Being below average at aptitude tests
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Porto
Being below average at aptitude tests
Hello, everyone!
I will start my ATPL later this year. But, just by curiosity, I attempted at doing some aptitude tests online. I did not score positively on them. Especially on the one with the black and white clocks, and also the one where you need to select which way to turn to match the arrow on screen.
Should I be worried about this? Will flight training help me improve these skills? Or should I just consider myself not a good pilot candidate?
I will start my ATPL later this year. But, just by curiosity, I attempted at doing some aptitude tests online. I did not score positively on them. Especially on the one with the black and white clocks, and also the one where you need to select which way to turn to match the arrow on screen.
Should I be worried about this? Will flight training help me improve these skills? Or should I just consider myself not a good pilot candidate?
Guest
Joined: Oct 2006
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 471
Likes: 356
From: Scotland
Hello, everyone!
I will start my ATPL later this year. But, just by curiosity, I attempted at doing some aptitude tests online. I did not score positively on them. Especially on the one with the black and white clocks, and also the one where you need to select which way to turn to match the arrow on screen.
Should I be worried about this? Will flight training help me improve these skills? Or should I just consider myself not a good pilot candidate?
I will start my ATPL later this year. But, just by curiosity, I attempted at doing some aptitude tests online. I did not score positively on them. Especially on the one with the black and white clocks, and also the one where you need to select which way to turn to match the arrow on screen.
Should I be worried about this? Will flight training help me improve these skills? Or should I just consider myself not a good pilot candidate?
And remember - every day you go into work - hundreds of above average pilots have killed themselves and all their passengers
You will be in good company - 50% of all pilots are below average
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Porto
Don't worry - plug away at it pass - work hard and retire without any accidents and you will have done what is required
And remember - every day you go into work - hundreds of above average pilots have killed themselves and all their passengers
You will be in good company - 50% of all pilots are below average
And remember - every day you go into work - hundreds of above average pilots have killed themselves and all their passengers
You will be in good company - 50% of all pilots are below average
Guest
Joined: Oct 2006
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 471
Likes: 356
From: Scotland
I don't think they are 'wise' words - just what others would say, but probably not in that way
Over to career pilots who have done the tests and done the flying
Flying is not just about flying - there is a whole load of other stuff to deal with
If you get through all the training and are handed a frozen ATPL then you have achieved one hell of a lot - as I am sure others much more experienced than me will tell you
If you want to do it - do it
If you don't - then you have a great excuse already
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Scandinavia
Do not worry too much about that.
I also found those tasks difficult, however, I am now finished with the ATPL-theory and all my exams.
There were students in my class who scored really high on those tests and had perfect grades from school, who still managed to fail some exams..
In my opinion, you should not let some random aptitude-tests online determine your ability to become a good pilot. It is all about working hard and staying motivated. If you put in all your efforts in the ATPL theory, you will do fine! It may seem much, but trust me, it will be worth it!
There are some good videos out there, explaining the spatial orientation task in a simple manner. Good luck.
I also found those tasks difficult, however, I am now finished with the ATPL-theory and all my exams.
There were students in my class who scored really high on those tests and had perfect grades from school, who still managed to fail some exams..
In my opinion, you should not let some random aptitude-tests online determine your ability to become a good pilot. It is all about working hard and staying motivated. If you put in all your efforts in the ATPL theory, you will do fine! It may seem much, but trust me, it will be worth it!
There are some good videos out there, explaining the spatial orientation task in a simple manner. Good luck.
Last edited by ArcticFlyer69; 13th February 2025 at 22:28.
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 3
From: United Kingdom
I'm not sure which aptitude tests you're referring to, but my first thought is what you are being compared against? Is your score from attempting the test once or twice being compared against people who have done it dozens of times or even some arbitrary number made up by the website owner?
If you are curious as to areas you need to focus on, try something like the aptitude testing offered by the Honourable Company of air Pilots. Use the feedback from that to think of areas to work on. It sounds like you'll have a bit of time to work on it.
Someone once said that anyone can be taught to fly, it's just whether they can be taught to fly in budget. So a natural person may be able to do it in minimum hours and others may need a little more time, so budget a little extra to allow for some additional training.
If you are curious as to areas you need to focus on, try something like the aptitude testing offered by the Honourable Company of air Pilots. Use the feedback from that to think of areas to work on. It sounds like you'll have a bit of time to work on it.
Someone once said that anyone can be taught to fly, it's just whether they can be taught to fly in budget. So a natural person may be able to do it in minimum hours and others may need a little more time, so budget a little extra to allow for some additional training.
