TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Two-Dimensional Tracking Questions and Answers

Question 1

In the TBAS Two-Dimensional Tracking subtest, a candidate is using a joystick to keep a gunsight on a target aircraft. The target moves at a constant rate but changes direction randomly. Which of the following actions by the candidate would also cause the target to change direction?

Accepted Answer

Centering the gunsight perfectly on the target for several consecutive seconds.

Answer

The Two-Dimensional Tracking subtest is designed to measure psychomotor control. The target aircraft moves at a constant speed and will change direction when it hits the side of the screen or when the candidate successfully keeps the gunsight centered on it for multiple seconds.

Question 2

A candidate is engaged in a complex TBAS multitasking scenario that includes two-dimensional tracking with a joystick and horizontal tracking with rudder pedals. What is the most effective visual scanning strategy for managing both tasks simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Focus primarily on the two-dimensional target, using peripheral vision for the horizontal target.

Answer

When performing both the airplane (2D) tracking and horizontal tracking tasks, a common and effective strategy is to maintain primary visual focus on the more complex, two-dimensional target while using peripheral vision to monitor and control the simpler, one-dimensional horizontal target, making occasional quick glances as needed.

Question 3

Which of the following cognitive skills is the primary focus of the standalone Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking test?

Accepted Answer

Hand-eye coordination

Answer

The Two-Dimensional Tracking test, which involves using a joystick to follow a target moving in two dimensions, is fundamentally designed to assess a candidate's hand-eye coordination and psychomotor skills.

Question 4

During a TBAS session, a candidate must track a target moving in two dimensions while also responding to specific auditory cues. This combined task structure is principally designed to assess the candidate's ability to do what?

Accepted Answer

Perform under a high cognitive load and divide attention.

Answer

The multitasking components of the TBAS, such as combining tracking tasks with auditory instructions, are specifically designed to measure a candidate's ability to perform under extreme cognitive loads and effectively divide their attention between multiple simultaneous tasks, a critical skill for pilots.

Question 5

In a scenario involving the Two-Dimensional Tracking test, the target aircraft is moving towards the upper-right corner of the screen. What is the correct joystick input to keep the gunsight centered on the target?

Accepted Answer

Push the joystick forward and to the right.

Answer

Standard joystick controls in this context are intuitive. To move the gunsight up, you push the joystick forward. To move the gunsight to the right, you move the joystick to the right. Therefore, to track a target moving to the upper-right, the candidate must push the joystick forward and to the right.

TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Practice Test

TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Practice Test

TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Two-Dimensional Tracking Questions and Answers