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Practice test · Pilot aptitude

Pilot Aptitude Test Practice: Questions and Answers With Explanations

Practise the question types that pilot aptitude tests use: numerical, verbal, abstract, number series, maths, physics, spatial orientation and memory. Examples with worked answers, five questions to try on this page, a PDF with 15 sample questions and the full practice sets behind it.

Start the Aptitude PracticeTry 5 Questions Here

The Pilot aptitude plan

6 modules
  1. Numerical reasoning76 questions
  2. Verbal reasoning134 questions
  3. Abstract reasoning23 questions
  4. Number series55 questions
  5. Mathematics712 questions
Full Plan
01 · What you practise

What the Aptitude Practice Covers

6 modules

31 interactive practice tests in 9 skills and 6 multiple-choice modules

Taking a specific test? Each one has its own page.

cut-e (Aon)COMPASSPILAPTCBATDLRMollymawkADAPT
  • Numerical reasoningTables, charts and percentages76 questions · 10 min a set
  • Verbal reasoningRead a text and judge a statement134 questions · 10 min a set
  • Abstract reasoningFind the rule in figures23 questions · 10 min a set
  • Number seriesSpot the pattern55 questions · 10 min a set
  • MathematicsArithmetic, algebra and geometry712 questions · 10 min a set
  • PhysicsMechanics, energy and electricity637 questions · 10 min a set

Interactive Tests by Skill

  • CoordinationBall on the plate, Hand-eye-foot coordination2 tests
  • MultitaskingFast multitasking, Multitasking with callsigns2 tests
  • Spatial orientationRotating figures, Cube folding, Direction test3 tests
  • MemoryVisual memory, Picture-number pairs, Reverse readback, Remembering aircraft colours4 tests
  • Attention and reactionStroop test, Perception test, Rapid rule check, Rotating pointer, Counting number blocks5 tests
  • NumericalArithmetic: mixed problems, Number series (timed), Balance scale arithmetic, Time arithmetic (hours and minutes)4 tests
  • ReasoningSyllogisms, Verbal reasoning (timed), Diagrammatic reasoning, Figure series, Order test, Predictive reasoning, Shapes puzzle, Balance scales, Planning assignment9 tests
  • Technical understandingMechanical reasoning (timed)1 tests
  • ListeningUnderstanding radio messages1 tests
What you practiseThe question types pilot aptitude tests share, in our own questions and tasks.
What you get on topWith an account: weekly sets with a worked answer for every question you answer. With the Pilot Pass: every question and the 31 interactive tests.
DeviceMultiple-choice modules on any device. Coordination, multitasking, memory, listening and several attention tasks on a computer.
02 · Examples

An Example Question per Module

Our own questions, written for practice

Numerical reasoning

Example · our own question

A flight school has 48 students. Three eighths are in ground school and the rest are in flight training. How many are in flight training?

  • 18
  • 24
  • 30
  • 36
Worked answer

30.

  1. One eighth of 48 is 6, so three eighths is 18.
  2. 48 minus 18 is 30.

TipFind one part first, then scale up.

Verbal reasoning

Example · our own question
Club aircraft must be refuelled after a flight if the gauge shows less than half. Members who refuel pay the club rate. Visitors pay the airport rate.

Statement: Visitors pay more for fuel than members.

  • True
  • False
  • Cannot say
Worked answer

Cannot say.

  1. The text names two rates: the club rate and the airport rate.
  2. It does not say which rate is higher.
  3. So the text gives no answer: Cannot say.

TipSeparate what the text states from what seems likely.

Abstract reasoning

Example · our own question

Which figure comes next?

Worked answer

A hexagon.

  1. Count the sides: 3, 4, 5.
  2. Each figure has one side more, so the next has 6 sides.

TipCount what you can count first: sides, dots, lines.

Number series

Example · our own question

What is the next number? 5, 8, 14, 26, 50, …

  • 74
  • 98
  • 100
  • 102
Worked answer

98.

  1. Each number is doubled, then 2 is taken away: 5 times 2 minus 2 is 8.
  2. 8 gives 14, 14 gives 26 and 26 gives 50.
  3. 50 times 2 minus 2 is 98.

TipIf the differences grow fast (3, 6, 12, 24), look for multiplication.

Mathematics

Example · our own question

Solve: 4x − 7 = 2x + 9.

  • 4
  • 6
  • 8
  • 16
Worked answer

x = 8.

  1. Take 2x from both sides: 2x minus 7 equals 9.
  2. Add 7 to both sides: 2x equals 16.
  3. Divide by 2: x is 8.

TipCheck by putting the answer back in: 4 times 8 minus 7 is 25, and 2 times 8 plus 9 is 25.

Physics

Example · our own question

An aircraft of 1,000 kg accelerates at 2 m/s². What is the net force?

  • 500 N
  • 1,000 N
  • 2,000 N
  • 20,000 N
Worked answer

2,000 N.

  1. Newton's second law: force is mass times acceleration.
  2. 1,000 kg times 2 m/s² is 2,000 N.

TipCheck the units first: kg times m/s² gives newtons.

Spatial orientation

Example · our own question

You are on a heading of 045°. You turn left through 90°. What is your new heading?

  • 135°
  • 315°
  • 225°
  • 045°
Worked answer

315°.

  1. A left turn takes away from the heading: 45 minus 90 is minus 45.
  2. Below 0, add 360: 315°.

TipTurning left from north-east through north takes you to the north-west.

Memory

Example · our own question
4927(shown for 4 seconds)

Read the numbers back in reverse order.

  • 7 2 9 4
  • 7 9 2 4
  • 4 2 9 7
  • 2 7 4 9
Worked answer

7 2 9 4.

  1. The order shown was 4, 9, 2, 7.
  2. Reversed, the last comes first: 7, 2, 9, 4.

TipSplit the list in two pairs, 49 and 27, then reverse each pair and swap them.

Attention and reaction

Example · our own question
The word GREEN is printed in red ink. Your task: name the ink colour.

What do you answer?

  • Green
  • Red
Worked answer

Red.

  1. The task asks for the ink colour, not the word.
  2. The ink is red.

TipFix your eyes on the colour and let the word blur. Speed comes after accuracy.

Reasoning

Example · our own question

Some cadets are glider pilots. All glider pilots have flown solo. Statement: Some cadets have flown solo.

  • True
  • False
  • Cannot say
Worked answer

True.

  1. The cadets who are glider pilots belong to the group of glider pilots.
  2. All glider pilots have flown solo, so those cadets have flown solo too.
  3. So at least some cadets have flown solo: True.

TipDraw two overlapping circles. If the conclusion must hold in every drawing, it is true.

Technical understanding

Example · our own question

A force of 200 N pushes down on a lever 1.5 m from the pivot. What force at 0.5 m on the other side keeps the lever level?

  • 67 N
  • 300 N
  • 600 N
  • 150 N
Worked answer

600 N.

  1. Moments must balance: force times distance on each side.
  2. 200 times 1.5 is 300 N m.
  3. 300 divided by 0.5 is 600 N.

TipA shorter arm needs a larger force: halve the distance and you double the force.

Coordination

Real time

Tracking tasks run in real time with a mouse, keyboard or joystick, so there is no single example question. Try a block in the plan on a computer.

Multitasking

Real time

You handle more than one task at the same time, for example tracking while you answer radio calls. It runs on a computer.

Listening

Real time

You hear short radio messages and answer questions about them. Use headphones or speakers.

Sample Questions and Answers

15 sample questions from the question types on this page, with the answer and a worked explanation for each one. Our own questions, written for practice.

Download the PDF
03 · Mini round

Try Five Questions, Timed

Mini round · question 1 of 5
0:45

What is the next number? 5, 10, 20, 40, …

45 seconds per question on our practice timer.
After five questions

Your Score, Then the Full Sets

  • Correct answers? / 5
  • Average time? s
  • Next stepAptitude plan

No account needed for this round

Start the Aptitude Practice
04 · Scoring

Scoring and Time Pressure

Each test publisher sets its own time limits and scoring. What you can train for every test is the same: getting answers right, at a steady pace, and seeing where you improve.

  • Accuracy

    80%Example

    Your share of correct answers per module, after every set.

  • Time per item

    31 sExample · of 45

    How long you take per question, so you can work towards a steady pace.

  • Progress

    +12Example · pts · 3 sets

    Your trend across attempts, so you see which module needs work.

05 · Airlines

Which Airlines Use Aptitude Tests

All airline guides

A selection of airlines and programmes that name their aptitude test in their own selection information.

  • Delta Air Lines

    Pilot hiring (first officer)

    Test: Aon online assessment

    Competitive candidates will be invited to begin the interview process by taking the Aon online assessment that tests various personality and skill based competencies.

    delta.com
    Airline Guide

  • Ryanair

    AFA B737 Type Rating Cadet Programme (Airline Flight Academy)

    Test: Aon online pre-assessment

    Candidates who are selected will be required to do an online pre-assessment test provided by AON

    pilotjobs.ryanair.com
    Airline Guide

  • Emirates Flight Training Academy

    Cadet programme

    Test: COMPASS

    Compass is an online aptitude test covering five modules. It involves visualisation and the use of controls.

    emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com
    Airline Guide

  • Transavia

    Transavia Airline Pilot Program (MPL)

    Test: COMPASS and CPP

    Online selection: your flying-related competencies are tested through COMPASS and CPP tests.

    werkenbijtransavia.comTranslated from Dutch
    Airline Guide

  • Lufthansa Group (European Flight Academy)

    European Flight Academy pilot training

    Test: DLR test

    Your first step will be directly registering with our partner Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR, German Aerospace Center) for taking the DLR test with corresponding certificate.

    european-flight-academy.com
    Airline Guide

  • SWISS

    SWISS ab initio (European Flight Academy)

    Test: DLR certificate

    The DLR certificate is a prerequisite for the application.

    swiss.com
    Airline Guide

  • Royal Jordanian

    Cadet pilot

    Test: DLR test

    Passing the DLR test is a requirement for all candidates applying as new cadet pilots at RJ.

    careers.royaljordanian.com
    Airline Guide

  • Southwest Airlines

    Destination 225 Cadet Pathway

    Test: ADAPT assessment

    All applicants receive an invite for the ADAPT assessment and need to complete it within two weeks.

    careers.southwestair.com
    Airline Guide

Filled from the airline record, only where the airline or its programme names the test itself.

06 · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a PDF with pilot aptitude test questions and answers?

Yes. The PDF on this page has 15 sample questions with the answer and a worked explanation for each one. The full practice sets run online, with your time per item.

Which aptitude test will I take?

That depends on the airline or academy. Delta Air Lines and Ryanair's AFA cadet programme name the Aon test, Transavia and Emirates Flight Training Academy name COMPASS, the European Flight Academy and SWISS ask for the DLR test, and Southwest Airlines' Destination 225 Cadet Pathway uses the ADAPT assessment. Each test page explains what it contains.

What kind of questions are in a pilot aptitude test?

Each test uses its own mix. Aon lists numerical and verbal reasoning and finding the rule in a pattern. The DLR test for the European Flight Academy looks at memory, spatial understanding, English, engineering, mathematics, attentiveness, psychomotor skills and multitasking. Emirates Flight Training Academy tests maths and physics, and its COMPASS test covers hand-eye coordination, spatial orientation, multitasking and short-term memory.

How do I prepare for a pilot aptitude test?

Learn the method for each question type with worked answers first, then practise against the clock until your pace is steady. Short, regular sessions help you see which type still needs work.

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, and the PDF and the five questions on this page need no account either. With an account you get the answers with explanations; the Pilot Pass adds every question and the 31 interactive tests.

Practice · Pilot aptitude

Ready for the Full Practice Sets?

31 interactive tests in 9 skills, with your progress per test. The six multiple-choice modules are in the cut-e and COMPASS plans.

Start the Aptitude PracticeMake a Plan to Your Test Date

Multiple-choice modules in the cut-e plan