BA Speedbird Pilot Academy (22nd November 2023)
Disclaimer: We hereby notify you that there is no express or implied affiliation or endorsement between the organisation listed below and PilotAptitudeTest.com, and that information herein is provided on an as is basis with no guarantees made for accuracy.
22nd November 2023 Update for the Final Stage: Additional guidance for the final stage of on-site computerised pilot aptitude testing is now provided within this article, to view this update click here.
Overview
The flag carrier of the United Kingdom and part of IAG, the world’s third largest airline group, British Airways operates a mixed fleet of over 270 aircraft to connect passengers and deliver cargo to over 180 destinations.
As of September 2023, British Airways have launched the Speedbird Pilot Academy (sometimes accidentally referred to as the ‘Speedbird Flight Academy’), a fully-funded cadet scheme, which operates in partnership with FTE Jerez and Skyborne Airline Academy.
Though incorporated within the British Airways Future Pilot Programme alongside the British Airways NQPP (or Whitetail) scheme, this scheme incorporates a differing assessment process which is discussed below.
Note: Those experienced pilots being invited to undertake a DE/DEC assessment with British Airways or BA Cityflyer, should read our Knowledgebase Article here.
For more information about the BA Speedbird Pilot Academy and to apply to this cadet scheme, please visit www.britishairways.com.
Preparation Advice
General Information: The ‘Basics’ of Computerised Pilot Aptitude Testing
All pilot aptitude tests aim to assess the same key core skills required to complete pilot training successfully and/or operate an aircraft competently. They’re designed to assess both inexperienced and experienced (qualified) pilots and are often undertaken on a computer web browser, and nowadays it is not uncommon for this testing to be completed remotely.
The assessment of skills such as multi-tasking, spatial awareness, memory capacity, hand-to-eye coordination and mental arithmetic cannot necessarily be assessed within one test and therefore a pilot aptitude test is commonly separated in to a collection of tests, organised in to a battery and completed by the candidate in one sitting. The candidate is commonly provided with two attempts in which to complete this battery, enabling assessors to analyse improvement shown by the candidate.
The BA Speedbird Pilot Academy selection process incorporates the assessment of a variety of competencies (or skills) and assesses these competencies in two stages using differing collections of activities.
Whilst both low-hour pilots who apply to the British Airways NQPP and experienced pilots who undertake a Direct-Entry assessment at British Airways will undertake a proprietary computerised pilot aptitude test known as the Eagle Test, those candidates applying to the Speedbird Pilot Academy will instead undertake a different computerised pilot aptitude testing procedure.
The testing procedure for the BA Speedbird Pilot Academy is split into two stages as follows:
BA SPA Stage 1: Basic & Broad-Spectrum Aptitude Testing
Stage 1 of the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy incorporates the assessment of Mathematics, followed by a Checking Test and a Situational Judgement Test.
It’s most likely that the simplistic nature of testing completed in this stage is designed to identify candidates who may then continue to Stage 2, whereby a computerised pilot aptitude test will be administered.
Mathematics
This is the assessment of Mathematical Arithmetic, in particular knowledge of both basic and advanced mathematical knowledge at GCSE and A-Level
Activities suitable for this are: ‘Maths’ (Easy, Medium and Hard) and ‘Numerical Reasoning’ 1 to 8.
The assessment of this subject is very common within many varieties of computerised pilot aptitude tests and this is because both the role of a commercial pilot and the theoretical training to be undertaken to become a commercial pilot necessitate a considerable grasp of mathematical knowledge so that it may be used and applied to theoretical concepts explored in training.
Likely areas to be assessed are those concepts explored in both GCSE and A-Level Math. We recommend utilising our Maths (Mental Arithmetic) database to help familiarise yourself with common mathematical questions and equations. The questions within this database are organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties. Additionally, we recommend using our Numerical Reasoning databases, separated in to two styles of examination and containing a variety of different question types to aid familiarisation with questioning of tables and graphs. Answers and feedback are provided for all questions.
Checking Test
This is the assessment of Concentration and Information Processing, requiring a candidate to identify and select correctly displayed information.
As a Checking Test is not included or considered to be within the normal range of tasks completed within a computerised pilot aptitude test given the simplistic nature of the test itself, we do not provide preparation for this test type.
Due to its simplicity, it is unlikely that preparation will be required for this particular test type or that preparation will provide any quantifiable improvement in performance, however, if unfamiliar with the requirements of a Checking Test, we recommend that candidates visit the SHL website here to undertake a sample test.
Situational Judgement Test
This is the assessment of Behaviour and Attitude, presenting the candidate with a series of hypothetical scenarios, often relatable to everyday workplace or life occurrences, and requires the candidate to use their problem-solving and decision making competencies (or skills) to respond to each scenario.
Whilst there may be a belief held by some that it is possible to ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ a Situational Judgement Test, consider that this test type is tailored to organisational requirements (e.g. the particular attitudes and behaviours that British Airways wish for their pilots to exhibit) and that, ultimately, the organisation will identify particular behaviours and attitudes which may be particularly desirable or beneficial.
Candidate attitude or behaviour is not easily modified and it is therefore not advised that a candidate attempts to ‘cheat’ this test type, but rather, a candidate should seek provide honest answers which would reflect their real-world behaviours. Additionally, consider that attitude and behaviour of the candidate will be observed in other stages such as a one-to-one interview and group assessment.
Part 1 of BA SPA Stage 2A: In-house Theoretical Assessment with FTE Jerez & Skyborne Airline Academy
In this part of Stage 2, pilot candidates must undertake assessment of Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Maths and Physics in-house with FTE Jerez or Skyborne Airline Academy.
Provided below are recommendations on appropriate preparation to undertake for this part:
Numerical Reasoning: the ability to examine and make decisions based on numerical data, often provided in tables, graphs and charts.
Use our Numerical Reasoning databases, separated in to two styles of examination and containing a variety of different question types to familiarise yourself with this common examination type. Answers and feedback are provided. We also recommend utilising our Maths (Mental Arithmetic) database to help familiarise yourself with common mathematical questions and equations. The questions within this database are organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties.
Verbal Reasoning: the ability to understand, analyse and logically interpret written information.
Use our Verbal Reasoning databases, containing a collection of different passages to practice in a style similar to that presented in verbal reasoning examinations conducted online. Answers and feedback are provided.
Maths: a test of the understanding and ability to apply mathematical concepts.
Use our Maths database, which contains a large collection of relevant questions and answers organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties. Feedback is provided.
Physics: a test of the understanding and ability to apply scientific concepts.
Use our Science database, which contains a large collection of relevant questions and answers organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties. Feedback is provided.
Part 2 of BA SPA Stage 2: Computerised Pilot Aptitude Testing with Aon/Cut-E
In this part of Stage 2, a computerised pilot aptitude test provided and invigilated by Aon/Cut-E is to be completed remotely by the pilot candidate either prior to, or after, completion of the in-house theoretical assessment.
In particular, your Aon/Cut-E assessment will include the following tests – we have provided a decode of what each test will assess and how to prepare for it:
Deductive Logical Thinking
This is the assessment of candidate ability to identify Rules and Patterns. Activities suitable for this are: ‘Visual Reasoning’ 1 to 4 and ‘Grid’
Monitoring Ability
This is the assessment of Long-Term Concentration and Information Processing. Activities suitable for this are: ‘Adjust’ and ‘Grid’.
Reaction Speed
This is the assessment of Reaction Speed. Activities suitable for this are those that incorporate the assessment of reaction speed: ‘Memory’, ‘Flight Director’ and ‘MultiTasker’
Sense of Direction
This is the assessment of Spatial Awareness, in particular the assessment of candidate skill in understanding an object’s position in 2D or 3D space. Activities suitable for this are: ‘Orientation’, ‘Perspectives’ and ‘Aspects’.
Multi-Tasking Capability
This is the assessment of Multi-Tasking, in particular the assessment of candidate skill in identifying items in compliance with a defined rule, avoiding obstacles and undertaking calculations or similar cognitive tasks.
Activities suitable for this are: ‘MultiTasker’, ‘Adjust’ and ‘Align’.
Hand-to-Eye Coordination
This is the assessment of Hand-to-Eye Coordination, completed using mouse or keyboard. Activities suitable for this are: ‘Spin’, ‘Align’, ‘Control’ and ‘Guidance’.
Working Memory
This is the assessment of candidate ability to retain and recall information. Activities suitable for this are: ‘Memory’ and ‘Switch’.
22nd November 2023 Update for the Final Stage:
Recommendations for this stage are provided below, owing to the requirement to undertake two computerised pilot aptitude tests on-site with British Airways.
BA SPA – The Final Stage: Computerised Pilot Aptitude Testing with British Airways
Though candidates have thus far undertaken two separate and differing test batteries, those candidates that reach this stage are required to undertake two further computerised pilot aptitude tests in-house with British Airways.
Most notably, of the testing undertaken so far, it may be said that these computerised pilot aptitude tests are the most relevant to the role, placing candidates in a simulation of a modern flight deck environment in one test and assessing hand-to-eye coordination of the candidate in another.
We have provided a decode of what each test will assess and how to prepare for it:
EAGLE Test (Capacity Test), Flight Deck Simulation
This complex assessment of multi-tasking ability places the pilot candidate in a simulation of a modern flight deck environment, and requires the candidate to fulfil tasks typical of the role of a pilot. In particular, this assessment requires completion of tasks such as adjustment of flight parameters, the fulfilment of checklists, communication with air traffic control. and calculation of ROD/ROC.
This computerised test is proprietary to British Airways and used extensively to assess experienced pilot candidates, and therefore some speculation exists as to the difficulty or complexity of the testing that ab-initio pilot candidates will face. This test is now often referred to as the ‘Capacity Test’, given that it attempts to measure the mental capacity of a pilot candidate.
To aid preparation, our Adjust activity may be used which, similarly to the EAGLE Test, places the candidate in to a flight deck environment and requires the completion of tasks such as the adjustment of aircraft parameters, the fulfilment of checklists and acknowledgement of the validity of mathematical equations.
Handling Test
In contrast to the above assessment, the Handling Test introduced by British Airways has not previously been used to assess pilot candidates, and therefore little information is available.
However, it is our belief that this assessment will attempt to measure hand-to-eye coordination of a pilot candidate, requiring the candidate to interact with the assessment using a joystick. The candidate will most likely be required to engage in a task (or tasks) which involve both compensatory tracking and pursuit tracking.
To aid preparation, our Guidance, Flight Director and Control activities may be used with a joystick to improve hand-to-eye coordination.
To those candidates participating in this final stage, we wish you the best of luck!
Do you need additional support? Get in touch!Due to the anticipated interest in this scheme, we anticipate that the selection process will seek to select the highest performing individuals only – we therefore highly recommend ensuring a suitable preparation strategy is used by any candidates undergoing assessment.
Should you be unsure as to how to proceed with your preparation, please get in touch.
Additionally, we would encourage candidates to speak with us via WhatsApp Messenger, Facebook Chat or Email so that we may be able to answer any queries you may have.
Activities suitable for BA Speedbird Pilot Academy Test Preparation
Much like psychometric testing that you are likely to face at assessment with any airline, the assessments you will undertake in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Speedbird Pilot Academy selection process will assess a variety of competencies (or skills) such as hand-to-eye coordination, multi-tasking, spatial awareness, memory recall, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and many more.
We recommend using the content shown below to tailor your preparation specifically for Stages 1 and Stage 2 of the Speedbird Pilot Academy selection process.
A Super Plus Subscription can be purchased instantly online and will provide access to the content shown below:
Verb. Reasoning 1 to 11
Our verbal reasoning content, organised by excerpt, accurately mimics the questions posed in a large majority of pilot aptitude and psychometric tests, including CEB/SHL, Talent Q, COMPASS and Cut-E.
Num. Reasoning 1 to 8
Numerical Reasoning 1 to 8 analyse your ability to interpret information, using figures, tables, graphs and statistics and come to conclusions on the data.
Science
Our science database, organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties, mimics the questions posed in a large majority of pilot aptitude tests. Feedback provided on answers.
Visual Reasoning 1 to 4
Our Visual Reasoning activities enable candidates to work on understanding rules, patterns and interrogating information.
Orientation
Orientation assesses spatial awareness and selective attention skills, by tasking candidates with identifying friend or foe aircraft.
Perspectives
Perspectives assesses and enhances spatial awareness, tasking the candidate with matching sets of multicoloured cylinders orientated in to different perspectives.
Aspects
Mimicking tasks within a jet aircraft, Aspects assesses and enhances candidate ability in spatial awareness by incorporating aural statements and visual imagery.
MultiTasker
Encompassing multiple tasks in to one activity, MultiTasker assesses and enhances candidate ability in multi-tasking, hand-to-eye coordination and selective attention.
Adjust
A challenging activity, Adjust assesses multi-tasking, spatial awareness, hand-to-eye coordination, selective attention and mental mathematic skills.
Memory
Memory assesses selective attention and memory capacity skills, tasking the candidate with efficiently memorising and inputting four sets of data repeatedly.
Control
Control assesses and enhances candidate ability in hand-to-eye coordination and selective attention using multiple control axes and visual cues.
Switch
Switch establishes an understanding of memory capacity and selective attention skills, tasking the candidate with efficiently acknowledging change.
Guidance
Tasking the candidate with controlling multiple intermittently changing datums, Guidance assesses and enhances selective attention and hand-to-eye coordination skills.
Mental Mathematics
Our mathematics database, organised in to easy, medium and hard difficulties, accurately mimics the questions posed in a large majority of pilot aptitude tests.
Grid
Rectangular grid containing a variety of different coloured shapes. The candidate must examine the grid and determine which shape does not represent the provided values.
Flight Director
This highly accurate test simultaneously assesses and enhances multi-tasking, hand-to-eye coordination and memory capacity skills.
Align
Multi-tasking activity with three different activities which must be monitored and successfully completed simultaneously. Horizontal and vertical control mode are provided for practice.
Spin
Rotating tube containing a variety of different two-dimensional shapes, which must be correctly navigated (or flown through) to ensure continued progression through the tube.
Tracking
Tracking assesses and enhances candidate multi-tasking and hand-to-eye coordination skills with the use of two control axes controlled by opposing inputs.
Visual Reasoning 2
One of many visual reasoning puzzles provided to candidates, Visual Reasoning 2 establishes the understanding of spatial awareness using 2D objects.
Visual Reasoning 3
One of many visual reasoning puzzles provided to candidates, Visual Reasoning 3 establishes the understanding of spatial awareness using 3D objects.
Visual Reasoning 4
Visual Reasoning 4 presents four images each containing numerous scrambled lines and tasks the candidate with identifying which image hides a shape within.
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Last Updated on: March 2024
