Oxford (OAT) Skills Assessment
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by the way has anyone who has been posting messages in this thread actually done the skills assessment at oxford and got in? if so id love to know exactly what it entails and the type of questions you got asked in the interview. thanks
katie
katie
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Katie,
You can't really expect to have it all handed to you on a plate - your training and career certainly won't be that easy
.
If you search through the forums there is PLENTY of information to help you prepare.
Kind regards
Phil.
You can't really expect to have it all handed to you on a plate - your training and career certainly won't be that easy
.If you search through the forums there is PLENTY of information to help you prepare.
Kind regards
Phil.
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Betty,
When I went through the assessment (about, blimey, 4 years ago now) we had compass tests, a group exercise, group discussion, interview & "sim check".
Compass test - if you did GCSE Maths and Physics and have mis spent your youth (like most pilot wannabes) playing Microsoft Flight Sim you won't have a problem with this.
The first group exercise involved being given a scenario of being marrooned on a desert island and deciding as a group how to prioritise what to do and prioritisation of equiptment salvage. Results then presented to assessors. Don't think they really care what you decide but how you interact with others.
Second group exercise was to build a bridge out of materials provided, part of which conducted in silence. Again, I suspect your ability to build the bridge to the specification required is irrelevent, how you work in the team is what's assessed.
Group discusson was around 2 topics, we were simply told a statement and then left to discuss it. Topic 1 was "With improvements in automation and GPWS, why does CFIT continue to dominate accident statistics". Topic 2 was surrounding a recent (in 2004) European Court ruling that affected Ryanair's subsidies to fly into a particular airport (I forget the details) and were asked to discuss how this court ruling would affect our future career prospects.
Interview - can't really remember too much about specific questions, but one thing that stands out was an unpleasant "good cop/bad cop" approach by the two interviewers. Not sure whether it was deliberate as I thought that had long been discreditted. Overall, a calm, understated confidence will get you through - no killer questions.
Sim check was very simple. The hardest it got was turns onto headings whilst descending to a certain altitude which would require rolling out and leveling off at the same time. We got a full pre sim brief that was aimed at assuming you had never seen a set of aircraft instruments before.
When I went through I asked about the pass/ fail rate and what the main reason for for failure was. They said the about 55 - 60% passed the compass tests and of those who got through the biggest reason for not getting all the way through was a little bit of imaturity/ lack of confidence which was especially evident in those fresh out of school.
Best of luck.
When I went through the assessment (about, blimey, 4 years ago now) we had compass tests, a group exercise, group discussion, interview & "sim check".
Compass test - if you did GCSE Maths and Physics and have mis spent your youth (like most pilot wannabes) playing Microsoft Flight Sim you won't have a problem with this.
The first group exercise involved being given a scenario of being marrooned on a desert island and deciding as a group how to prioritise what to do and prioritisation of equiptment salvage. Results then presented to assessors. Don't think they really care what you decide but how you interact with others.
Second group exercise was to build a bridge out of materials provided, part of which conducted in silence. Again, I suspect your ability to build the bridge to the specification required is irrelevent, how you work in the team is what's assessed.
Group discusson was around 2 topics, we were simply told a statement and then left to discuss it. Topic 1 was "With improvements in automation and GPWS, why does CFIT continue to dominate accident statistics". Topic 2 was surrounding a recent (in 2004) European Court ruling that affected Ryanair's subsidies to fly into a particular airport (I forget the details) and were asked to discuss how this court ruling would affect our future career prospects.
Interview - can't really remember too much about specific questions, but one thing that stands out was an unpleasant "good cop/bad cop" approach by the two interviewers. Not sure whether it was deliberate as I thought that had long been discreditted. Overall, a calm, understated confidence will get you through - no killer questions.
Sim check was very simple. The hardest it got was turns onto headings whilst descending to a certain altitude which would require rolling out and leveling off at the same time. We got a full pre sim brief that was aimed at assuming you had never seen a set of aircraft instruments before.
When I went through I asked about the pass/ fail rate and what the main reason for for failure was. They said the about 55 - 60% passed the compass tests and of those who got through the biggest reason for not getting all the way through was a little bit of imaturity/ lack of confidence which was especially evident in those fresh out of school.
Best of luck.
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Don't think anyone uses 'good cop, bad cop' routine anymore! Glad to say that's been assigned to the history books of interviewing techniques!
Read the papers! And Flight International for aviation news. Learn how the airlines work - read the General and Terms and Endearments boards. Look on airline's web sites for business plans etc.
Read the papers! And Flight International for aviation news. Learn how the airlines work - read the General and Terms and Endearments boards. Look on airline's web sites for business plans etc.
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I actually got accepted into OAT yesterday with a provisional course start for July.
I started the assessment tests 3 months ago when i went for NETJETS, needless to say i didnt make it to Lisbon but OAT said they would consider me for the APPFO if I completed the last part which, for me was the simulator part. The last bit is usually an interview and debrief but NETJETS did it all weird!
Basically, I didnt pass with flying colours but reasonably average all the way through.
COMPASS tests- With these, invariably you are either good enough or you are not! So dont worry too much about them, as i found although practice can make you aware of what is expected-on the day nerves kick in and it is a different experience. It is actually a weird feeling because you kind of enjoy them?????!!!!!!! Dont put too much input into the controls or youll be "chasing the needle" so too say!
GROUP EXERCISE- we were dropped off in a desert and basically had to find a route to a destination-- the point is not to make the best route but to interact respectfully with your team to come up with a reasonable solution. I spoke a little too much and was overbearing to a couple of characters so beware. Be sure to say your part but dont overdo it and get others who are quiet involved.
INTERVIEWS- The interview situation is a nerve racking environment but resign yourself to the fact that you have to do it and try to relax as much as you can- Bachs Rescue Remedy from Boots seemed to help me?
You are in it to show what you know and do exactly that DO NOT comment on issues or anything that you know nothing about---it is very transparent! Be prepared to say "I do not know the answer" you will earn more respect for that answer than any other. They try to put you under pressure in situations- just accept it and try your best, possibly use the above answer?!
SIMULATOR- I did this yesterday and i was very nervous and passed with an average mark. The flying is reasonably easy. You will make a mistake and forget to do something but as long as you can realise your mistake and make a deliberate effort to correct the mistake then they will be happy. They throw in a couple of questions to test your capacity to think while doing something else my question was- what is 20% of 150. All i can say for that is learn your square routes and percentages.
I have a friend who just got on CTC and they asked him to to do the alphabet backwards from M, the square route of 40(he said around 6.5 and they accepted that) and the also asked him 4% of 8000. That was CTC so if you can do those in your head then you will sail through.
I hope this all helps, I have missed stuff but that is standard such as personal profiling.
Good luck and dont
H
I started the assessment tests 3 months ago when i went for NETJETS, needless to say i didnt make it to Lisbon but OAT said they would consider me for the APPFO if I completed the last part which, for me was the simulator part. The last bit is usually an interview and debrief but NETJETS did it all weird!
Basically, I didnt pass with flying colours but reasonably average all the way through.
COMPASS tests- With these, invariably you are either good enough or you are not! So dont worry too much about them, as i found although practice can make you aware of what is expected-on the day nerves kick in and it is a different experience. It is actually a weird feeling because you kind of enjoy them?????!!!!!!! Dont put too much input into the controls or youll be "chasing the needle" so too say!
GROUP EXERCISE- we were dropped off in a desert and basically had to find a route to a destination-- the point is not to make the best route but to interact respectfully with your team to come up with a reasonable solution. I spoke a little too much and was overbearing to a couple of characters so beware. Be sure to say your part but dont overdo it and get others who are quiet involved.
INTERVIEWS- The interview situation is a nerve racking environment but resign yourself to the fact that you have to do it and try to relax as much as you can- Bachs Rescue Remedy from Boots seemed to help me?
You are in it to show what you know and do exactly that DO NOT comment on issues or anything that you know nothing about---it is very transparent! Be prepared to say "I do not know the answer" you will earn more respect for that answer than any other. They try to put you under pressure in situations- just accept it and try your best, possibly use the above answer?!
SIMULATOR- I did this yesterday and i was very nervous and passed with an average mark. The flying is reasonably easy. You will make a mistake and forget to do something but as long as you can realise your mistake and make a deliberate effort to correct the mistake then they will be happy. They throw in a couple of questions to test your capacity to think while doing something else my question was- what is 20% of 150. All i can say for that is learn your square routes and percentages.
I have a friend who just got on CTC and they asked him to to do the alphabet backwards from M, the square route of 40(he said around 6.5 and they accepted that) and the also asked him 4% of 8000. That was CTC so if you can do those in your head then you will sail through.
I hope this all helps, I have missed stuff but that is standard such as personal profiling.
Good luck and dont
H
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a little insight
hi hellequin, tom n all, this is a slightly nerve racking time for me, i'm in the process of selling my company to undertake the course - probably/hopefully at OAT - big risk, need to get out of corporate hell and do, "something i've always wanted to......". Interviews, team building, people playing good cop/bad cop, trying to catch me out blah blah... had to put up with that cr*p for 10 years to get paid.
i'm a bit more concerned about the content of the COMPASS testing. Hand eye co-ordination i appreciate you have or don't, i've been trying to pin point the specific areas of maths & physics to cover prior to taking any tests. I don't want to be spoon fed, quite the opposite, it's been some time since i was in full time education so some familiarisation would be essential.
i've been practicing basic trig & algebra, plus the basics of percentages etc, aside from that & distance & force equations in physics what else should i be looking out for? also, any other areas i can practice/improve on?
thanks in advance
i'm a bit more concerned about the content of the COMPASS testing. Hand eye co-ordination i appreciate you have or don't, i've been trying to pin point the specific areas of maths & physics to cover prior to taking any tests. I don't want to be spoon fed, quite the opposite, it's been some time since i was in full time education so some familiarisation would be essential.
i've been practicing basic trig & algebra, plus the basics of percentages etc, aside from that & distance & force equations in physics what else should i be looking out for? also, any other areas i can practice/improve on?
thanks in advance
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Hey i have just ordered on the advice of fellow ppruners the OAt media essential phyics and maths cd rom's of the oat media website, a friend who is also going for the assessment has got them and found them really useful. So try that. for hand eye again on the advice of others on here im just going to praqctice on flight sim although i dont have pedals!
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Thank you everyone, keep it coming!!!!!!!!!!!
I must say I am very impresed with the level and quality of feedback I'm getting from this thread, however people whilst this advice is good I'd like to hear views and advice from as many people as possible becuase all help is welcomed by me and others in my situation, so please keep the advice coming as it is much apprechiated.
Many thanks
Tom
Many thanks
Tom
Last edited by geet88; 22nd Nov 2007 at 15:45. Reason: spelling
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i mucked up the maths by turning a blank on fraction conversions such as degrees centigrade to farenheit for example, the extent of the maths and physics can be revised on the GCSE Bitesize website.
H
H
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Hey there =)
I took the Skills Assesment back in June this year, and unfortunately i failed on the interview, and the teamwork skills. This is because i had literally just turned 17 years old, and as such when i was trying to engage in a group discussion with 5 other 20-24 year olds i found it extremely difficult and intimidating! So my advice in this context would be don't be afraid to make yourself heard, the worst thing you can do is say nothing at all, which is more or less what i did.
I cant remember what group discussion topics we had, all i remember is that i didn't really have a clue about them. Which is why i would also very strongly recommend you wise up on aviation knowledge and news before hand!
For my group activity we were tasked with building a skyscraper that could withstand the weight of a cup of water, 5 minutes of the building time had to be in silence, which was....interesting. Again because of my timidness here i failed to engage well enough and thus failed the assessment. One thing i remember us being told at the end was that we did not use the white board on the wall to help draw out our plans, so make sure you do that
My interview i found to be very tough. I was interviewed by an airline pilot and one of the women from OAT's admin center. They were nice people who made for a nice atmosphere, but that didn't stop me from being nervous, especially since it was literally the first real interview i've ever done in my life. I remember being asked questions like 'Give an example of something you have worked hard for in your life', and 'what do you see as your strongest qualities' etc. However i remember very specifically being asked in depth questions about the APP First Officer course, such as 'In what plane do you train in at Goodyear, and how many hours will you complete' So i would advise you to thoroughly learn every stage of the course and its details in depth. They could ask you for example, 'what is the main objective of the CRM' (Crew Resource Management) part of the course.
The COMPASS tests, i found to be much easier than expected, although i remember the memory test being a bit daft and poorly designed. All i did was a bit of mental arithmetic and basic physics brush over before hand. Long division and long multiplication would be good things to revise. Some of the aspects of the COMPASS tests are either skills you have, or don't have. For example hand-eye coordination.
Simulator assessment was good fun and quite easy for me, its one of those things you can either do or cant do. Although its very hard to tell at the time how well you've done. Remember they are NOT looking to see how pro you are at controlling a plane, they want to see how you IMPROVE over the assessment.
Another piece of advice i cant emphasize enough is - make friends with the other people on the assessment, they are going through the same thing as you. When i got to know the chaps on my assessment we went out to the pub on the first day, and had a superb time. It was great to talk to people in exactly the same situations and nervous states as you are, also making friends with them helps reduce some of the tension when doing group activities.
When i had my debrief, i was told that if i went away, went to university, got some more life experience, and came back to retake it, i would sail through it. i was told i had enormous potential, which made me feel extremely encouraged as i was basically being told i was too young at the time. So i am currently taking a National Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, and will hopefully take a degree after. Then return to retake the assessment. I am also taking a PPL in the meantime.
To conclude i actually had a fantastic time in the assessment, OAT is a superb establishment, i loved the staff, the students and the atmosphere there, and to some forum trolls who try to give the false impression that OAT is a corrupt and money hoarding establishment. That is quite frankly some of the most unfounded tripe i have ever read.
Regs.
Matt.
I took the Skills Assesment back in June this year, and unfortunately i failed on the interview, and the teamwork skills. This is because i had literally just turned 17 years old, and as such when i was trying to engage in a group discussion with 5 other 20-24 year olds i found it extremely difficult and intimidating! So my advice in this context would be don't be afraid to make yourself heard, the worst thing you can do is say nothing at all, which is more or less what i did.
I cant remember what group discussion topics we had, all i remember is that i didn't really have a clue about them. Which is why i would also very strongly recommend you wise up on aviation knowledge and news before hand!
For my group activity we were tasked with building a skyscraper that could withstand the weight of a cup of water, 5 minutes of the building time had to be in silence, which was....interesting. Again because of my timidness here i failed to engage well enough and thus failed the assessment. One thing i remember us being told at the end was that we did not use the white board on the wall to help draw out our plans, so make sure you do that
My interview i found to be very tough. I was interviewed by an airline pilot and one of the women from OAT's admin center. They were nice people who made for a nice atmosphere, but that didn't stop me from being nervous, especially since it was literally the first real interview i've ever done in my life. I remember being asked questions like 'Give an example of something you have worked hard for in your life', and 'what do you see as your strongest qualities' etc. However i remember very specifically being asked in depth questions about the APP First Officer course, such as 'In what plane do you train in at Goodyear, and how many hours will you complete' So i would advise you to thoroughly learn every stage of the course and its details in depth. They could ask you for example, 'what is the main objective of the CRM' (Crew Resource Management) part of the course.
The COMPASS tests, i found to be much easier than expected, although i remember the memory test being a bit daft and poorly designed. All i did was a bit of mental arithmetic and basic physics brush over before hand. Long division and long multiplication would be good things to revise. Some of the aspects of the COMPASS tests are either skills you have, or don't have. For example hand-eye coordination.
Simulator assessment was good fun and quite easy for me, its one of those things you can either do or cant do. Although its very hard to tell at the time how well you've done. Remember they are NOT looking to see how pro you are at controlling a plane, they want to see how you IMPROVE over the assessment.
Another piece of advice i cant emphasize enough is - make friends with the other people on the assessment, they are going through the same thing as you. When i got to know the chaps on my assessment we went out to the pub on the first day, and had a superb time. It was great to talk to people in exactly the same situations and nervous states as you are, also making friends with them helps reduce some of the tension when doing group activities.
When i had my debrief, i was told that if i went away, went to university, got some more life experience, and came back to retake it, i would sail through it. i was told i had enormous potential, which made me feel extremely encouraged as i was basically being told i was too young at the time. So i am currently taking a National Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, and will hopefully take a degree after. Then return to retake the assessment. I am also taking a PPL in the meantime.
To conclude i actually had a fantastic time in the assessment, OAT is a superb establishment, i loved the staff, the students and the atmosphere there, and to some forum trolls who try to give the false impression that OAT is a corrupt and money hoarding establishment. That is quite frankly some of the most unfounded tripe i have ever read.
Regs.
Matt.
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Know what you are getting into
For the interview make sure you know the course, i.e. stages, tests, licences. Then know about the career you are hopefully going into, i.e. hours needed to unfreeze ATPL, hours need to be considered for captain, where do you expect to be in 10 years etc.
Don’t try to 'blag' your way through, the guy (or girl) sitting in front of you will be a current commercial pilot! and will see right through you.
Don’t try to 'blag' your way through, the guy (or girl) sitting in front of you will be a current commercial pilot! and will see right through you.
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I think you should get more feedback from people that did PASS the assessment and ones that are slightly older.
No offence meant, but the couple of people above, you spent £200.00 on an assessment and didn't prepare for it...a bit silly?
I imagine you are young and didnt realise or just lazy.
No offence meant, but the couple of people above, you spent £200.00 on an assessment and didn't prepare for it...a bit silly?
I imagine you are young and didnt realise or just lazy.