RECENT experience of Oxford Aviation (OAT) selection
 

Hello fellow PRUNES!!

I am looking for help from anyone who has gone through the Oxford Aviation selection tests recently (within the last twelve months) to confirm / deny how their selection tests are currently running. I have applied to them as part of BA FPP (I havn't actually heard anything yet but want to be prepared!) and am assuming that the selection will be the same if not very similar to how they normally run their days.

I am trying to swat up for their selection tests and have found LOADS of really great gen on here and Oxfords forums, but I would like some confirmation from people who have actually sat the tests, on what helped them prepare successfully.

I am particularly interested in the numerical / verbal / science stuff that that Oxford talk about. On day 2, the technical test, being assessed on the life cycle of a star for example had me raising my eyebrows. I am familiar with these subjects from school, albeit -AHEM- years ago. HOW much of this stuff needs to be in your head? Theories and principles or should I know all the little equations that got pushed out back when I had to learn about mortgages and pensions? Oxford recommend buying their back to school material to brush up on subjects but I wasn't sure how much of this would be useful for the selection rather than the ground school itself!

I have been practising with SHL direct and assessment day which has been good, but again I have no idea how close to the mark these tests are to Oxfords, either harder or easier.

Recommended aptitude test for hand / eye coordination has definitely been covered to death, cockpitweb and pilapt which is fine, but anyone who can join some dots for me on the above will be well received.

Many thanks in advance for any info.... :ok:

Smell the Coffee: Why tease him with that info? :hmm:

Macho Grande
 

A very polite request met by the most obstructive of responses from a couple of unhelpful show-offs.

I'm quite sure if they can pass what has to be a fundamental test of knowledge in each of the disciplines tested - and, of course, we only have their words for it - then I'm certain one as conscientious as you will pass with flying colours!

I wish I could help, however, I know no more than you about the content of these aptitude tests, my friend although if I was a betting man, I'd put money on this one coming up, afterall, it's the reason that aircraft fly in the first place:

Newton Three (Formally known as Newton's Third Law of Motion):

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Or more precisely:

If Body A exerts a force on Body B, then Body B exerts an equal BUT opposite force on Body A.

Just hope and trust I'm not teaching my granny to suck eggs, here!!

Good luck with your day at Oxford and here's hoping there's a good samaritan out there who will come to your aid.

Hope this helps you, Macho..
 

OK.. if and when you do get invited to Oxford, you may well only have 2-3 days notice. Secondly, the PFF assessment tests may well differ significantly to OAA's normal testing... my understanding is that BA has worked closely with the 3 FTOs to achieve 1 standardised set of tests across all 3 FTOs.

Now, given the vast range of questions which could be asked, from maths and science in particular, and the very short period of time that you may have, it is probably too late to expand your knowledge significantly.

If you pass the FTO assessment and get invited to BA for the second stage I do strongly suggest that you bone-up on BA's history, current structure and future plans.. knowing this stuff is worth many Brownie-points! Good luck to you and all FPP candidates. TP:ok:

Guys, sorry to be blunt, but why should someone who is competing for a chance to be accepted on the FPP help anyone else out in any way?

Yes, I have passed the OAA tests - apart from that not being a guarantee of future performance, why on earth would I want to share any information with someone I am competing with?

Besides, those of us that have applied have effectively agreed not to disclose any information on the application process...

Come on guys, stop being lazy...give it your best shot...what is meant to be will be. If you don't perform well in the assessment, perhaps that will save you a whole load of heartache (and money) later on...

On the positive side, good luck.

Thanks for the responses!! Genuine help mixed with the usual pinch of PRUNE spice, cynicism and scepticism!!! :rolleyes:

I was basically looking for a few one liner responses saying yes your on the right tracks, or no you'll have to go and relearn your GCSE's!!

I'm not looking for any unfair advantages, I didn't ask anything about the FPP selection and as I said I have been researching what's involved to be as prepared as possible. I was only curious if Oxford vets could indicate where my sights were set!! Interesting that proactively searching for information is seen as lazy!!

Good luck with your selection (again?!) STC!!

Fair enough Macho..
 

..but IF you do get invited to OAA with just 2-3 days notice (which seems to be the norm)... exactly what % of your GCEs/GCSEs do you think you'll be able to "relearn?"

Not being negative or pessimistic here..just realistic! TP

Well I hope I can brush up enough to pose a reasonable effort!

Applying for a pilots job I would hope reflects a certain amount of intelligence, plus I did study a little bit farther than GCSE's so it shouldn't all be a mystery.

TP I don't know if I agree with the mentality of 'if you don't move forwards you can't go wrong'. I don't think that will be my mantra!

Well I'm going to be brushing up anyway, I think I'll try a bit of positive mental attitude (dirty words??!!) and see what happens!!

Thanks for the replies and the PM's. :ok: