Candidate Handbook

Candidate Handbook

Version
Level D2

Symbiotics Ltd  Manor Farmhouse  Little Washbourne  Tewkesbury  Gloucestershire  GL20 8NQ
t. +44 (0) 1242 621 199  f. +44(0) 1242 269 234
e. [email protected]  w. www.symbioticsltd.com
Company No: 3242262  VAT No: 679822478
Registered in England

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Contents
Document Classification.................................................................................................................
About ADAPT ................................................................................................................................
What is it? ................................................................................................................................
What can it do for the organisation? ...........................................................................................
What can it do for you? .............................................................................................................
Data Protection .............................................................................................................................
Assessment: What should I expect? ...............................................................................................
Questionnaire stage...................................................................................................................
Structured Interview stage .......................................................................................................
Physical Task stage ..............................................................................................................
Flight Controls .....................................................................................................................
Straight and Level Flight ......................................................................................................
Climbing..............................................................................................................................
Descending .........................................................................................................................
Speed Control......................................................................................................................
Heading Control ..................................................................................................................
Navigation Screen ...................................................................................................................
Start ...................................................................................................................................
Flying over a Waypoint ........................................................................................................
Reporting................................................................................................................................
Question Task stage ................................................................................................................
Numerical Reasoning ...........................................................................................................
Verbal Reasoning .................................................................................................................
Abstract Reasoning ..............................................................................................................
Perceptual Speed & Accuracy – The Matrix ............................................................................
Perceptual Speed & Accuracy – Standard ..............................................................................
Spatial Relationship Reasoning .............................................................................................
Working Memory .................................................................................................................
Stroop 1 Test ......................................................................................................................
Stroop 2 Test ......................................................................................................................
Stroop 3 Test ......................................................................................................................
Debrief stage ..........................................................................................................................
What happens next? ...................................................................................................................
Glossary .....................................................................................................................................
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Figures
Figure 1: ADAPT Levels .................................................................................................................
Figure 2: A Diagram of the Bronze ADAPT service level ...................................................................
Figure 3: Login screen ...................................................................................................................
Figure

-2: APQ Question Type 1 ...............................................................................................

Figure 4: Example of Questionnaire Screen ...................................................................................
Figure

-3: APQ Question Type 2 ...............................................................................................

Figure

-4: APQ Question Type 3 ...............................................................................................

Figure 6: Example of Structured Interview ....................................................................................
Figure 7: Physical stage - controls ................................................................................................
Figure 8: The 5 screens of ADAPT ................................................................................................
Figure 9: The head-up display .....................................................................................................
Figure 10: Straight and Level Flight ..............................................................................................
Figure 11: Aircraft Climbing .........................................................................................................
Figure 12: Five Degree Climb .......................................................................................................
Figure 13: Aircraft Descending .....................................................................................................
Figure 14: Five Degree Descent ...................................................................................................
Figure 15: Accelerating ................................................................................................................
Figure 16: Decelerating ...............................................................................................................
Figure 17: Compass Heading .......................................................................................................
Figure 18: Heading Instrument in the Cockpit ...............................................................................
Figure 19: The Map Screen ..........................................................................................................
Figure 20: Current Leg Information ..............................................................................................
Figure 21: Next Leg Information ..................................................................................................
Figure 22: Approaching a Way Point ............................................................................................
Figure 23: Press the Way Point ....................................................................................................
Figure 24: Making the Turn .........................................................................................................
Figure 25: Example of one of the question tests (Numerical Reasoning) .........................................
Figure 26: Example of one of the question tests (Verbal Reasoning) ..............................................
Figure 27: Example of one of the question tests (Abstract Reasoning) ............................................
Figure 28: Example of one of the question tests (Perceptual Speed & Accuracy ..............................
Figure 29: Select the Direction .....................................................................................................
Figure 30: Reporting the Matrix Task ...........................................................................................
Figure 31: Example of one of the question tests ...........................................................................
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Figure 32: Example of one of the question tests (Spatial Relationship Reasoning) ...........................
Figure 33: Example of one of the question tests (Working Memory) ...............................................
Figure 34: Example of one of the question tests (Stroop 1) ...........................................................
Figure 35: Example of one of the question tests (Stroop 2) ...........................................................
Figure 36 – Example of one of the question tests (Stroop 3) ..........................................................
Figure 38: Additional aircraft dials ................................................................................................
Figure 39: Example of Fuel Consumption Calculation .....................................................................
Figure 40: Example of Candidate during Physical Task ..................................................................
Figure 41: Example of Candidate during Physical Task, answering a question from one of the
Question Tests. ...................................................................................................................
Figure 42: Example of Candidate in the debrief stage, watching the video clip ................................

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ADAPT
Candidate Handbook – Version
Issue:

Version

Reference:

ADAPT _Candidate_handbook _V

Date:
Prepared By:

HC, TF, AB

Symbiotics Ltd, subject to any existing rights of other parties, has prepared this
document. Symbiotics Ltd is the owner of the copyright of this document. The contents
may not be copied, distributed or disclosed to a third party without permission in writing
from the Company, nor may it be used for any purpose other than that for which it has
been supplied.

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Document Classification
Document Title

Classification

Issue

ADAPT Candidate Handbook – V

Commercial in
Confidence

Version

Name

Signature

Date
.

Date

Hannah Clilverd

Copyright
The copyright in this work is vested in Symbiotics Ltd and the document is issued in
confidence for the purpose only for which it is supplied. No information as to the contents or
subject matter of this document or any part thereof arising directly or indirectly there from
shall be given orally or in writing or communicated in any manner whatsoever to any third
party for any purposes without the prior consent in writing of Symbiotics Ltd.
 copyright Symbiotics Ltd (2006-

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About ADAPT
What is it?
Symbiotics have built ADAPT as a unique training system. The purpose of this system is
to find out if you are right for a job, and then to teach you to develop your skills to
match those that are needed. Our aims are to get the best from you and make sure
that you get the most out of your training.
 ADAPT combines our expert knowledge of psychology, engineering and systems,
including non-linear analysis techniques.
 This system is important when selecting people who must ‘think and do’ or who must
work under pressure.
 ADAPT has been tested in security, military, sports and aviation settings. It is now
being applied to other areas such as transport, education and medical environments.
 ADAPT uses Aviation, Performance and Sports Psychology techniques.
 Many companies have benefited from our expertise. Other clients or customers
include Formula 1 teams (Montoya, Jordan, Williams and BAR) and British athletics at
the Sydney and Athens Olympics. The people involved included horse-rider Pippa
Funnell, who won silver Olympic medals, as well as other important athletes. We
have also worked with the English rugby team and many successful rowers and
sailors.
 ADAPT is currently employed around the globe for selecting pilots into airlines and
training centres. From Ab-initio to through the Captain’s, TRI’s and TRE’s ADAPT has
had great success in identifying current and future skills and ability.

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What can it do for the organisation?
The purpose of ADAPT is to decide how well you would fit in a specific job, and then to
teach you to develop your skills to match those that are needed.

What can it do for you?
ADAPT has 3 levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold

Figure : ADAPT Levels

On the next page is a summary of the whole ADAPT system. This gives details about the
stages of assessment, and how they combine together into a complete assessment tool.
The assessment phases will be described in more detail during the rest of this handbook.

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Figure : A Diagram of the Bronze ADAPT service level

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Data Protection
All data that is collected will be kept confidential (private), following data protection laws
and codes of practice. Data will not be given to anybody without your written consent
(permission). It will only be used to find out if you will match a given job role.
All candidates get a unique candidate number, which is used by the system to store their
data. Students can see their results if they want. No information is shared or used for any
reason other than as selection data.
Symbiotics may use your data to improve internal statistics and so before you start your
assessment you will be asked to sign a consent form, to give permission for Symbiotics to
use your data. If your data is used your identity will remain unknown and will not be shared
with any 3rd party companies or organisations.

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Assessment: What should I expect?
There will be

stages of assessment:

Questionnaire stage
This will be completed online before going to the testing centre. You will have received your
licence
code
from
ADAPT;
use
this
licence
code
at
the
website
https://www.symbioticsltd.net/ADAPTOnline/ to access the Personality Questionnaire.
When you log in you will be asked to provide your first name, surname, date of birth,
gender, country of residence and email address. The system will remember these details so
please ensure that you keep a note of the details that you provide for future reference.
You must agree to the terms and conditions before you can continue. When you have
completed all details click ‘login’ to continue A login screen will appear – once your
details have been authenticated, a ‘continue’ button will appear - click this to enter the
assessment.

Figure : Login screen

If you have not been sent your licence code via email, you should write to
[email protected]
There is 1 personality questionnaire that must be completed – the ADAPT Personality
Questionnaire (APQ). This looks at your personality, values, behaviour and attitude. You
should do the questionnaire in a comfortable, quiet area with no distractions or
interruptions.

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The questionnaire has
questions and no time limit, but you should try to finish within
30-45 minutes in
attempt. The questions will change in length and have options to
choose from. There are no right or wrong answers. To assess your personality to the
highest standard, we need to get the correct information about you. Therefore, you should
be totally honest when answering the questionnaire.
Do not spend too long thinking about each question – your first reaction is usually the best.
The information given may not be as detailed as you want, but answer the best you can. Be
as honest and truthful as you can. Do not give an answer just because it seems like the
right thing to say.

Figure : Example of Questionnaire Screen

The questionnaire is split in to 11 sections. The questions will change in length
and there are 3 different question types, all of which have 4 multiple choice
options:

Question Type 1

Read the question carefully and decide which of the two options most closely
describes your opinion or preference - i.e. which option is 'more like me'. Then
select the option that most accurately describes how strong this preference is - a
moderate preference or a strong preference.

Figure ‎ - : APQ Question Type 1

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Question Type 2

Read the question carefully and then select the option that most accurately
describes your opinion or preference – strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly
disagree:

Figure ‎ - : APQ Question Type 2
Question Type 3

Read the question carefully and then select the one option that most accurately
describes your opinion or preference:

Figure ‎ - : APQ Question Type 3

Your answers will be saved at the end of each page, so you can come back and
carry on with the questionnaire if you get disconnected. You can go back and
change any answers once you have pressed ‘next’ You need to answer all
questions in all sections. You will not be allowed to finish the questionnaire until
all the questions are answered. The left hand bar on the screen will show you how
many questions are still to be answered on the page and how many pages are left
to complete as well as the number of answers required to complete the page.
The ‘finish’ button will only activate once all questions on all pages have been
answered.

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Structured Interview stage
This involves a panel interview with 2 members of staff and takes 30-40 minutes. Like the
questionnaire, this interview looks at your personality traits, states, emotion control and
quality of life. The interview is a chance for you to tell us about yourself. This is done
through a relaxed chat, not a formal interview.

Figure : Example of Structured Interview

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Physical Task stage
This stage uses a flight simulator that is based on a simple computer game. It is controlled
using a stick and throttle.

Throttle

Stick

Figure : Physical stage - controls

3 main screens – cockpit view
Map Screen

Question Screen

Figure

: The 5 screens of ADAPT

You will be sat in-front of 5 screens. The middle three screens show the cockpit view, with
the head-up display in the centre. The left screen is the question screen where different
types of questions will appear for you to answer. The right screen is the map screen, which
shows your route and current information.

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Flight Controls
The three middle screens display the cockpit view. You must observe the entire picture to
detect relevant information. Pay particular attention to the Natural Horizon that cuts across
all three screens and the Head up Display (HUD)

Zero
Degree Bar

Aeroplane
Symbol

Speed

Altitude

5 Degrees
Dive Bar

5 Degrees
Dive Bar

Heading

Figure

: The head-up display

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The Image on the previous page shows the Head up Display (HUD).
The important pieces of information on this instrument are:
 Aeroplane symbol
 Altitude
 Heading
 Speed
 0 Degree Pitch bar
 -5 Pitch bar

- ----

 + 5 degree Pitch bar

Straight and Level Flight
To adjust your altitude you need to manipulate the joystick appropriately. The stick will
control altitude and heading.
The first thing you MUST pay attention to is the ‘Big Picture’ Look at the horizon in the
straight and level picture below:

Figure

: Straight and Level Flight

Look at where the horizon cuts across the display; cutting just beneath the cockpit dials
beside the HUD. You will also notice there is a split of 1/3 sky to 2/3 land. To fine tune an
accurate picture use the flight instruments in the HUD. To maintain level flight, control the
aircraft symbol around the zero degree pitch bar:
Straight and Level

Aircraft Climbing

Aircraft Descending

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Climbing
To climb, slowly pull the stick back towards you.
The first thing you MUST pay attention to is the ‘Big Picture’ Look at the horizon in the
picture below:

Figure

: Aircraft Climbing

Here the aircraft is in a steady climb. You will see that the horizon cuts across the middle of
the screens. There is now roughly a 50-50 split of land and sky. Ensure this split is even at
both ends of the screen, doing so will ensure that you avoid heading creep (slow turn)
To fine tune an accurate picture use the HUD. To climb, slowly pull the stick back towards
you and the aircraft symbol will creep up towards the 5° pitch bar. A maximum climb of 5°
is recommended. Hold the aircraft symbol in position to retain the climb.

Figure

: Five Degree Climb

Once you near the desired Altitude, stabilise the a/c symbol on the zero degree line, and
establish the straight and level picture once more.

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Descending
To descend, slowly push the stick away from you.
The first thing you MUST pay attention to is the ‘Big Picture’ Look at the horizon in the
picture below:

Figure

: Aircraft Descending

Here the aircraft is in a steady descent. You will see that the horizon cuts across the very
top of the screens, just at the top of the HUD. Ensure you are able to see the horizon at all
times, to avoid a dangerous descent.
To fine tune an accurate picture use the HUD. To descend, slowly push the stick away from
you and the aircraft symbol will drop towards the -5° pitch bar. A minimum descent of -5° is
recommended. Hold the aircraft symbol in position to retain the descent.

Figure

: Five Degree Descent

Once you near the desired Altitude, stabilise the a/c symbol on the zero degree line, and
establish the straight and level picture once more.

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Speed Control
To Control speed you will need to manipulate the throttle.
Accelerating
To accelerate, push the throttle forward. Your speed indicator will increase. If you leave the
throttle forward it will continue to accelerate, so you will need to then stabilise the speed

Figure

: Accelerating

Stabilise
To select your desired speed, return the throttle back to the middle position. Your speed
change will slow and then begin to stabilise.
(You can find the middle point by pushing the throttle fully forward to the forward stop,
then back to the rear stop and locating the middle position. It will feel like the throttle is sat
at the highest point of travel)

Decelerate
To decelerate, pull the throttle back towards yourself. The speed will decrease.

Figure

: Decelerating

To select your desired speed return the throttle back to the middle point and the speed will
stabilise
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Heading Control
In order to traverse the designated course you will need to turn the aircraft on to various
assigned headings. These headings will point in the direction of the subsequent way point.
These compass headings are delivered in three figures and cover the 360° of a compass

Figure

: Compass Heading

On the Head up Display (HUD) these headings appear in 2 digit form; where 01 signifies 10°
and 35 signifies 350°. These headings will be provided via ATC in three digit form, and you
must report them as such.

Left turn, heading decreases
Figure

Right turn, heading increases

: Heading Instrument in the Cockpit

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Navigation Screen
The Sat Nav or map screen is used to provide you with navigation information. This will
show you the course that you must traverse. You must select the waypoints as you reach
them to track you progress.
The Sat Nav or map shows:






Your start position - where you begin
Waypoints - landmarks you need to fly over
Navigation information – Altitude, Heading and Speed
Timing information – Desired time between waypoints
Your destination - the finish
Start

Waypoints

Current
waypoint

Current
Altitude,
Heading &
speed
Next Altitude,
Heading & speed

Time left to
reach next
waypoint
Time left to
reach the
finish

Finish
Figure

: The Map Screen

When flying the physical skills assessment you will need to navigate your way through a
course.

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Start
When the exercise begins, the aircraft will be released. You will hear navigation information
over the audio and see this information on your sat nav.

“Fly

Southeasterly on a
heading of 125 degrees, at
an altitude of 1500 and a

”

speed of 180 knots

Figure

: Current Leg Information

You should use this information and apply these desired parameters to your aircraft

Flying over a Waypoint
Approximately 30 seconds before you reach your waypoint you will hear you new navigation
information. This will appear in orange

“At you waypoint turn right
on a heading on 180
degrees, at a height of
1200 feet and a speed of
200 knots

Figure

”

: Next Leg Information

As you approach a waypoint (i.e. communication towers) you must wait for your aircraft to
pass over the point before commencing a turn on to the new heading.

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 Continue at Altitude, heading and speed as you approach the point

Figure

: Approaching a Way Point

 Once the waypoint has begun to pass under your cockpit, you can press the flashing
waypoint on the sat nav

Figure


: Press the Way Point

You can now begin your turn. Make sure you adjust your Altitude, Heading and Speed
to match the command from Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Figure

: Making the Turn

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

Locate you new navigation information which is now shown in Green on the Sat Nav.
Adjust your height heading and speed to match this information and then scan the
horizon to find your next waypoint. The type of target you are looking for is also shown
on the sat nav. Once you see the target you can fly visually towards the point. Do not
worry if your heading does not match exactly, it is used to point you in the right
direction; once you locate the waypoint you can pick up the appropriate heading.

Reporting
Throughout the session and particularly in the mission you are required to relay valuable
information to your crew.
Get into the habit of reporting
 Altitude, Heading and Speed that you are given by ATC.
 Aircraft, vehicles and points of interest in the visual scene both inside and outside
the cockpit.

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Question Task stage
For this task you have to answer a number of different types of questions. You will be
taught how to use the system and will get some example questions to practice before the
test. The stage is made up of a series of tests, including short tests of attention, memory
and concentration.
It is important that if you do not know an answer, then you should simply say
“Pass” – do not guess.
Question Task tests include:
Numerical Reasoning:
Verbal Reasoning:
Abstract Reasoning:
Perceptual Speed and Accuracy:
Spatial Relationship Reasoning:
Working Memory:
Stroop Test:

Questions that use numbers & mathematical data.
Questions based on spoken or written information.
Recognising patterns/similarities between shapes & figures.
Working quickly & accurately to find information from words,
numbers or pictures.
Being able to see spatial patterns and move/rotate these in
your mind, to solve visual problems.
How well you can remember information in the short term.
How and what you pay attention to.

Below are a few examples of the psychometric tests used.

Numerical Reasoning

Figure

: Example of one of the question tests (Numerical Reasoning)

A simple numerical question – in this example your answer should be . You have to type
the answer into the number pad and press ‘Enter’. For other questions you will see 3
answer options appear on the screen, and you will answer by touching the correct option on
the screen. For questions where there is no information shown on the screen, you will hear
the question and then answer out-loud. If you do not know the answer, say the word
“Pass” – do not guess.
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Other types of questions in this test:

Percentage Questions.
You will be asked to work out a given percentage of a number, e.g. What is 50% of 630?
You will hear the question verbally and will be given 10 seconds to answer. Again you must
enter your answer using the number pad and press Enter. In the example the answer
would be 315.

Sequence Questions
For half of these questions you will hear a sequence of numbers and will be asked for the
next number in the sequence. 3 options will appear on screen, 1 of which is correct. You
must select this option by touching it on the screen. For the other half of the questions, you
will see on the screen a sequence of numbers. One of the middle numbers will be missing.
You will then be asked what this missing number is. Again you will then see 3 options on
the screen and you must select the correct one by touching it. To answer these questions
you need to find the pattern that links the numbers – for example it might be “add ” (e g
, , , ) or it might be “multiply by ” (e g , , , )

3) Fraction Questions
In these questions you will be asked to find a fraction of a number, e.g. What is 1/3 of 30?
These questions will again be asked verbally and you need to enter your answer on the
number pad within the 10 second time limit. The answer to this example is 10.

4) Arithmetic Questions
These questions simply involve using the + / - / ÷ / x mathematical functions, e.g. What is
40 – 12? Some of the questions will just involve 1 of these functions however there will be
some harder questions that use 2, e.g. What is (13 – 3) ÷ 5? Half of the questions require
you to enter your answer onto the number pad. For the other half, you will see 3 options
on the screen and you must select the correct answer by touching it. In first example here
your answer would be 28; the answer for the second more difficult example is 2.

5) Conversions
These questions will involve converting between any of the following measurements of time:
minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years. For example, how many minutes are there
in 3 hours? To answer these questions you will see 3 options on the screen and you will
need to touch the correct one. In the example above the answer is 180 (there are 60
minutes in 1 hour, so 60 minutes x 3 hours = 180).

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Verbal Reasoning

Figure

: Example of one of the question tests (Verbal Reasoning)

A simple verbal reasoning task. This is an example of a spelling question. You will hear a
question asking for the correct spelling of a word, and you will then see 3 options appear on
the screen, one of which is correct. In this example your answer should be ‘Airport’, which
you would select by touching this word on the touch screen. Again if you do not know
the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

Other types of questions in this test:

Anagram Questions.
For these questions you will need to select a group of letters that can unscramble or
reordered to spell a word For example, “Which group of letters can be reordered to spell
the word plane?” On the screen you will then see 3 groups of jumbled up letters – e.g.
palan, nelap, elanpp. Only one of these can be re-arranged to correctly spell the word
plane – you must select this answer by touching it on the screen. In this example the nd
option is correct. You must work quickly to answer within the time limit of 10 seconds.

Aviation Knowledge Questions
These questions will test what you have learnt about aviation and the flying task in this
assessment. For example questions may ask what would happen to the aircraft if you pulled
the throttle backwards. To answer these questions you need to pay attention to the 2
familiarisation phases of the physical assessment stage, where you will be taught what the
flight controls do. In the example, the correct answer is that your speed would decrease.

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3) Aviation acronyms
These questions will test your knowledge of common abbreviations in aviation. For half the
questions, you will hear an acronym (e.g. VFR) and will be asked what it stands for. You
will see 3 options appear on screen, one of which is correct. You must select this option by
touching it. In this example the answer would be Visual Flight Rules. For the remaining
questions, you will hear a statement and must decide whether it is true or false. The
statement gives the full version of the acronym, for example: “VFR stands for Visual Flight
Rules, True or false?” You must give your answer verbally (out-loud). In this case you
would say “True”

4) General Knowledge Questions
These questions cover a range of topics – basic science, geography, sport, music as well as
current world affairs/topics. Again these questions will be heard verbally, and will involve a
statement followed by a true/false question, e.g. A lake is bigger than an ocean, true or
false? You must give a verbal answer to these questions. For this example the correct
response would be “false”

Abstract Reasoning

Which figure is the odd one out?

A

C

Figure

B

D

: Example of one of the question tests (Abstract Reasoning)

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Above is an example of an abstract reasoning question. These questions will all involve
trying to find patterns and links between pictures. You will be shown a sequence of pictures
which you will be asked a question about – in this case you are looking for the picture that
is the odd one out. You will only see this sequence for a short amount of time, and then
you will see 4 pictures on the screen, one of which is the correct answer. You must select
this answer by touching it on the question screen. In this case the answer is D. The
pattern that links all the other pictures is that they are all made from 1 big shape, with 2
smaller versions of the same shape inside (so picture A for example shows a big square with
2 small squares inside, picture B shows a big triangle with 2 small triangles inside etc). In
option D the 2 small shapes inside the big shape are not the same – the big shape is a
rhombus (or diamond) but if you look at the 2 small shapes, you will notice that 1 shape is a
rhombus but the other is a triangle. Therefore picture D does not fit the pattern and is the
odd one out. You will use the touch screen to answer all the question types in this test.
You will need to work very quickly to answer the questions within the time limit. If you do
not know the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

Other types of questions in this test:

Sequence Questions.
For these questions you will see a sequence (a line) of pictures on the screen. They all
follow a rule or pattern. Your task it to select the next picture in the sequence – to do this
you will need to work out the rule. 4 options will then appear on screen, and you must
select the correct answer by touching it. In the example below the correct option is C.
Sequence:

Answer Options:

Comparison Questions
In these questions you will see 4 boxes – the top two are linked by a rule and applying this
rule to the left picture will produce the right one. For the lower 2 pictures this right image is
missing. Your task is to work out the rule that links that top 2 images and apply this to the
lower pair to find the missing picture. 4 possible options for this missing picture will then
appear on the screen, and you must select the correct one by touching it on the screen. In
the example, the answer is C.
Question:

Answer Options:

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3) Grid Completion Questions
In these questions you will see a grid of either 9 or 16 squares – each with a shape or
pattern inside. For the smaller grid there will be 1 square missing, for the larger grid there
will be 3 squares missing. Your task is to find out what the missing squares should look like,
but working out the pattern or rule that links all the other squares. Again, when the
question disappears you will see 4 options for the missing square/squares – select your
answer by touching it. The correct answer for the example below is D.
Question grid:

Answer Options:

?

Perceptual Speed & Accuracy – The Matrix

Friendly

Hostile

Unknown

Civilian
“

Figure

Hostile”

: Example of one of the question tests (Perceptual Speed & Accuracy
– The Matrix)

In the matrix test, you will see a 3 x 3 grid appear. Around the outside of the grid you will
see direction arrows – North, North-east, East etc. Your first task is to listen for the
direction provided (i.e. North, East etc). When you hear this, press the correct arrow shown
on the edge of the screen.

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If you hear the Audio say “East”, then
push the black Arrow pointing East.

Figure

: Select the Direction

You will then see shapes appear in the grid – one will be yellow and the rest will be blue,
red and green. These shapes will only be shown for 2 seconds, and then they will be
replaced by a new set of shapes. Your task is to find the yellow shape as quickly as
possible. You need to report the status of the yellow shape (friendly, hostile, unknown or
civilian) and the box number of that yellow shape.

FRIENDLY

FRIENDLY

“

Unknown”
HOSTILE

HOSTILE

“

Civilian”
UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN

CIVILIAN

CIVILIAN

+ 2 seconds
First Presentation

Second Presentation

Figure

: Reporting the Matrix Task

These numbers will change with each new presentation of shapes. You will see 5 sets of
shapes appear, (so you will have to find the yellow shape 5 times). Then you will be given a
new direction, and you will see another 5 presentations of the shapes. The exercise moves
quickly so you must react fast. If you do not know the answer, say “Pass”.

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Perceptual Speed & Accuracy – Standard

Which of the 4 options is the same as this
sequence?

a)

c) 438614879

b) 438624789

b) 438714889

Figure
: Example of one of the question tests
(Perceptual Speed & Accuracy – Standard Questions)
Above is an example of a standard Perceptual Speed and Accuracy question. For this test
you will be presented with a visual picture of some sort – either a sequence of numbers or
letters, or a group of pictures. In this example you are shown a sequence of numbers for a
very brief amount of time. This sequence is then replaced on the screen by 4 answer
options showing 4 different sequences. Your task is to select the sequence that is exactly
the same as the first sequence. You must do this as quickly as possible. You will select
your answer by touching the option on the touch screen. All questions will follow the same
format – there will be 4 answer options on screen and you must select the correct answer
by touching it on the touch screen. The correct answer for this question would be c). If
you do not know the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.
Other types of questions in this test:
Aviation-related questions
These questions test your skills in reading cockpit dials – the attitude indicator, airspeed
indicator, compass and altimeter. You will see 4 pictures on the screen which show 4 dials
displaying different readings. You will be asked to select the dial that shows a particular
reading, for example the altimeter that shows an altitude of 2000 feet or the compass that
shows a heading of 130 degrees. You must then select the correct answer by touching it on
the screen.
Sorting data Questions
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In these questions you will see a display of several different common pictures – 1 will be an
airplane. Your task is to find how many airplane pictures there are in the display. The
picture will only be shown for a short time, then 4 options will appear on the screen – one of
these is the correct number of airplanes that was shown. Select the correct option by
touching it on the screen.

3) Matching task
For these questions you will see a sequence of 4 alphabet letters. This sequence will be
shown briefly. Then you will see 4 options appear on screen – 3 of these are very similar to
the original sequence but only 1 is exactly the same. You need to select the option that is
an exact match, by touching it on the question screen. Again being quick and accurate is
very important.

4) Scanning the display Questions
In these questions you will see a grid of 25 squares – each will have either a symbol or a
letter in it. You will be asked to find a specific letter or symbol in the grid. The grid is only
displayed briefly. You will then see 4 options appear on the screen – each of these is a grid,
showing the target letter/symbol in a different position. One of these positions will be
correct. Select this option by touching it on the screen. In the example below, the correct
answer is a).
Question: Find the letter f:
Answer Options:

5) Comparison Questions
For these questions you will see a number and letter code – there will be a 4 digit decimal
place number and a 3 letter word. On screen there will be 2 codes: the top code is the
original and the lower code is a copy. Your task it to find out how many changes there are
in the copy. Changing a number or a letter counts as 1 change. Moving the decimal point
counts as 1 change. In the example below the answer is 2 – the decimal place has moved
and the 3rd letter has changed. There will be 4 answer options shown on the screen, you
must select the correct one by touching it. Here the correct option is c).
Question:

Original:
79.41-POT
Copy:
7.941-POL

Answer Options:

a)

b) 4

c) 2

d) 1

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Spatial Relationship Reasoning

?

A

Figure

B

C

D

: Example of one of the question tests (Spatial Relationship Reasoning)

Above is an example of a spatial relationship reasoning question. These questions involve
moving and rotating shapes around and fitting them together. The example above shows a
reflection task. You will be shown a picture and then asked to reflect this image in the
mirror line (the red line). This picture will then be replaced with 4 answer options – one of
which shows the correct reflection. You will need to find and select this correct picture by
touching it on the touch screen. The correct answer for this question is C. Again if you do
not know the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

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Other types of questions in this test:
1) Cube Questions
For half of these questions you will be shown a 2D plan of a cube, which consists of a
pattern of squares that can be folded up to make a cube. These squares each have their
own picture on them. You must then select from the 4 answer options on the screen, which
is the correct cube that can be made from this pattern. Again the other half of the
questions will ask the opposite – you are first shown the 3D cube and then asked to select
the correct 2D pattern of squares that would make this cube. In both cases, you select your
answer by touching it on the screen.
2) Rotation Questions
In these questions you will see a picture on screen. This is then replaced by 4 different
picture options. You need to select the option that shows a correct rotation of the first
picture. The options will all contain similar parts or shapes but only 1 will be a true rotation.
Select the correct answer by touching it on the screen.
3) Direction Questions
In these questions you will see a picture with a spot marked onto it. This is your start point,
and you then need to listen to a series of directions – e.g. go North, then South-west then
West then finally South. Your task is to determine where the end point of these directions
would be. 4 answer options will be displayed – showing 4 possible end positions. Select the
correct option by touching it on the screen.
Jigsaw Questions
For these questions you will be shown a picture of a map that has a jigsaw piece missing
from part of it. You will then be shown 4 possible jigsaw pieces which could fit in the gap.
You must select the correct option by touching it on the screen. The shape of the jigsaw
pieces is the most important thing to look out for in these questions.
5) Map Questions
In these questions you will see a photograph of an area of land. After this you will see 4
options, which show map representations of this same area of land. Your task is to select
the option that shows a correct map image of this photo, by touching it on the screen.
6) Location Questions
For these questions you will briefly see a map, which has a number of key features on it.
The map will then disappear and you will then be asked the location of one of these
features – for example “Where was the pond located?” You will then see versions of the
map, with 4 possible locations highlighted. Your task is to select the option that shows the
correct position of the feature, by touching it on the screen.

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Working Memory

Which of the options is an exact match to the picture?

Figure

a)

b)

c)

d)

: Example of one of the question tests (Working Memory)

The example above shows an example of a working memory question. In this example you
are shown a picture for a short period. You will then see 4 answer options which show
similar pictures to the 1st image – only 1 is exactly the same. Your task is to find and select
the option that is an exact match to the first picture. The answer is selected by touching it
on the question screen. In this case the correct option to select is a). If you do not know
the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

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Other types of questions in this test:

Recall of Information
In these questions you will be asked to remember information that you have previously
been given. This mainly involves the altitude, heading and speed navigation information.
The question will always be heard verbally. For some questions you will answer verbally.
For other questions you will need to select the correct option from 4 pictures shown on
screen, by touching your answer on the screen.

Dot Memory Task
In this task you will see a picture containing 3 coloured dots. This picture will then
disappear and a second picture will be shown. Your task is to decide whether this picture is
the same as the first picture or whether it is different. You must answer by touching the
correct word, either ‘same’ or ‘different’ on the touch screen In the example below, the
correct word to press would be ‘different’

Question picture:

Answer picture:

3) Memory Span
These questions involve listening to a sequence of 5 letters. Once you have heard the
sequence you must then repeat it out loud, making sure that you list the letters in the exact
same order that they were given to you.

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Stroop 1 Test

Figure

: Example of one of the question tests (Stroop 1)

This is the first type of Stroop test (Stroop 1). In this example you must name the colour of
the word and not the word itself. So in this case, the colour of the word is blue but the
word itself is green. Therefore your answer should be “blue” You must say your answer
out loud. The words will be shown in either red, green, yellow, blue or white colours. Again
these questions will only be shown for a short time so you must answer quickly. If you do
not know the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

Stroop 2 Test

Figure

: Example of one of the question tests (Stroop )

The Stroop test – in this example you will see 2 words that are written backwards. One is
the word for a colour - red, green, blue, white or yellow. The other word is a month January, February, March, April, May, June, July August, September, October, November or
December. You must answer by stating the month word, and the background colour of the
non-month word. In this case your answer should be “December, yellow”. You will also

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hear words spoken through the speakers at the same time – You must try to ignore these
spoken words and provide your answer as quickly as possible. If you do not know the
answer, say the word “Pass” – do not guess.

Stroop 3 Test

Figure

– Example of one of the question tests (Stroop 3)

The figure above is an example of the 3rd Stroop task. In this example you will see 2 words
that are written backwards. One is the word for a colour– red, green, yellow, blue or white.
The other is a word that is related to aviation (flying). Your task is to say the aviationrelated word and the background colour of the colour word. So in this example your answer
would be “Pilot, Blue” If you do not know the answer, say the word “Pass” – do not
guess.

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Other dials that may appear as part of the questions include the following:

Mach meter
Figure

Altimeter
: Additional aircraft dials

The dial on the left provides the Mach number, which is used to represent the aircraft’s
speed ratio, in reference to the speed of sound. The dial on the right is known as an
Altimeter and gives a reading of the aircraft’s altitude. Questions that use this first
instrument involve the presentation of a Mach number verbally – for example “Select the
instrument that displays a Mach number of
” You will then be presented with options
each of which will display a Mach number reading. Your task is to select the option that
shows the correct reading, in this case 0.65. Questions that use the Altimeter will involve
the same format, only the 4 options will be altimeters and the reading will be in feet, for
example 2000 ft, as in the example above.
It is advisable to familiarise yourselves with all these dials and instruments and what they
are measuring/recording; this will enable you to make fast and accurate readings when
faced with questions of this type.

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Fuel Task
During Mission 2 you will be asked to calculate how much fuel you think you will have when
you reach the next waypoint.
This is calculated using this information:
) Check the time remaining on the current leg (this is shown on the right side of the
Sat Nav screen: ‘Leg Time’)
) Multiply this by the rate of fuel consumption – 8 lbs per second
) Subtract this from the current fuel load (shown beneath the fuel dial on the left
touch screen)
The resulting answer will give you the predicted fuel level upon arrival at the next waypoint.

Current Leg Time: shown on the
right side of the map screen

Current Fuel
Load:
shown on the left
touch screen

Rate of fuel use

Number of
seconds left on
current leg

Amount of fuel needed
to finish the leg

31 x 8 = 248
7348 –

Current Fuel Load

Amount of fuel needed to
finish the leg
Figure

Answer:
Prediction of fuel level
when you reach the
next waypoint

: Example of Fuel Consumption Calculation

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When asked “How much fuel will you have when you reach the waypoint?”, you must enter
your prediction using the number pad.
Depending on how accurate you are with this prediction, you will win or lose points which
you must keep count of.
Starting with



points.

You will gain

points:

If the predicted fuel level is within 100 lbs of the actual remaining fuel load upon reaching
the waypoint.


You will lose

points:

If the predicted fuel level is more than 100 lbs outside your actual fuel load upon reaching
the waypoint.


You will lose

points:

If you fail to provide an answer within the 15 seconds provided.

You must keep a score of how many points you have. At times you will be asked to enter
what you believe your score is. To keep a track of how well you did with your predictions
you should check your fuel gauge when you reach the waypoint and then either add or
subtract points from your total.

It is very important to remember that for all of the questions, you will only be
able to give your answer once the question has finished being asked. You will
not be able to select an answer by touching the screen or typing an answer into
the number-pad while the question is playing.

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The whole physical task will last for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and has 5 stages:
Cognitive – Practice at answering the psychometric questions.
Familiarisation 1 – Practice using the flight simulator and the joy stick and throttle.
Familiarisation 2 – Practice using the flight simulator with the map (Sat Nav) screen.
Mission 1 – The first mission - flying the simulator and answering questions.
Mission 2 – The second mission – similar to mission 1 with some extra tasks.
During the Physical task you will be video recorded. This is so that in the debrief you can
see how you reacted.

Figure

: Example of Candidate during
Physical Task

Question Screen
displaying the test
questions

Figure

: Example of Candidate during Physical Task, answering a question
from one of the Question Tests.

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Debrief stage
During this stage, you will sit with the examiner and watch the video playback of yourself
during parts of the physical task. This is so you can think about how you have done and tell
us about it.

Figure

: Example of Candidate in the debrief stage, watching the video clip

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What happens next?
After you have completed everything, your information will be looked at and used to make a
report. This will give details of how you will work in a given role.

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Glossary
Altitude – distance from the aircraft to average sea level.
Air Traffic Control - a service provided by ground-based controllers who
direct aircraft on the ground and in the air

Ascent –

an upwards movement towards a higher altitude/height

Banking – angle of turn of the aircraft
Crib sheet –

set of guidelines given before the physical task to help you understand
the system and controls

Cross-wind –
Descent –

wind blowing across the path of the aircraft

a downwards movement towards a lower altitude/height

Head up screen –

see-through screen that shows information about your altitude,
heading, speed and angles of ascent and descent, found on the middle simulator screens

Heading –

the direction in which the aircraft is pointing, written in degrees clockwise

from North

Leg – The sections or parts of a flight mission split up by the waypoints.

Flying from the
start to waypoint 1 is the 1st leg, flying from waypoint 1 to waypoint 2 is the 2nd leg etc.

Number pad – used to answer numerical reasoning questions and enter pin number
Pin number –

4 digit number that you need to remember and use to work out the
answers to numerical reasoning questions

Question task screen – to the left of the main simulator screens, the touch screen
showing the question tests.

Sat Nav –

or map screen - to the right of the main simulator screens, showing your
position on a map

Speed –

measured in knots

Waypoint –

navigation points on the Sat Nav screen that you need to fly over. These
will be clear landmarks such as power stations, communication towers and airfields.

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