Gapan - Pilot Aptitude Assessment
wonder why I have not passed the COMPASS Test at CTC for the Easyjet/JMC Scheme....
This fancy test is far more difficult..... LOL
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 27,395
Likes: 857
From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
There are considerable benefits in taking the GAPAN tests, because the accuracy of the scoring by their experienced testers is held in high esteem by the professional flying training industry. Feedback to GAPAN has shown that those who score well in the tests will acquit themselves well during their flying training. Furthermore, I understand that HSBC also recognise that a loan applicant with a good GAPAN test result represents a sound financial investment risk.
So, if you really want an honest and well-found assessment as to see whether you've got the 'right stuff' for a career in civil aviation, you would do well to consider taking the GAPAN tests. You can find further details at http://www.gapan.org/career/aptitude.htm .
So, if you really want an honest and well-found assessment as to see whether you've got the 'right stuff' for a career in civil aviation, you would do well to consider taking the GAPAN tests. You can find further details at http://www.gapan.org/career/aptitude.htm .
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: lonson
Can anybody give me an idea of what the GAPAN tests consist of? Am I right in thinking that 1) keep the dot on the train of dots 2) cross wires in the box, 3) remember number sequence 4) 2 fig. grid reference get rid of boxes etc? - or maybe I am completely wrong!
Are there specific Maths and English questions?
Cheers
Are there specific Maths and English questions?
Cheers
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 359
Likes: 10
From: London
I sat the tests for the RN, and have a piece of blue paper saying that I would be suitable for flight training. Now I fell at the last hurdle with the RN, but would it be advisable to take the tests again through GAPAN or is that blue piece of paper equivalent.
Sagey
Sagey
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
It would be interesting to know what score counts as the divide between high and low as the RAF have been known to change the pass mark based on number requirements.
When applying for the uni air squardon I took the full RAF tests and just failed but I achieved a high enough grade to get into the squadron. I have had no problems with the flying training and have achieved high marks on my flying.
Aptitude tests are only 40% accurate and do not take into account your actual ability to work in the cockpit environment which is totaly different to sitting infront of a computer screen with a joystick.
Hopefully when I go for my bursary I will PASS these tests as thats all you need to do, the RAF dont have high or low scores so im interested in why GAPAN have high or low scores. Just a thought.
When applying for the uni air squardon I took the full RAF tests and just failed but I achieved a high enough grade to get into the squadron. I have had no problems with the flying training and have achieved high marks on my flying.
Aptitude tests are only 40% accurate and do not take into account your actual ability to work in the cockpit environment which is totaly different to sitting infront of a computer screen with a joystick.
Hopefully when I go for my bursary I will PASS these tests as thats all you need to do, the RAF dont have high or low scores so im interested in why GAPAN have high or low scores. Just a thought.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Gapan Aptitude Tests
Maybe this is not the right place to ask this. Could anybody that has taken the Aptitude Test at RAF Cranwell tell me at what time of day you left RAF Cranwell to travel home as I am trying to arrange the journey by Public Transport .
Thanks
Thanks
Supercharged PPRuNer
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 15
From: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
1300 (ish) in my case, but it depends when your name gets called for the debrief.
I'd plan on about 1430 to be safe.
I'd plan on about 1430 to be safe.
Supercharged PPRuNer
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 15
From: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
You're best off phoning Cranwell & asking them direct - get it from the horse's mouth. I'm sure they could give you names of local taxi firms as well.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: East Midlands
I went and took the tests about 3 weeks ago. We were told prior to starting the tests that the last person to be de-briefed would be away no later then 16h00. Luckily I was the first one to be called for the debrief, and got away at just after 14h00.
Enjoy yourself at Cranwell, the tests and results are interesting, and the GAPAN people there really friendly and helpful.
Enjoy yourself at Cranwell, the tests and results are interesting, and the GAPAN people there really friendly and helpful.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Gapan Results
Been trying to decide now for a while now if it is worth pursuing
a career as an airline pilot after getting an average mark in the Gapan aptitude tests anybody any thoughts ?
Do you think I would find the training too difficult ?
Is there anybody else who got an average result continuing training ?
Any advice would be greatly Appreciated
a career as an airline pilot after getting an average mark in the Gapan aptitude tests anybody any thoughts ?
Do you think I would find the training too difficult ?
Is there anybody else who got an average result continuing training ?
Any advice would be greatly Appreciated
Guest
Posts: n/a
I believe average is not meant to rule out such a career. As well as getting opions here you really should get in contact with GAPAN and have a chat about it. They should have debriefed you on the day but sometimes you think of all the good questions after the event!
Good luck either way
Good luck either way
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bob
Agre with HWD here. Get in touch with GAPAN again and ask them all of the questions. Hopefully their de-brief will have given you greater detail about your prospects, together with an explanation of how to interpret the results of the test. I'm sure they will have done, otherwise the test would be pointless if it doesn't give you a clear indication of what it was trying to determine!
I've noted that they state their test, in their opinion, is only really accurate for someone with 150 hours or less (from memory).
Also beware of drawing conclusions from the terms 'average', 'below average' and 'above average'. These terms if used strictly in the context of reporting/feedback of psychometric tests convey a very different meaning to our understanding of these terms in every day life! By means of explanation, the term average in this context would apply to a band ranging from circa 20% - 80% percentile. What a huge difference to our understanding that someone who is just average is maybe an 'underperformer'! I never really understood why it was necessary to report back in these terms, but they demand that you do. Me, I'd prefer the exact result, so I could draw some meaningful conclusions.
Also understand that if their results are calculated and based upon a sufficient bank of results obtained by reference to tests conducted on pilots alone, as opposed to a random selection of human beings generally, then these terms have more bearing. To be classed as average from amongst a group of people with similar talents, aptitude, educational background etc, is by no means a kick in the teeth. Your average pilot is the vast majority of pilots who succesfully follow a career in their chosen profession. To be 'below' or 'above 'average', in this context would indicate that to be anything different is something to be shunned! Clearly you don't want to be below, but do you really want to be above either, beacuse you might then be considered abnormal??
It's confusing, I admit, but as HWD says, go back talk to them. Ask them directly, 'Am I wasting my money, should I follow a different career, what are my chances of succeeding as a pilot?' If they say 'average', go bang your head against a wall and demand your money back!
Good luck anyway
Cb
Agre with HWD here. Get in touch with GAPAN again and ask them all of the questions. Hopefully their de-brief will have given you greater detail about your prospects, together with an explanation of how to interpret the results of the test. I'm sure they will have done, otherwise the test would be pointless if it doesn't give you a clear indication of what it was trying to determine!
I've noted that they state their test, in their opinion, is only really accurate for someone with 150 hours or less (from memory).
Also beware of drawing conclusions from the terms 'average', 'below average' and 'above average'. These terms if used strictly in the context of reporting/feedback of psychometric tests convey a very different meaning to our understanding of these terms in every day life! By means of explanation, the term average in this context would apply to a band ranging from circa 20% - 80% percentile. What a huge difference to our understanding that someone who is just average is maybe an 'underperformer'! I never really understood why it was necessary to report back in these terms, but they demand that you do. Me, I'd prefer the exact result, so I could draw some meaningful conclusions.
Also understand that if their results are calculated and based upon a sufficient bank of results obtained by reference to tests conducted on pilots alone, as opposed to a random selection of human beings generally, then these terms have more bearing. To be classed as average from amongst a group of people with similar talents, aptitude, educational background etc, is by no means a kick in the teeth. Your average pilot is the vast majority of pilots who succesfully follow a career in their chosen profession. To be 'below' or 'above 'average', in this context would indicate that to be anything different is something to be shunned! Clearly you don't want to be below, but do you really want to be above either, beacuse you might then be considered abnormal??
It's confusing, I admit, but as HWD says, go back talk to them. Ask them directly, 'Am I wasting my money, should I follow a different career, what are my chances of succeeding as a pilot?' If they say 'average', go bang your head against a wall and demand your money back!
Good luck anyway
Cb
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Hi There,
What was the average based on? hand to eye coordination? or does mathematics play a big part in this?
Im intreasted in doing GAPAN tests, i was at the flyer exhibition show and GAPAN was there with some computer systems with PYSTECH Pyschometric testing software, with the hand to eye coordination im pretty above average.
What does GAPAN test you on to come to the conclusion that your average? (basic maths? or hand to eye coord?)
Ive also seen on BAE Systems website that they mention "BAE SYSTEMS can only accept those scores that fall under the high average result range. " Do you think this is mis-worded? i done a search on GAPAN and most of the ppruners say they get HIGH and not HIGH AVERAGE, ive still yet to come acoss someone posting that they got high average although im still ploughing my way through all the posts.
What was the average based on? hand to eye coordination? or does mathematics play a big part in this?
Im intreasted in doing GAPAN tests, i was at the flyer exhibition show and GAPAN was there with some computer systems with PYSTECH Pyschometric testing software, with the hand to eye coordination im pretty above average.
What does GAPAN test you on to come to the conclusion that your average? (basic maths? or hand to eye coord?)
Ive also seen on BAE Systems website that they mention "BAE SYSTEMS can only accept those scores that fall under the high average result range. " Do you think this is mis-worded? i done a search on GAPAN and most of the ppruners say they get HIGH and not HIGH AVERAGE, ive still yet to come acoss someone posting that they got high average although im still ploughing my way through all the posts.
Last edited by wbryce; 10th November 2003 at 07:20.
Guest
Posts: n/a
They test you on hand-eye (as you identified), anticipation, spatial awareness, memory and multi-tasking. Basically, the inate skills you use when training for an IR.
There are no maths, verbal or other types of 'intelligence' tests.
There are no maths, verbal or other types of 'intelligence' tests.
Last edited by High Wing Drifter; 10th November 2003 at 20:23.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: East Midlands
GAPAN results
I made a few notes during the group briefing prior to the GAPAN tests.
The max score is 180, a low result is <91, average is 91-120 and high is >120.
I can't remember exactly what percentage of candidates fell in the "average" category, but approx 70% rings a bell from memory - I didn't note this down.
GAPAN don't tell you the actual score, only the result category you fall into. I don't think that an "average" score should be a concern, by definition you have the same level of ability as most other people doing the test. Go for it!
The max score is 180, a low result is <91, average is 91-120 and high is >120.
I can't remember exactly what percentage of candidates fell in the "average" category, but approx 70% rings a bell from memory - I didn't note this down.
GAPAN don't tell you the actual score, only the result category you fall into. I don't think that an "average" score should be a concern, by definition you have the same level of ability as most other people doing the test. Go for it!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: UK
I had a go at the basic GAPAN tests at the Flyer show and scored reasonably well (I think it was something like 6/10, 9/10, 8/10, 9/10)
I really want to know whether going up to Cranwell for the full test is worthwhile? What do people think? £150 is not much to spend if you are going to then go on and spend lots of k on training!
Has anyone done the test, done badly and still jumped in?
I really want to know whether going up to Cranwell for the full test is worthwhile? What do people think? £150 is not much to spend if you are going to then go on and spend lots of k on training!
Has anyone done the test, done badly and still jumped in?