Aptitude tests & Pilapt - Merged
 

Can anyone recommend any particular book with practice aptitude tests from which they found real benefit when actually sitting an airline aptitude test?

Unlikely you'll find any books on the subject.

That's the thing about 'aptitude' - you've either got it or you haven't!

You can't read about it or learn it.

Cheers,

SITW

with respect to SITW that is completely untrue, I took computer based aptitude tests for a certain organisation and failed the lot. I simply made a decision that I would not let these b/s tests stunt my career. I spent the next 3 months finding books and visiting websites, and brushing up mental arithmatic etc. I went to take the tests again, and not only did I pass but I totally cleaned up.
Also when I was 16 I totally messed up the RAF tests, to the extent that they told me not to bother again, then 2 years later I passed them (but decided not to work for the government)
The SHL website is pretty good, also many books in the major shops, I used to be a poor student, so I'd buy a few, photocopy the relevent bits, take em back and then do the same a couple more times, also libraries are good and if you have access to one a university graduate service office usually have loads of stuff.

OK it's true that you either have apptitude or not TO AN EXTENT but that does not mean you can't train yourself to pass the tests, and with the same hard work and dedication become a successful pilot. Just depends how much you want it.
Those who say otherwise are usually exceptionally talented, and a certain amount of arrogance has led them to believe that the rest of the world are unable to improve themselved to a level which they are lucky enough to have naturally. all it takes is a decision. peace.
sb
Remember the only natural pilots were those who hatched out of an egg.

Try any good bookshop or Amazon and ask for mental aptitude books. As Spanner says you won't (probably) find anything airline specific but books like "How to win at Aptitude tests", Iain Maitland, at least get you in the right frame of mind with worked examples and loads of practice material. So when you're asked a long multiplication question you won't waste time racking your brains wishing you'd paid more attention in GCSE maths, or if you have to make a square out of 5 different pieces you'll have some method.

If you have an interview try and find out the type of test they use, that way you can do an internet search on it. Although you won't know or find the exact same questions at least you may be able to find the format. Every little piece of info to give you a heads up will help.

Although initially a believer that aptitude test couldnt be "practiced" for; I proved myself wrong. I happened to pass the Qantas cadet pilot psychometric test; which is elusive for being difficult. With failure rates as high as 90%+; and the difficulty of obtaining a second chance; I bought myself a number of books to practice.
I found that the more I practiced; the more familiar I was with the genre of test; the quicker I went and more accurate I became.
The psychometric test I was given, encompasses a verbal test; numerical test, spatial test, and diagrammatic/commands test.
It is possible to study for the verbal, and numerical. The spatial on the other hand, can cause worries. I simply cut/folded up a box, and played around with it, viewing it from various angles, and tried to visualise objects from differing angles. (everyday items)
I developed a systematic number system which helped me in the diagrammatic/command test.
I read the newspaper, scanning all headlines, but in particular the business section, economy, major events, technical reports.... I also did lots of crosswords.... and looked at the dictionary..... This was beneficial with the verbal test; a lot.
For the numerical, I studied tables of data; the questions were primarily data interpretation and i found that after a lot of practice, all timed, that i developed familiarity with types of questions, that they were becoming repetitive!!!
However if one seeks to apply and qualify for a cadet programme; one must naturally be a high achiever at school, academically; and possess excellent health and fitness. In the end, its those that want it most that get it.

cheers, hope this sheds some light....:ok:

I think prospects.ac.uk has a lot of guidance for them, and careers.ncl.ac.uk will soon add a section on the tests with some practice ones.

Apologises to some extent - I think our definitions of 'aptitude' are at odds?!

Mental arithmetic and written tests can be 'revised' for I agree. These are more 'intelligence' tests than 'aptitude' tests (such as the military tests you take to be assessed for your 'aptitude' to train as a pilot or navigator). In RAF terms you either have or haven't got the 'aptitude' to be pilot or navigator. No amount of revising will achieve that in their terms.

Anyway, let's not get bogged down - I wasn't trying to cause a stir!!!

I have always read books to prepare for interview and it is a good way to prepare - and instill some confidence in oneself during those difficult encounters at interview!

Cheers

SITW

I found a book "Der Pilotentest" which has a lot of information and tests. The examples in the book I met 1 to 1 in airline-interviews. But the book is in German.

Palpably what we associate as being aptitude tests; are merely ability tests. Thats what we mean; but who cares; we all get what is meant. Hopefully.
cheers

PILAPT practice tests
 

Does anyone have any experience of the two PILAPT preperation tests offered by www.cockpitweb.com and http://www.pilapt-prep.co.uk/??

I am about to attend CTC for assesment and would be very interested in anyones opinion about these products and their relevance to the actual PILAPT selection tests.

Thanx in advance for the replies :sad:

pilapt prep would be suitable for ctc. I was going to purchase it and decided not to. I failed and damn well wish i had now! You only get one shot too

I purchased both, because as newbie008 said, you only get one chance.

Pros and Cons

Pilapt Prep - has many of the tests that CTC use. The only downside is that it does not have a deviation indicator test or the trax (flying through boxes test.) The other downside with Pilapt prep is that it doesn't score you so it's difficult to judge your own performance.

Cockpitweb is very good however the hands game is much easier than Pilapt prep and CTC's, and it doesn't have the grid task, and the grid task (called concentration on pilapt) is very difficult. The other downside with cockpitweb was that I couldn't get the flying through boxes to work.

Unless money is no object I would recommend getting pilap-prep and using Microsoft flight sim to practice the joystick skills.

Be warned however the deviation indicator is extremely difficult to keep centred and at times I was at full joystick deflection and still I couldn't centre it.

Dragstrut, I bought the pilapt software from cockpitweb and I must tell you it's a must. I passed my aptitude selection at Cranfeild, and thanks to the software, i would really suggest ypu purhase it because not only are the tests similair but they improve your reaction times. I'd def get it!:)

PILAPT
 

Thanks all for the replies.

some excellent information realy appreciate it keep it coming...

think im swaying towards the PILAPT prep software cheaper and more people seem to be relating it to CTC selection.

Cheers

Dragstrut...:bored: :ugh:

In my opinion, anyone who feels a need to practice the pilapt tests in order to pass them is a charlatan. The whole point of the tests is to give a fair, unbiased reflection of someones aptitude for flying, taking into account the fact that it is the first time that someone has done it. If you practice before hand what do you achieve?
1. You deceive urself as to whether you are cut out for flying, which could have serious consequences if you realise you are no good at it when u come to for example ur IR (which I believe if the most difficult part of the training, although not done it yet), after having spent a load of cash thus far.

2. You deceive and cheat which ever training organisation you are trying to get into. CTC will not be happy when they realise they have been taking in a load of wannabes who are not as good as they would want them to be, due to them gaining a place un fairly through practicing the pilapt tests before hand.

3. You are also cheating innocent wannabes out of a place which they deserve more than you. Say for example that you practice like mad, and beat a guy who is doing the tests for the first time by 1%, who has the most aptitude for flying? Who deserves the place on the course more?

As a final word, ive gotta say that in my honest opinion any one who does fail the tests really should take the fail seriously. I took the ones at Cranfield (with no previous practice of course) and destroyed em all, dispite being knackered. They are easy man! If you cant pass them then you are not cut out to be a pilot, simple as that.

PILAPT tests your coordination skills, but they do not give a full indication of whether you are suitable or not to be a pilot. They don't measure the determination of a person to suceed. Many people have failed PILAPT but have become successful pilots. PILAPT is not foolproof!

These tests were never meant to be practiced. They are supposed to put you on the spot and see what you can do. If you perform reasonably well you should be accepted, but I suppose it is human nature to try to get ahead of the rest. Remember, most schools running these tests don't expect perfect scores, but expect you to show your NATURAL skills and ability to adapt to a situation.

On the other hand, buying these tests show initiative and determination, so what can I say.........???

I agree. While I understand that people will do anything to help them fulfil their dreams, and admittedly there's nothing stopping people from forking out the money and practising these tests, you are giving yourselves an unfair advantage and, like King Rooney says, are deceiving yourself as to whether you're cut out for it. CTC pointed out at my stage 4 day that the hard work doesn't stop once you've finished the application - it's actually where the hard work starts. Deceiving yourself is only leaving yourself open to disappointment and possible financial distress later on, whoever you train with. Your ability to fly isn't going to be based on PILAPT tests alone, so if you haven't "got it", in the case of CTC it's going to show up at stages 3 and 4 anyway. You might be able to pass the PILAPTs with a bit of practice, but if you haven't got the natural ability and aptitude to learn to fly - which, after all, is what PILAPT is testing - then it's going to show up pretty obviously in the simulator ride. In terms of the amount of information you have to keep scanning, checking and reacting to all at once, the PILAPTs and the sim ride aren't too dissimilar. And on a similar note, if you think spending hours in front of MS Flight Simulator is going to prepare you for stage 4, or any sim check for that matter - forget it.

Seriously, if you're cut out for the job, you will pass the tests. I did without practising, and I've got on to the course. If you don't have the aptitude you're being tested for, then you will be weeded out later on in the selection and you'll have wasted all the time and expense of the repeated trips to the Southampton and Bournemouth. Be under no illusions as to how tough the whole selection procedure is, not just stage 2.

Having said all that, very best of luck with it - it's a great course.

EDIT: Just like to add this:
No they are NOT easy - far from it in fact. Some people may find them easier than others, but they are by no means "easy", and quite rightly so. And demonstrating that kind of attitude shows exactly why some people are able to pass the PILAPTs but still aren't cut out for the job. :rolleyes:

pilapt
 

To King Rooney & Bjkeates,

Before you go off on your high horse have you asked if i already have a licence?? NO you didn't

I have passed all my ATPL exams first time have a first time pass PPL CPL Multi and the IR you hold so dear !!!!! also completed a full jet MCC so have no worries about my flying ability thank you!! and if you would go to an interview without taking advantage of every avenue to ensure you are fully prepared then perhaps you two dont deserve to be givien jobs !!.....

Dragstrut:yuk:

I apologise if the tone of my post sounded like that in any way; it was not intended to. I was merely giving my opinions on the practice tests as I am entitled to do, having been through the real thing myself. You opened your post, however, in a tone which could possibly have suggested that you were applying for the Wings scheme and therefore may have had no experience whatsoever. If would have helped if you had made it clearer that you were applying for the ATP scheme. If you had suggested you had passed all your exams, then I'm sure nobody, myself included, would have commented on your flying ability. My comments were based on the assumption that you had little to no experience and were applying for the Wings scheme. I would also guess that King Rooney's slightly stronger comments were made with the same assumption in mind.

I didn't know they existed at the time of my interview; however, I'm still not sure I would have paid the extra money for them. I thought the whole point of the PILAPTs was that you weren't supposed to be prepared for them, however that is only my interpretation. In fact, at the Stage 2 presentation day we were actually told "there is very little you can do to prepare for stage 2". If, however, preparing for them is what you want to do, then go ahead and good luck with it.

Aptitude tests
 

Hi Guys,

Could you help me to find some books or sites with exercice about the aptitude tests to enter into a company.

Which kind of tests do they use ?
Some informations would be very nice.

Thanks a lot and have a good day.

Do you have A' Levels?

femaleWannabe,

If you want to do an aptitude test, I think you should go for GAPAN. All of these aptitude tests only give some indication of what your chances are of becoming a successful pilot. I had a good chat with a GAPAN representative, and he basically said if you are good at computer games, then you will have no problem with pilapt. The lower your hours, the better you are likely to do as you will "play the game" instead of "fly the plane". If you are determined, work hard, and have the right good attitude, then you have every chance of success.

Good luck! :ok:
captwannnabe

Hi,

I would recommend you apply for CTC anyway, failing that don't FTE offer one for a small fee, somebody??? You don't have to accept their offer to take you on if that's not what you want!

<Controversial Comment> GAPAN = SNOBBERY </Controversial Comment>

Forgot about FTE's aptitude tests. If they are still free, you can fly cheap with FR, London - Jerez.

pilapt
 

Has anyone used pilapt prep? Can you forward the software or not to other people??

When you buy it it is programmed with a code generated by your computer (you generate this and give it to the company before they send you the software). This means it can only be used on your computer, I think. When I tried to use my copy on a work computer I received a message along the lines of "This software is not licensed for this computer blah blah".

There may be ways round this. But I'd suggest you buy it as it is a great help... not quite sure where I stand in terms of morals and principal on this one though - it certainly gives you an advantage that you're not supposed to have.

I enquired about using PILAPT Prep on my work PC, they had me generate a code on the work PC and then sent me a new activation code saying they were satisfied with my explanation! :cool: Easily, the most useful aviation related software I've bought and I've bought many.

There is a company in Melbourne called PATS ( Pilot Aptitude Training Systems) . They got myself thru the Qantas process , and also dozens of my workmates over recent months. Specialise in the Qantas process which I guess is similar to BA aptitude tests, and in my view are excellent.

I don't know a whole lot about the Pilapt tests though, PATS have some sample questions on their website( www.******************) have a look to see if they are same.

i used this thing i got of ebay which described what would come up and how i'd go about it. it was alright to be honest. whatever one does, it's never like the real thing on the selection day. worth checking out on ebay if it's still up though.

Anyone ever failed a PILAPT test at one school but gotten through at another????
 

Hello people,

I just failed a PILAPT test at CTC and needed some advice. My first ever Pilapt but since PILAPT is used by most schools I'm trying to figure out if I am even Pilot material. What do you all have to say?

I haven't given up hope yet. I need support from those who were in a similar situation.

CTC's standard is very high. Remember that only 2-4% of people who apply get selected for the course. I remember being told at phase II that if you don't pass, it doesn't mean that you can't be a pilot. All it means is that you weren't good enough to meet their high standard. Pilapt is a test run by a computer that churns out a raw score; the score given by the computer is only of any use if it is interpreted by a person. i.e. The team running selection determines the pass mark, as it were.

Therefore, you may well have the raw ability to pass the selection tests of another FTO that has slightly less stringent standards. Don't give up; remember that there are plenty of excellent schools out there besides CTC.
Jamie

It's not just the pass mark that changes between schools. They can also chose to weight the scores of each individual exercise differently.

At CTC they place a high weighting on the multi-tasking capacity test at the end. So if you didn't do well there, you may have suffered.

good luck

When I was a flying instructor one of my students failed the PILAPT test for one of the major schools and it hit his confidence as it has yours. I don't put to much credence in these tests as I can honestly say that he was the most naturally talented pilot that I ever had the pleasure to teach. He is now completing a sponsorship with another organisation and I am sure that he will enjoy a long and sucessful career. Give it another go, pass marks go up and down depending on requirements, average of those tested amongst other things. The only way you will know if you have what it takes to be a pilot is to get yourself down to your local airfield and have a trial lesson (if you haven't already). Get your hands on the aircraft and see how you feel. I have seen many people who were heart set on a flying career who just found that it did not agree with them. Try it out.

Pilot Apt.
 

Ty given every answer as 'I have a cheque for £70,000 and it's yours Mr. OAT etc.'

I am sure you would get over the pass mark and they will love you like a long lost son (or daughter of course..I understand there are female pilots as well).

That is of course until the cheque is cashed and you will go back to being held in the same regard as a troublesome young offender.

Oh! the cynicism.

Hi

does anyone know if any of these programs/tests are similar to the ones PARC use for ther typerating assesement. Or does anyone have any info on what kind of test I would get exposed to ??

Jannik

COMPASS and PILAPT tests
 

Hello everyone.

I did a compas test a short while ago and did extremely well. How much of an indicator is this of my probable performance in a pilapt test? What are the differences between the two?

Cheers

Mister-Sheep

I passed my first COMPASS, but failed my first PILAPT. To be honest with you my attitude towards the PILAPT's (i.e, they are a doddle I've done it ALL before!) was probably to blame. They were totally different and in my opinion more difficult than COMPASS, but you'll here people say the opposite.

Check your PM's

OK thanks superpilot, that pm is extremely helpful.

Cheers

Mister-Sheep

What are the main differences between Pilapt and Compass then, well a better question is, what do you have to do in the Compass test?

I have took a Pilapt test, so i know whats in that, the hardest thing i found in the whole test, well i think the only hard thing was, the countdown, takeaway thing, i kept loosing track.

Aptitude testing software
 

Whats the best software on the market for preparing for pilot assessments as well as testing aptitude?

Did a quick search on google and found a few for sale, but what do you guys recommend?


PEZ