Aptitude Testing

Aptitude Testing

Applicants who have met the general criteria for entry into Diploma level vocation training (and VET Student Loans scheme if relevant) are usually required to undertake a pilot aptitude test and review discussion with the Head of School.

What is the purpose of Aptitude Testing?

Pilot aptitude testing serves the specific purpose of evaluating individuals’ suitability and potential for a career as a pilot in the aviation industry. These tests are designed to assess various cognitive, psychomotor, and personality traits that are crucial for successful performance in the role of a pilot. The aviation industry places a significant emphasis on safety and efficiency, and pilot aptitude tests help identify candidates who have the necessary attributes to become skilled and responsible pilots. The key purposes of pilot aptitude testing include:

1. Identifying Natural Ability: Pilot aptitude tests evaluate an individual’s inherent abilities in areas such as spatial orientation, multitasking, hand-eye coordination, memory, and problem-solving. These abilities are vital for handling the complex tasks involved in flying an aircraft.
2. Ensuring Safety: Safety is of utmost importance in aviation, and pilot aptitude tests help identify candidates who are less likely to be prone to errors or risky behaviors, reducing the risk of accidents or incidents during flight operations.
3. Selecting the Right Candidates: Airlines and flight schools use pilot aptitude tests to select candidates who have the potential to ultimately become competent, safe pilots. It assists in making informed decisions during the pilot selection process.
4. Tailoring Training Programs: Pilot aptitude testing results can help design personalized training programs that focus on developing specific skills or addressing areas where a candidate might need improvement. This personalized approach can lead to more effective pilot training.
5. Predicting Job Performance: Pilot aptitude tests are also used to predict how well candidates will perform in the challenging and dynamic environment of a cockpit. This predictive capability helps airlines and aviation organizations make better decisions in pilot recruitment.
6. Regulatory Compliance: Some aviation authorities and airlines require pilot aptitude testing as part of the licensing and certification process, ensuring that pilots meet specific standards before taking command of an aircraft.

It’s important to note that the pilot aptitude test is just one component of the overall pathway to becoming a pilot – the goal is to ensure that individuals who become pilots have the necessary skills, attributes, and temperament to handle the demands and responsibilities of flying safely and efficiently.

ADAPT

The aptitude test we generally use is the internationally regarded ADAPT by Symbiotics.