Ab-Initio Compass Pilot Testing

The ab-initio battery of tests comprises of seven test types designed to help Flight Training Organisations screen inexperienced candidates for key pilot aptitudes and abilities. 

After a short briefing candidates are seated behind a computer with COMPASS installed on it. Using on-screen instructions the system guides candidates through all aptitude tests automatically. Before each test, a short practice run is provided to the candidate. Tests include visual and audible elements and require input from the candidate using a joystick and rudder pedals.

After all tests have been completed, an automatic scoring and analysis report is available immediately. This report can be easily interpreted and provides a clear picture of the candidate’s performance, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as an overall indication of flying aptitude. 

The assessment process takes about 2.5 hours in total and comprises:

• A tracking task using the joystick to steer a target between a moving stream of markers. The objective of the test is fully explained before candidates are given a practice run and then three 2 minute identical scored runs.
• A complex co-ordination task. Azimuth and elevation control using a joystick and rudder responding to separate, simple instrument presentations. This test assesses a candidate’s hand / feet / eye co-ordination and scan rate, by measuring how accurately the candidate keeps a needle and ball on a target, over three identical runs of 2 minutes each.
• A 15 minute timed cockpit mathematics test is aimed at practical calculations of the type often made in flight. These cover speed, time, distance, ratios, quantity and interpretation of tables and graphs. Mental mathematics of this type has been shown to be a reasonable indicator for capacity and mental agility. The problems are not difficult and are typical of calculations needed to be made by pilots.
• A 6 minute test of accuracy of short-term memory recall and ability to ‘chunk’ information.
• A 10 minute timed test of instrument interpretation, speed of comprehension and spatial orientation. This is a complex task and candidates are given an opportunity to review the instructional material before attempting the test. This test places candidates under some pressure.
• A test of a candidate’s ability to manage and prioritise demands from an input task (updating a CDU) and a monitoring task (cancelling a warning light) concurrently. This test will place candidates under considerable mental pressure during the three 2 minute test runs.
• A short technical quiz. This tests a basic knowledge of physics, including the theory of simple DC electricity, magnetism, gyroscopes etc.
• Non – native English language speakers may also undertake an aural comprehension test.

Available to airlines and providers wishing to test candidates for their flight screening requirements.