Computerised pilot assessments (often also referred to as 'Computerised Pilot Aptitude Tests') are those assessments designed to evaluate the competencies required of a professional pilot and typically take the form of a series of separate tests (known as a 'Test Battery') undertaken either on-site at a facility, or remotely using a desktop or laptop computer.

These assessments differ from other types of aptitude tests used in other industries, typically aiming to evaluate competencies (or skills) such as Multi-Tasking, Motor Skills, Reaction Time, Spatial Awareness and Memory Recall.

Evaluation of the above competencies is often achieved using a variety of different methods and mechanisms - for example, memory recall may be assessed with a task to memorise and recall information displayed on screen, whereas multi-tasking may be evaluated by asking the candidate to perform multiple concurrent tasks using a keyboard and mouse, or motor skills may be appraised by asking the candidate to center a ball within a targeted area using a joystick.

In some cases, the candidate may be required to undertake two attempts of each test, or to undergo a Verification Test some time after completing their original pilot assessment.

On completion of assessment, a candidate's score may be compared to that of other candidates who have previously undertaken the assessment (known as Norm-Referencing) or, their scoring may be assessed against a defined criteria or pass mark (known as Criterion-Referencing).

Leading Edge Aviation Academy incorporate a computerised pilot assessment produced by Aon (Cut-E) in to their selection process.

This pilot assessment is undertaken remotely, completed by the applicant in their web browser in the comfort of their own home.

In particular, this assessment is constructed of a Test Battery which can include modules referred to as Complex Control, Ability to Concentrate, Sense of Direction and Deductive Reasoning amongst others.

Shown below are depictions of those modules incorporated in to Aon (Cut-E) pilot assessments:

To prepare effectively for this part of the Leading Edge Aviation selection process, it is recommended to both familiarise yourself with the methods and mechanisms employed, and to improve those competencies which are evaluated, in the Aon (Cut-E) computerised pilot assessment.

Our software provides realistic simulations of this assessment contained within a section dedicated to Leading Edge Aviation Academy, accompanied by Explainer Videos, Visual Walkthroughs as well as the provision of detailed feedback regarding your Performance, and how it compares with other applicants.

To further your preparation, it is also recommended to create a Preparation Strategy specific to this assessment using the CoPilot Wizard and establish Targets to be achieved prior to undertaking evaluation.

A group exercise used within a selection process at a flight training organisation such as Leading Edge Aviation Academy typically places between 4 to 6 candidates in to a small group.

The group of candidates are then given a specific task or scenario, sometimes accompanied with a restriction such as a time limit, and must work together to find a solution.

Tasks and scenarios set within group exercises at flight training organisations are often designed to simulate real-world simulations that prospective pilots may encounter, such as:

• Collaborative Decision-Making
• The group may be asked to make decisions or reach a consensus on how to handle an in-flight emergency or resolve a complex operational issue.
• Resource Management
• The group may be given a limited set of resources (e.g., tools, information, or time) and asked to prioritize and allocate them effectively to achieve the desired outcome.
• Communication and Leadership
• The group may be required to delegate responsibilities, share information, and coordinate their efforts to complete the task successfully.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• The group may be presented with a complex problem or challenge and asked to analyse the situation, identify potential solutions, and implement the best course of action.

The above tasks may be incorporated in to a variety of differing scenarios, such as:

• Disaster Response
• The group is presented with a disaster scenario, such as a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis.
• They must work together to prioritize rescue efforts, allocate limited resources, and coordinate a response plan.
• Ethical Dilemma Discussion
• The group is presented with a complex ethical scenario, such as a moral conflict or decision-making dilemma.
• They must discuss the issue, consider various perspectives, and reach a consensus on the best course of action.
• Airline Business Challenge
• The group is assigned the task of running a simulated airline, including managing routes, pricing, customer service, and operational efficiency.
• They must collaborate to make strategic decisions, respond to market changes, and ensure the profitability and competitiveness of the airline.
• Paper Airplane Design and Testing
• The group is provided with paper, scissors, and other basic materials and tasked with designing and constructing a paper airplane.
• They must then test their airplane's performance and make adjustments, all without verbal communication.

When preparing to engage with the Leading Edge Aviation Academy selection process, consider the following tips to ready yourself for the group exercise:

• Participate in group discussions, debates, and collaborative projects to improve your active listening, empathy, and ability to express ideas clearly.
• Take on leadership roles in group projects or extracurricular activities to develop decision-making, delegation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Participate in student clubs, competitions, or simulations that involve team-based problem-solving and decision-making.
• Practice analysing complex problems, identifying key issues, and brainstorming creative solutions.
• Engage in mock group exercises with friends, family, or mentors to get feedback on your performance.

A competency-based Interview is a type of interview that permits an individual or organisation evaluating the applicant to quickly and easily assess the candidate's abilities, attitudes and personality.

During the assessment of pilot candidates, due to the competitive nature of the profession and subsequent high numbers of applicants, competency-based interviews are heavily employed.

In a competency-based interview, a series of questioning is used that enables the candidate to demonstrate their experiences and actions which indicate abilities, attitudes and personality which may be suitable for the role that they're applying for - e.g. a position within a cadet scheme, or as a First Officer in an airline.

In flight training organisations such as Leading Edge Aviation Academy, these types of interviews are often employed due to the candidate's lack of role-related experience.

Due to their lack of role-related experience, these interviews provide the candidate with an opportunity to demonstrate how they have approached situations, pursuant to their attitudes and personality, or utilised their abilities to identify and resolve problems in the past.

When demonstrating their abilities, attitudes and personality, the individual or organisation evaluating the applicant may then easily assess their suitability for the role of a professional pilot, or in this case, to embark on a training program with the flight training organisation.

When assessing applicants for their professional flight training courses, a flight training organisation like Leading Edge Aviation Academy may choose to incorporate questioning on the following competencies in their competency-based interview:

• Aviation Knowledge
• Problem Solving and Decision-Making
• Motivation and Commitment
• Communication and Teamwork

Questions that may be asked during a competency-based interview which can help an applicant to demonstrate their competencies in the above areas can include:

When preparing for a competency-based interview within any industry, the most commonly offered advice is to utilise the STAR Technique, which is a method of constructing and articulating a response that satisfies the questioning posed to the applicant.

The STAR Technique aids in structuring responses to competency-based interview questions, and consists of the following structure:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Each of the four parts of this structure enable applicants to provide an answer which satisfies a question posed, helping them to effectively and easily demonstrate their abilities using a real-world example.

Below is an example of how the STAR Technique may be used to answer a question posed in a competency-based interview.

In the debrief and feedback stage of the selection process, the candidate typically receives comprehensive feedback on how they performed at each prior stage.

Debriefing can often be undertaken by a member of the selection team, a psychologist or a senior flight instructor, with feedback provided regarding candidate strengths, areas for improvement and how they demonstrated those key competencies required for pilot training.

Receipt of feedback from a rigorous selection process ensures that candidates gain valuable insights and guidance regarding their performance, enabling them to make informed decisions about their aviation career path and to better prepare for the intensive flight training program that they may undertake.

Additionally, this stage also allows for the candidate to ask questions, seek clarification and engage in discussion with those individuals responsible for the selection process, and also provides opportunity for the candidate to provide feedback or raise concerns they may have about the selection process.