RAAF Specialist Testing
 

Hey Guys,

I'm off to Melbourne in September for Specialist Testing for the Air Force as a Pilot. I have a very, very basic understanding of what will happen (i.e Maths orientated, computer based).

I was wondering if anyone has undergone this test recently and could give me an idea on what to expect. I understand it will be quite a difficult test, as the intellectual demands and capabilities of a pilot are of high priority to the Air Force.

If anyone could supply me with an insight into the examination, I would be most grateful. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Souls.

G'day Soulman,

I recently attended a specialist (pilot) testing session.

Day starts with a 15 minute essay on why you want to join the ADF etc. Next is another pencil and paper test, reading of intruments, speed test.

Then it's on to the computer(s), can't remember exact details of all tests, but you do quite a few, all up it takes a few hours. Be sure your mental arithmetic is up to scratch, you'll get stuff like Plane A travels at 200kph, Plane B travels at 150kph, if they are 550kms away from each other, flying directly at one another how long will it take for them to meet etc, plenty of variations on this theme. Spatial orientation, you get an artificial horizon and compass and have to pick which plane is in the indicated position.

You also go to a second room of PCs that have these dodgy touchscreens and 2 joysticks. Co-ordination testing, keep the circle over the cross etc, many variations, including doing simple arithmetic while guiding the circle on screen.

Nothing you can really study for, (except maybe times tables and long division) but should be handy knowing what you are in for.

Good luck !

Big tip Soulman....learn your 60 times table...could be useful!

Why?? 540 kts = 9 nm / min. A lot of the quick questions will be piss easy if you divide the speed by 60 first.

Good luck - no better job in the world!!

soulman,

Try to get hold of a couple of American books by Solomon Weiner. One is called Officer Candidate Testing or something similar. The other title I also can't recall exactly but it's something like Pilot Aptitude Testing. Both books are about an inch thick and cost about $45 by the time you order them. Both books are very good preparation for what you're going to be doing.

Apart from the books and like others have said, do heaps of mental maths and problem solving. Ask someone to throw scenarios at you (like the two converging aircraft) until you're blue in the face.

Good luck with it all.

Cheers,

PP