OAT Selection

[Mattuk]

Hey all,
Didn't know exactly where to put this topic, so I apologise if it is in the wrong place.

I am 18 and down for the OAT selection procedure for the APP course in September this year. Now, although they assured me I shouldn't have much to worry about, I haven't done maths etc... since GCSE. The thing is I know I have the drive and ability to become a commercial pilot, it's just that I don't want to underachieve on the selection procedure and subsequently be denied the chance to get onto the best course possible.

I was wondering if anyone had done the selection or something similar and could tell me what parts of maths and physics to revise.

Again, it is not because I suck at maths or physics, or that I want to cheat, I just feel if I am more prepared I will be able to do myself justice!

Thanks for your time

Matt

[Regis Potter]

This would be more appropriately directed to Wannabes.

Just one thing though, how do you know you have the ability without exposure to the selection procedure?

Good Luck

[Mattuk]

Thanks for your reply regis, and you do make a good point.

However, it is hard to explain. As I said I haven't done maths in a couple of years really. With the ground school training, you are directed what to learn. However, with the selection process it is much more an unknown quantity if you see what I mean?!

Matt

[rollright129]

Hi - from what I *hear*, the OAT selection is a bit of a joke really. Remember, they're almost bankrupt and if you "pass", you hand them over around £60k. Apparently very few people have failed their testing and those who do are mainly rejected before the testing itself. My advice would be to be wary before paying anything up-front to any training company. They're all in a sticky position at the moment and if they go under, you won't get a penny back.

[Mattuk]

Thanks for the advice rollright129. Not sure whether it makes a lot of difference, but I think OAT are owned by an Amercian conglomerate so I don't know how likely it is they will go bankrupt but I will bear that in mind.

So you don't think it will be tough to get through the selection?

Matt

[P T Flea]

I don't want to underachieve on the selection procedure and subsequently be denied the chance to get onto the best course possible

Hang on, who says it´s the best course possible? Oxford by any chance?

Yes, no one can deny the quality of Oxford´s ground school and flying training, but if you are looking for a good value integrated course then Oxford is not the place to look.

Currentlly at Jerez for the course cost and the facilites available out here the value is simply unbeatable.

I have done the Oxford selection as was offered a place. If you want to know what was involved then email me and I will fill you in on as much information as I can (although I think that there has been previous threads on this where I have posted indicating what was involved).

Think carefully before you decide which FTO gives the best course possible.

Whichever you choose it has to be the right for you and where you feel the most comfortable. Look at things objectively and be confident with your choices. There is no right and wrong answer really, but think long and hard before making your decisions.

PT

[Mattuk]

Thanks for the advice rollright129. Not sure whether it makes a lot of difference, but I think OAT are owned by an Amercian conglomerate so I don't know how likely it is they will go bankrupt but I will bear that in mind.

So you don't think it will be tough to get through the selection?

Matt

[boeingbus2002]

Erm...Mattuk
Enron was one of the largest American companies....the rest is history!
As for the selction tests, (Not sure if same for APP but generaly)

Maths - Basic GCSE level mental arithmetic. Easy but its the time that kills. Addition, Subtraction, Mulitplication Divison.
Then this is also tested in practical situations...i,e, You are in a shop...Have bought 5 Oranges..4 Peaches..costing £3.20 How much is a Peach? And usual Speed-time-distance questions

Numeracy - Complete Sequences of numbers. (Find the pattern to link them)

(A good book is "HOW TO PASS NUMERACY TESTS" Cant remember the Author but it was Published by Kogan

There are some odd ones with funny shapes. The show one and give five possible choices if it has been rotated twice along two difference axis.

Basically they are all multiple choice. No neg marking, and easy. You just need to be on the ball to do well within the time limits. The book i mentioned and similar ones are very useful. So a search for more topics on this from a while ago)

*Apologies for spelling and typos but im knackered!
Good luck

[rollright129]

I don't *think* that BBA plc (which owns OAT) is American. It is in the FTSE 250 (hence a large company), but the airport, engineering and the school have just been split up into three separate companies - probably (speculation) to sell off each one eventually. My guess is as good as yours!

[Mattuk]

Thanks

Thanks for all the heads up guys it is most appreciated!

Matt

[Basil]

How to Win at Aptitude Tests. Auth:Pelshenke Pub:Thorsons ISBN: 0-7225-2814-0
How to Succeed in Psychometric Tests. Auth: Cohen Pub: Sheldon ISBN: 0-85969-658-8
Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Auth: Yate Pub:Kogan Page ISBN: 0-7494-0673-9

These may be a bit out of date but you get the idea

All good advice from previous posters. I got a job a few years ago partly thanks to advice from PPRuNer - thanks for the site, Danny.

[bow5]

rollright129,

Just to set you straight before you come out with any more crap like i've just read, Oxford is not nearly bankrupt.

The parent company is pumping money into the facilities (ie the buildings, infrastructure etc.) and aircraft as we speak and the airport is to be expanded to allow more bus jet traffic to use it.

Get your facts straight before posting rubbish like that on a public forum, please!

I don't work for Oxford btw, i'm just a more than happy student

[boeingbus2002]

The books Basil mentioned are the ones. Maybe some newer versions out, but it dont make much difference. Save yr money and go to the local library for them!

So do as Basil did and Brush up on those books...boom boom!
(sorry couldnt resist!)

[heavy glider]

good luck with it. if you're hot on your basic addition subtraction multiplication and division (without calculator) then you will be well prepared. sounds simple, but make sure you know your times tables, up to 15 x 15 if you can.

i remember one or two of these tests with oxford, cabair etc.

Sitting happy flying passenger jet now. Best of luck

[Mattuk]

Thanks for the advice guys. Thanks Mr. Harrison for the email you sent me with practice questions - it was exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks again guys, enjoy the pax jets heavy glider!

Matt