Advanced Compass Pilot Testing

After a short briefing candidates are seated behind the personal 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 Advanced Compass battery of tests comprises of seven test types & a personality inventory questionnaire designed for ATO's to screen for key pilot aptitudes and abilities of already trained and licensed pilots. Full instructions and a practice are given before each test. 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.
• 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 repeat 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.
• ATPL level operational knowledge test.
• A personality inventory questionnaire. This profiling tool has been developed specifically for ab-initio as well as experienced pilots. The questionnaire, which is in multiple choice format and takes about 30 minutes to complete, identifies the crucial competencies and traits for pilots. Social desirability bias (“faking good”), which is an issue for many personality inventory tools, has been compensated for within the design of this questionnaire. The traits considered are: Resilience, Assertiveness, Stress tolerance, Teamwork, Impulse control, Helpfulness, Ambition, Empathy, Accuracy, Autonomy, Perseverance, Openness, Dominance, Need for variation and Persuasiveness.
• Written comprehension and reasoning tests.
• 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.