AETC deploys new pilot screening for fiscal '07

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kirk Reimer
  • Air Education and Training Command
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Air Education and Training Command officials here announced they will field a new psychomotor skills test to be required of all candidates meeting pilot selection boards after Oct. 1.

The replacement of the Basic Aptitude Test with the new Test of Basic Aviation Skills represents a command initiative to harness science and technology to screen candidates and train the pilot force more efficiently.

Pilot selection boards meeting after Oct. 1 will require all candidates to have taken the TBAS prior to record closeout, which typically occurs two weeks before the board date. BAT results are still required for pilot selection boards meeting before that date; however, due to the retest policy, to be valid, TBAS cannot be taken sooner than 120 days after one's final BAT test. 

The minimum time required between two successive BAT tests remains 180 days. Candidates are highly encouraged to take the BAT as soon as possible if they are meeting a board requiring the BAT and also want to leave enough time to take the TBAS for a subsequent board.

Prospective pilot candidates should pay close attention to two key dates regarding the new testing process. BAT testing will be discontinued at all testing locations on July 17; all locations must begin administering the TBAS no later than Aug. 14. Some test locations may install TBAS faster than others, however. For the most current information visit the Pilot Candidate Selection Method website at www.aetc.randolph.af.mil/sas/pcsm/.

Both the TBAS and the BAT measure psychomotor skills proven to be correlated to the completion of specialized undergraduate pilot training, including hand-eye coordination and listening response. Results of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and previous flying experience are two other key indicators correlated to success in pilot training. 

The selection program weights three indicators -- BAT or TBAS, AFOQT and flying hours -- and combines them into a single score. Pilot selection boards use those scores as a part of their process to evaluate and select Airmen for pilot training.

"TBAS replaces the BAT with newer hardware and improved tests which incorporate recent advances in psychomotor and cognitive research," said Brig. Gen. Richard E. Perraut Jr., AETC plans, requirements and programs director. 

The TBAS system incorporates modern computer capability and low-glare, flat-screen monitors, as well as updated joystick and foot pedal controls which look, feel and perform more realistically. Further, the TBAS is an adaptable platform that can facilitate new research to advance the science of pilot screening.