Flying Aptitude Test

Candidates are invited to attend Flying Aptitude Tests by CNR OES. Candidates arrive at the Officers’ and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) on a Monday, test on the Tuesday and are ready to depart by the afternoon of testing day. Candidates are accommodated in the OASC Candidates Mess.

The aptitude tests are designed to assess a wide range of aptitudes. All aptitude tests are computer based, but computer-operating skills are not required. Each of the aptitude tests is designed to measure specific abilities.  The tests used are as follows:

Verbal reasoning tests - designed to assess your ability to use and interpret written information. 

Numerical reasoning tests - designed to assess your ability to use and interpret numerical information.

Spatial reasoning tests - designed to assess your ability at working with shapes and objects.

Workrate tests - designed to assess your ability to work through simple, routine tasks under time constraints.

Mental capacity tests - designed to assess your ability to deal with multiple tasks involving visual information and concentration over periods of time.

Psychomotor tests - designed to assess different types of physical co-ordination.

The tests are taken in the aptitude test centre, which permits over 40 candidates to be tested simultaneously. You will notice that the computer keyboard you use is not a standard keyboard and that there is a control stick and foot bar arrangement used for some of the tests.  After the tests are completed candidates will receive a debrief from a Naval Officer who will tell you how well you have done in the tests.

If you have shown an aptitude for Pilot, Observer or ATC the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) will assess the results and decide whether or not to call you forward for interview. Should you not be selected to proceed for Aircrew you may be interviewed to consider an alternative branch. The next step is to assess in greater depth your potential as a Naval Officer. This is done at the AIB, which is located at HMS SULTAN, a shore establishment at Gosport, Hampshire.