited to the demmands of the job

* To place people appropriately within the airline.

* To identify strengths/weaknesses of candidates.

Yes aptitude tests do actually have a purpose, with most of the above being self-explanitory. Good luck with any future testing.

As for your other question...spatial thinking is one of the singulary most important skills a pilot can have, being able to take in a whole heap of information and then seeing how it all fits together is a crucial quality of piloting.

Regards,
PR