COMPASS Test for Pilots: Practice for Each Test, With Explanations
Practice in the style of the COMPASS pilot aptitude tests: maths, memory, orientation, coordination and multitasking. An example for each test, five questions to try on this page and the full practice plan behind it.
10 practice tests in the style of COMPASS and 6 multiple-choice modules
Spatial orientationRead instruments and work out position and headingAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 10 min
Short-term memoryRemember and recall sequencesAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 10 min
Maths test in the style of COMPASSMental arithmetic with open answers, no calculatorWeekly set with an account24 open questions · 20 minutes
Maths: practice by question typeWorked solutions per question typeAvailable with Pilot Pass12 question types · about 10 min
Technical comprehension (physics)Multiple-choice physics questionsWeekly set with an account15 questions · 15 minutes
Physics: practice by topicAn explanation after every questionAvailable with Pilot Pass9 topics · about 10 min
Arithmetic: mixed problemsTimed mixed arithmeticAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 15 min
Basic coordinationKeep a needle and a ball centred at the same time, with reversed controlsAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min
Advanced coordinationThe same dual task with faster driftAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min
MultitaskingRespond to several signals at once: colours, directions and soundsAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min
The COMPASS plan also includes the six multiple-choice modules: numerical reasoning (76 questions), verbal reasoning (134), abstract reasoning (23), number series (55), mathematics (712) and physics (637), 10 minutes a set.
What COMPASS Contains
COMPASS is a product of European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST). The publisher lists the tests Control, Slalom, Mathematics, Memory, Task manager and Orientation, and also a technical comprehension (physics) test, Aviation English and verbal reasoning. Flying experience is not required.
Publisher test
Our practice
Control and Slalom
Basic coordination and Advanced coordination
Mathematics
Maths test in the style of COMPASS, Maths by question type, Arithmetic: mixed problems
Memory
Short-term memory
Task manager
Multitasking
Orientation
Spatial orientation
Tech-test
Technical comprehension (physics) and Physics by topic
What you practiseThe main COMPASS test types, in our own tasks and questions.
What you get on topWorked solutions for the maths types, an explanation after every physics question and your score per test.
DeviceMaths, memory, orientation and physics on any device. Coordination and multitasking on a computer.
02 · Examples
An Example Question per Module
Our own questions, written for practice
Mathematics
Example · our own question
You climb at 1,500 ft per minute from 3,000 ft to 11,000 ft. How long does the climb take? Answer in minutes and seconds.
Open answer5 min 20 s
Worked answer
5 min 20 s.
Height to climb: 11,000 minus 3,000 is 8,000 ft.
8,000 divided by 1,500 is 5⅓ minutes.
A third of a minute is 20 seconds: 5 min 20 s.
TipSimplify before you divide: 8,000 / 1,500 is the same as 16 / 3.
Short-term memory
Example · our own question
K7R2M9T4(shown for 4 seconds)
Which item came directly after R2?
K7
M9
T4
R2
Worked answer
M9.
Group the list into two pairs: K7 R2, then M9 T4.
R2 closes the first pair, so M9 comes next.
TipThe publisher describes the memory test as recall and the ability to 'chunk' information. Practise saying the items as two short groups.
Spatial orientation
Example · our own question
Your heading indicator shows 180°. The airfield is on a bearing of 270° from you. Which is the shortest turn onto that bearing?
Left 90°
Right 90°
Right 180°
Left 180°
Worked answer
Right through 90°.
From 180° to 270° is plus 90°.
An increasing heading means a right turn.
TipTurning left through 270° would also get you there; the shortest turn is 90° right.
Technical comprehension (physics)
Example · our own question
A force of 500 N acts evenly on an area of 0.25 m². What is the pressure?
125 Pa
500 Pa
1,250 Pa
2,000 Pa
Worked answer
2,000 Pa.
Pressure is force divided by area.
500 N divided by 0.25 m² is 2,000 N/m², which is 2,000 Pa.
TipDividing by a quarter is the same as multiplying by four.
Arithmetic: mixed problems
Example · our own question
Your ground speed is 150 kt. How far do you fly in 12 minutes?
18 NM
25 NM
30 NM
36 NM
Worked answer
30 NM.
12 minutes is one fifth of an hour.
150 divided by 5 is 30 NM.
TipTurn minutes into a simple fraction of an hour: 6 minutes is a tenth, 12 is a fifth, 15 is a quarter.
Coordination and multitasking
On a computer
These tasks run in real time, so there is no single example question. Try a block in the plan with a mouse or keyboard.
The publisher describes the mathematics test as a test of understanding and speed. The EPST page does not describe how COMPASS is scored, so our plan focuses on what you can measure yourself.
The COMPASS mathematics test looks at basic applied mathematical understanding and speed.
The task manager test looks at scanning the screen and handling two tasks accurately and quickly.
Accuracy
80%Example
Your share of correct answers per test, after every attempt.
Time per item
31 sExample · of 45
How long you take per maths question, so you can build speed without a calculator.
Progress
+12Example · pts · 3 sets
Your trend across attempts, so you see which test needs work.
Filled from the airline record, only where the airline or its programme names the test itself.
06 · FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does COMPASS consist of?
The publisher, European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST), lists Control, Slalom, Mathematics, Memory, Task manager and Orientation, plus a technical comprehension (physics) test, Aviation English and verbal reasoning. Which parts you take depends on the airline or academy.
What is in the COMPASS practice plan?
Ten practice tests in the style of COMPASS: spatial orientation, short-term memory, a 24-question maths test with open answers, maths by question type, a 15-question physics test, physics by topic, mixed arithmetic, basic and advanced coordination and multitasking. Six multiple-choice modules come on top.
Can I use a calculator in the maths practice?
No. Our maths test in the style of COMPASS has 24 open questions in 20 minutes without a calculator, so you build mental arithmetic and speed. The publisher describes its mathematics test as a test of understanding and speed.
Can I practise COMPASS coordination at home?
Yes, on a computer. Our coordination and multitasking blocks work with a mouse or keyboard. Maths, memory, orientation and physics run on any device.
Which airlines use COMPASS?
Airlines and academies that name COMPASS in their own selection information include Emirates Flight Training Academy, Emirates (Advanced COMPASS for experienced pilots), Transavia, SpiceJet and the Brussels Airlines MPL Cadet Program. Each airline guide lists the tests the airline confirms.
Do I need an account?
No. You can try 8 questions per multiple-choice module without an account, up to 3 sets a day on one device. The maths and physics tests in the style of COMPASS come with an account, and the Pilot Pass adds every question and the interactive tests.
Practice · COMPASS
Ready for the Full COMPASS Plan?
Ten practice tests in the style of COMPASS plus six multiple-choice modules, with your time per item and your progress per test.