TBAS Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the most important control input when performing the Horizontal Tracking Test?

Throttle adjustment
Rudder pedal movement
Elevator trim
Aileron deflection (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aileron deflection

In an aircraft, ailerons are the primary control surfaces used to induce roll, which in turn controls the horizontal (lateral) movement of the aircraft. Therefore, during the Horizontal Tracking Test, aileron deflection is the most important control input for keeping the target centered horizontally. Rudder pedals primarily control yaw, and elevator trim controls pitch.

Question 2: A pilot candidate is undergoing a TBAS subtest where they hear a series of letters and numbers. They are instructed to respond only when they hear one of the pre-briefed target numbers. Which of the following cognitive functions is LEAST directly measured by their speed and accuracy in this task?

Reaction time
Working memory
Spatial orientation (Correct answer)
Auditory processing speed

Correct answer: Spatial orientation

This auditory task primarily evaluates auditory processing speed, reaction time, and working memory (to remember the target numbers). Spatial orientation, which involves understanding one's position and direction relative to other objects, is not assessed in this purely auditory response test.

Question 3: Setting an altimeter to 29.92 inHg causes it to read which type of altitude?

True altitude
Pressure altitude (Correct answer)
Density altitude
Absolute altitude

Correct answer: Pressure altitude

Setting the altimeter to 29.92 inHg (the standard sea-level pressure) causes it to indicate pressure altitude, which is height above the standard pressure datum.

Question 4: During the Airplane Tracking Test, what is the primary objective?

To monitor engine performance
To keep the aircraft symbol centered on the moving target (Correct answer)
To maintain a specific altitude
To perform navigation calculations

Correct answer: To keep the aircraft symbol centered on the moving target

In the Airplane Tracking Test, the primary objective is to continuously align the aircraft symbol with a moving target on the display. This task assesses a pilot's ability to maintain precise control and coordination. It simulates the demands of tracking an object or maintaining a specific flight path.

Question 5: A candidate is performing the Combined Tracking Coordination task. The horizontal target is drifting left, the vertical target is centered, and their pre-briefed target number "7" is announced. What is the most appropriate immediate sequence of actions?

Move the joystick to re-center the vertical target before making other inputs.
Press the trigger to respond to the auditory cue, then apply right rudder pedal. (Correct answer)
Apply right rudder pedal to correct the horizontal target, then press the trigger.
Ignore the auditory cue to maintain focus on the drifting horizontal target.

Correct answer: Press the trigger to respond to the auditory cue, then apply right rudder pedal.

The auditory cues are fleeting, time-sensitive events that must be responded to immediately, or the opportunity is lost. The tracking tasks are continuous and allow for a momentary delay in correction without an immediate failure. Therefore, the highest priority is to respond to the auditory number first, then correct the tracking error.

Question 6: A TBAS candidate is performing the combined multitasking subtest. They successfully correct for a sudden, unpredictable change in the 2D tracking target's direction but, in the instant immediately following, fail to respond to a valid auditory target number. What is the most likely cognitive explanation for this specific error?

Motor fatigue in the hand controlling the joystick.
Poor long-term memory of the target number set.
Attentional tunneling on the high-demand visual task. (Correct answer)
Auditory masking from the physical sound of the joystick.

Correct answer: Attentional tunneling on the high-demand visual task.

The sudden, high-demand nature of correcting an unpredictable target movement likely caused 'attentional tunneling,' where the candidate's cognitive resources were momentarily fully consumed by the visual-motor task, leaving insufficient capacity to process the simultaneous auditory cue.

Question 7: Which control input is most commonly used to keep the aircraft symbol centered on the target?

Aileron and elevator inputs (Correct answer)
Throttle adjustment
Flap adjustment
Rudder pedal movement

Correct answer: Aileron and elevator inputs

To keep the aircraft symbol centered on a moving target, a pilot typically uses both aileron and elevator inputs. Ailerons control roll for horizontal adjustments, while elevators control pitch for vertical adjustments. Coordinated use of these controls allows for precise two-dimensional tracking of the target.

Question 8: Within the TBAS multitasking environment, what is the specific and primary role of 'working memory' regarding the auditory challenge?

Improving the physical reaction speed to the auditory cue.
Actively holding the set of target numbers for ongoing comparison. (Correct answer)
Filtering out distracting non-target auditory stimuli.
Reducing the cognitive load of the simultaneous tracking tasks.

Correct answer: Actively holding the set of target numbers for ongoing comparison.

Working memory acts as the brain's 'mental workspace' for temporarily holding and manipulating information. Its primary role in this context is to keep the pre-briefed target numbers (e.g., 3, 6, 9) actively available for immediate comparison against the incoming stream of auditory information.

Question 9: 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?

Push the joystick forward and to the right. (Correct answer)
Pull the joystick back and to the left.
Push the joystick forward and to the left.
Pull the joystick back and to the right.

Correct answer: Push the joystick forward and to the right.

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.

Question 10: You are piloting a UAV on a direct Southerly heading (180°). A request comes in to identify the target to your left. Which cardinal direction is to the UAV's left?

North
West
South
East (Correct answer)

Correct answer: East

When heading South (180°), the UAV's nose is pointing down on a standard map. A 90-degree turn to the left from a Southerly heading will point you towards East (180° - 90° = 090°). Therefore, the target to your left is East.

Question 11: On a three-pointer altimeter, the shortest needle points to 1, the medium needle points to 5, and the longest needle points to 3. What altitude is indicated?

15,300 feet
10,530 feet
1,053 feet
1,530 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1,530 feet

On a three-pointer altimeter, the shortest needle reads thousands (1,000), the medium needle reads hundreds (500), and the longest needle reads tens (30), giving a total of 1,530 feet.

Question 12: During flight, the attitude indicator shows wings level and the heading indicator confirms no turn. However, the turn coordinator shows a left bank. The pilot should suspect:

The heading indicator has failed
The turn coordinator is malfunctioning (Correct answer)
All instruments are operating correctly
The attitude indicator has failed

Correct answer: The turn coordinator is malfunctioning

When two independent instruments agree that no turn is occurring, the single disagreeing instrument is most likely malfunctioning.

Question 13: If a pilot makes a 45° turn to the left from a heading of 180°, what is the new heading?

90°
225°
135° (Correct answer)
270°

Correct answer: 135°

A pilot flying on a heading of 180° (South) makes a 45° turn to the left. A left turn means decreasing the heading value. Therefore, 180° - 45° = 135°. This calculation gives the new heading after the left turn.

Question 14: On a standard airspeed indicator, the yellow arc represents which speed range?

Normal operating range for all conditions
Flap operating speed range
Caution range — smooth air only (Correct answer)
Never-exceed speed zone

Correct answer: Caution range — smooth air only

The yellow arc is the caution range, meaning the aircraft should only be operated within it during smooth (non-turbulent) air conditions.

Question 15: What is the opposite heading of 120°?

240°
300° (Correct answer)
210°
60°

Correct answer: 300°

To find the opposite heading, you add or subtract 180° from the given heading. If the heading is 120°, adding 180° gives 120° + 180° = 300°. This is the direct opposite direction on the compass rose.

Question 16: Imagine your UAV is flying with a heading of 315° (Northwest). A command instructs you to locate the Eastern target. Where would you look from the UAV's cockpit?

Behind and to the right (Correct answer)
Behind and to the left
Directly to the right
Ahead and to the right

Correct answer: Behind and to the right

Your heading is Northwest (315°). East is at 090°. The angular difference is 135 degrees clockwise (to the right). A turn greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees to the right places the target behind you and to your right.

Question 17: A candidate performing the TBAS multitasking subtest demonstrates near-perfect accuracy on the horizontal (pedal) and 2D (stick) tracking tasks but fails to respond to two of the three auditory target numbers. This performance most likely indicates a weakness in which area?

Poor understanding of the tracking tasks' instructions.
A fundamental hearing impairment.
Divided attention, with cognitive resources overallocated to the psychomotor tasks. (Correct answer)
A malfunction of the auditory response button.

Correct answer: Divided attention, with cognitive resources overallocated to the psychomotor tasks.

The candidate's success in the complex tracking tasks shows they understand them and have the necessary motor skills. However, their failure on the simpler auditory task when performed concurrently points to an inability to effectively divide their attention and manage the cognitive load of all tasks at once, a core skill the TBAS measures.

Question 18: Which piece of equipment is used to provide control inputs for the Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking subtest of the TBAS?

Rudder Pedals
Keyboard
Mouse
Joystick (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Joystick

The Test of Basic Aviation Skills utilizes specific hardware for its subtests. The Two-Dimensional Tracking task, also referred to as the Airplane Tracking test, requires the candidate to use a joystick to control the gunsight.

Question 19: An aircraft is heading on a bearing of 330° and turns left 90°. What is the new heading?

0°
60°
240° (Correct answer)
90°

Correct answer: 240°

An aircraft on a bearing of 330° turns left 90°. A left turn means subtracting degrees from the current heading. So, 330° - 90° = 240°. This calculation provides the new heading after the specified turn.

Question 20: A heading indicator displaying '270' means the aircraft is flying in which direction?

North
East
South
West (Correct answer)

Correct answer: West

On a heading indicator, 270 degrees corresponds to due west, following standard compass rose conventions.

Question 21: What feedback mechanism is essential for a pilot to perform well in the Horizontal Tracking Test?

Visual feedback from the display (Correct answer)
Verbal instructions from the instructor
Audio cues from the aircraft
Tactile feedback from the control stick

Correct answer: Visual feedback from the display

Visual feedback from the display is essential for performing well in the Horizontal Tracking Test. The pilot relies on seeing the target's position relative to the center to make timely and accurate corrective control inputs. Without clear visual information, it would be impossible to track the target effectively.

Question 22: Which of the following correctly identifies the three distinct, simultaneous tasks required in the most complex version of the Combined Tracking Coordination subtest?

Horizontal tracking with a joystick, vertical tracking with rudder pedals, and responding to visual cues.
Horizontal tracking, vertical tracking, and solving on-screen math problems.
Horizontal tracking with rudder pedals, two-dimensional tracking with a joystick, and responding to auditory number targets. (Correct answer)
Directional orientation, instrument cross-checking, and auditory memory recall.

Correct answer: Horizontal tracking with rudder pedals, two-dimensional tracking with a joystick, and responding to auditory number targets.

The test explicitly combines three primary tasks: using rudder pedals to track a target horizontally, using a joystick to track another target in two dimensions (which includes the vertical axis), and responding to specific, pre-briefed numbers presented aurally.

Question 23: In a scenario simulating a TBAS auditory test, a candidate hears the following sequence: 'Alpha... 7... Bravo... 5... Kilo...'. The target numbers are 3, 5, and 9. When should the candidate react?

After the full sequence is complete
Immediately after hearing '7'
Immediately after hearing 'Alpha'
Immediately after hearing '5' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately after hearing '5'

The instructions for this TBAS subtest require the candidate to respond as quickly as possible upon hearing a target stimulus. Since '5' is one of the designated target numbers, the correct action is to react immediately after it is announced.

Question 24: A turn coordinator showing the miniature aircraft symbol banked to the right indicates the aircraft is:

Descending
In a right turn (Correct answer)
Climbing
In a left turn

Correct answer: In a right turn

The turn coordinator's miniature aircraft symbol banks in the same direction as the actual turn, so banking right indicates the aircraft is turning right.

Question 25: Which of the following is a common mistake pilots make during the Horizontal Tracking Test?

Focusing too much on the vertical position of the target
Maintaining too low an airspeed
Ignoring altitude changes
Using the rudder instead of the ailerons for horizontal adjustments (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using the rudder instead of the ailerons for horizontal adjustments

A common mistake in the Horizontal Tracking Test is incorrectly using rudder pedals for horizontal adjustments instead of ailerons. While rudder pedals control yaw, ailerons are designed for roll, which directly affects lateral movement. Misusing controls demonstrates a lack of understanding of aircraft dynamics and hinders accurate horizontal tracking.

Question 26: During the Combined Tracking Coordination test, a candidate consistently responds correctly to the auditory cues and keeps the vertical target centered, but their horizontal tracking score is poor. This specific pattern of performance most likely indicates a difficulty with:

Auditory processing speed.
Foot-eye coordination using the rudder pedals. (Correct answer)
Multitasking and cognitive load management.
Hand-eye coordination using the joystick.

Correct answer: Foot-eye coordination using the rudder pedals.

The candidate is successfully managing the auditory task (ears/trigger finger) and the vertical tracking task (hand/joystick). The isolated failure is in the horizontal tracking task, which is controlled by the rudder pedals. This points directly to a weakness in foot-eye coordination or control with that specific input device.

Question 27: During a standard rate turn, how long does it take to complete a full 360-degree turn?

3 minutes
1 minute
4 minutes
2 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 minutes

A standard rate turn is 3 degrees per second, so 360 degrees divided by 3 degrees/second equals 120 seconds, or 2 minutes.

Question 28: A candidate is performing the Horizontal Tracking Control test and notices the target airplane, which was moving at a steady pace, suddenly speeds up. What is the most likely cause for this increase in difficulty?

The candidate has successfully kept the box over the target for a period of time. (Correct answer)
It is a random event to test reaction time.
The candidate has failed to track the target accurately.
The test is approaching its time limit.

Correct answer: The candidate has successfully kept the box over the target for a period of time.

The TBAS Horizontal Tracking subtest is adaptive; the difficulty, including the target's speed, increases as the test-taker demonstrates proficiency by successfully tracking the airplane.

Question 29: Which of the following critical-phase scenarios most heavily relies on the fine psychomotor coordination and continuous control adjustment skills assessed by the TBAS Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking test?

Performing a pre-flight weight and balance calculation
Executing a missed approach in low visibility (Correct answer)
Communicating a "Mayday" call to air traffic control
Identifying a system malfunction based on a single annunciator light

Correct answer: Executing a missed approach in low visibility

A missed approach in low visibility requires the pilot to precisely fly the aircraft by reference to instruments, making continuous, fine adjustments to pitch and roll to follow a specific flight path. This task directly mirrors the challenge of the 2D tracking test, which requires constant, fine joystick inputs to keep a reticle on a moving target. [6, 7]

Question 30: The requirement to use a joystick and rudder pedals for two different tracking tasks while simultaneously monitoring an auditory channel in the TBAS directly simulates which real-world pilot activity?

Navigating using a paper chart while the co-pilot handles communications.
Calculating fuel consumption during a long-haul flight on autopilot.
Performing a pre-flight inspection while listening to a weather briefing.
Manually flying an aircraft, monitoring instruments, and communicating with Air Traffic Control. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Manually flying an aircraft, monitoring instruments, and communicating with Air Traffic Control.

This combination of multi-limb psychomotor control (flying the plane) and selective listening (communicating with ATC) is a direct parallel to the skills tested. Pilots must constantly divide their attention between controlling the aircraft's flight path and processing critical auditory information.

Question 31: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the auditory processing speed components within the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS)?

To measure a candidate's musical aptitude and ability to discern different tones.
To assess a candidate's ability to understand complex spoken instructions in a quiet environment.
To evaluate a candidate's ability to quickly and accurately react to critical auditory information under cognitive load and amidst distractions. (Correct answer)
To test long-term memory of aviation-related terminology presented verbally.

Correct answer: To evaluate a candidate's ability to quickly and accurately react to critical auditory information under cognitive load and amidst distractions.

The auditory sections of the TBAS are designed to simulate a high-workload environment. They test a candidate's ability to process and respond to specific, critical auditory cues (like call signs or warnings) while simultaneously performing other tasks, which is a crucial skill for pilots.

Question 32: Which of the following cognitive skills is the primary focus of the standalone Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking test?

Hand-eye coordination (Correct answer)
Spatial orientation
Short-term memory recall
Auditory processing speed

Correct answer: Hand-eye coordination

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 33: In the Combined Tracking Coordination subtest of the TBAS, which controls are used to manage the two separate visual tracking tasks?

Rudder pedals for both horizontal and vertical tracking.
Joystick for both horizontal and vertical tracking.
Rudder pedals for horizontal tracking, joystick for vertical tracking. (Correct answer)
Joystick for horizontal tracking, rudder pedals for vertical tracking.

Correct answer: Rudder pedals for horizontal tracking, joystick for vertical tracking.

This subtest is designed to assess limb coordination by splitting the control axes between different inputs. The feet manage the horizontal target via rudder pedals, while the hand manages the vertical target via the joystick.

Question 34: During a combined tracking and listening task, the candidate hears a stream of letters and numbers, such as 'Alpha... 7... Kilo... 3... Bravo...'. They have been instructed that their target numbers are 3, 6, and 9. What cognitive ability is primarily being tested by their ability to ignore '7' and respond only to '3'?

Selective Attention (Correct answer)
Rote Memorization
Long-Term Memory
Auditory Acuity

Correct answer: Selective Attention

Selective attention is the cognitive process of reacting to certain stimuli selectively when several occur simultaneously. In this case, the candidate must filter the entire auditory stream and attend only to the pre-briefed target numbers, which is a critical skill for pilots who must pick out relevant radio calls from background chatter.

Question 35: What role does hand-eye coordination play in the Horizontal Tracking Test?

It assists in tracking the target accurately (Correct answer)
It helps maintain vertical stability
It reduces fuel consumption
It increases overall airspeed

Correct answer: It assists in tracking the target accurately

Hand-eye coordination is critical in the Horizontal Tracking Test as it allows the pilot to accurately perceive the target's position and translate that visual information into precise control inputs. This skill enables quick and correct adjustments to keep the target centered, reflecting real-world piloting demands for precise aircraft control.

Question 36: The most complex multitasking portion of the TBAS requires a candidate to perform which combination of activities simultaneously?

A reading comprehension test, a single tracking task, and an auditory memory task.
A spatial orientation (UAV) task and a three-digit listening task.
A horizontal tracking task (pedals), a separate two-dimensional tracking task (stick), and a selective listening task. (Correct answer)
Two separate auditory tasks and a single horizontal tracking task.

Correct answer: A horizontal tracking task (pedals), a separate two-dimensional tracking task (stick), and a selective listening task.

This subtest is designed to maximize cognitive load by combining three distinct activities: tracking a target on a horizontal axis with rudder pedals, tracking a different target in two dimensions with a joystick, and responding to specific auditory cues (target numbers) presented via headphones.

Question 37: 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?

Pressing the joystick trigger while the gunsight is off-target.
Allowing the gunsight to remain completely stationary for more than five seconds.
Centering the gunsight perfectly on the target for several consecutive seconds. (Correct answer)
Moving the joystick to its maximum possible deflection in any direction.

Correct answer: Centering the gunsight perfectly on the target for several consecutive seconds.

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 38: A UAV is currently oriented on a heading of 270° (West). From the pilot's point of view, where is the Northern target located?

Behind
Directly ahead
To the right (Correct answer)
To the left

Correct answer: To the right

The UAV is heading West (270°). North (360°/0°) is 90 degrees clockwise, or to the right, of West. Therefore, from the pilot's perspective, the Northern target is to the right.

Question 39: During a complex TBAS multitasking scenario, the 2D tracking target moves erratically, the horizontal bar is drifting left, and an auditory target number is announced. From a psychomotor resource allocation standpoint, which is the most effective immediate sequence of actions?

Ignore the auditory cue to dedicate full attention to the two difficult tracking tasks.
Abandon all tracking to ensure the auditory response is timed perfectly.
Focus solely on the erratic 2D target to perfect its tracking before addressing other tasks.
Respond to the auditory cue, apply a quick corrective input to the horizontal bar, and then return primary focus to the 2D target. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Respond to the auditory cue, apply a quick corrective input to the horizontal bar, and then return primary focus to the 2D target.

This demonstrates effective task-switching and prioritization under load. The auditory cue is time-critical and must be addressed. A quick, 'good-enough' correction on the lower-priority tracking task (horizontal bar) prevents a complete failure. Primary attention can then be returned to the most demanding task (erratic 2D target). This strategy services all tasks without allowing any single one to fail completely.

Question 40: Which of the following is a common mistake pilots make during the Airplane Tracking Test?

Maintaining too low an airspeed
Using the rudder instead of the ailerons for horizontal adjustments (Correct answer)
Ignoring the target's movement
Focusing too much on altitude changes

Correct answer: Using the rudder instead of the ailerons for horizontal adjustments

A common mistake in the Airplane Tracking Test is misusing flight controls, specifically using the rudder instead of the ailerons for horizontal adjustments. Ailerons control the roll of the aircraft, which is essential for making precise lateral movements to track a target. Using the rudder, which primarily controls yaw, for horizontal tracking leads to inefficient and imprecise control, making it difficult to accurately follow the target.

Question 41: Which of the following real-world aviation scenarios is most accurately simulated by the specific skill set tested in the Combined Tracking Coordination subtest?

Performing a pre-flight inspection while verbally briefing a crew member.
Maintaining a precise instrument approach path with control stick and rudder pedals while responding to Air Traffic Control instructions. (Correct answer)
Executing an emergency checklist from memory after an engine failure.
Calculating fuel consumption and cross-referencing navigation charts during cruise flight.

Correct answer: Maintaining a precise instrument approach path with control stick and rudder pedals while responding to Air Traffic Control instructions.

The subtest mirrors the demands of a critical flight phase like an instrument approach, which requires continuous, fine motor inputs with both hands (joystick) and feet (rudder pedals) to maintain a flight path, while simultaneously processing and responding to critical auditory information from ATC.

Question 42: Which of the following scenarios is correct? Your UAV is heading 360° (North) and the target to the West is requested.

The target is behind you.
The target is to the right.
The target is to the left. (Correct answer)
The target is directly ahead.

Correct answer: The target is to the left.

When heading North (360°/0°), East is to the right (090°), South is behind (180°), and West is to the left (270°). Therefore, the Western target is located to the UAV's left.

Question 43: How can a pilot determine if they are overcorrecting during the Horizontal Tracking Test?

The target oscillates from left to right (Correct answer)
The target stays to one side consistently
The target moves vertically
The target remains perfectly centered

Correct answer: The target oscillates from left to right

Overcorrecting during the Horizontal Tracking Test is indicated when the target repeatedly moves past the center point, swinging back and forth from left to right. This oscillation suggests that the pilot is applying too much control input, causing the aircraft to continually overshoot the desired centered position. Effective tracking requires smooth, proportional adjustments.

Question 44: What is the primary control input used to manipulate the tracking box in the Horizontal Tracking Control subtest of the TBAS?

Joystick
Keyboard
Rudder Pedals (Correct answer)
Mouse

Correct answer: Rudder Pedals

The Horizontal Tracking Control subtest specifically requires the use of rudder pedals to move the tracking box left and right, assessing the candidate's foot-eye coordination.

Question 45: During a multi-tasking portion of the TBAS, a candidate is simultaneously tracking two targets and listening for auditory cues. A target number is announced amidst distracting auditory letters and numbers. What is the most critical skill being assessed in this specific auditory task?

Sound localization
Auditory memory recall
Pitch discrimination
Selective attention (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Selective attention

This task specifically measures a candidate's selective attention, which is the ability to focus on a particular auditory stimulus (the target number) while filtering out other distracting, irrelevant sounds (other letters and numbers). While memory is involved, the primary challenge is first selecting the correct information to attend to.

Question 46: The auditory processing speed sections of the TBAS often involve responding to specific numbers while ignoring letters and other numbers. This format is designed to assess the candidate's ability to:

Filter relevant from irrelevant stimuli and react decisively. (Correct answer)
Perform complex mental calculations under pressure.
Follow a lengthy and complicated sequence of commands.
Recall detailed information from a long passage that was read aloud.

Correct answer: Filter relevant from irrelevant stimuli and react decisively.

This task is a direct measure of a candidate's ability to filter out irrelevant auditory information (the non-target letters and numbers) and focus only on the relevant stimuli (the target numbers), then execute a quick response. This simulates a pilot's need to pick out a critical radio call from background chatter.

Question 47: What role does hand-eye coordination play in the Airplane Tracking Test?

It reduces fuel consumption
It helps maintain proper engine performance
It assists in tracking the target accurately (Correct answer)
It increases overall airspeed

Correct answer: It assists in tracking the target accurately

Hand-eye coordination is crucial in the Airplane Tracking Test because it allows a pilot to precisely translate visual information from the display into accurate control inputs. This skill enables the pilot to anticipate and react to the target's movements, making fine adjustments to keep the aircraft symbol aligned. Accurate tracking is directly dependent on this ability to synchronize visual perception with motor responses.

Question 48: An aircraft is on a heading of 90° and needs to make a course correction of 270° to the right. What will be its new heading?

180° (Correct answer)
0°
360°
270°

Correct answer: 180°

An aircraft on a heading of 90° (East) making a 270° turn to the left would result in a new heading of 180° (South). This is calculated by subtracting 270° from the initial heading (90° - 270° = -180°), and then adding 360° to normalize the result to 180°. This effectively places the aircraft heading directly opposite to its initial eastward direction.

Question 49: In a complex TBAS scenario, a candidate finds there is a direct trade-off in their performance: when they focus intently on the auditory channel to catch every target number, their tracking accuracy suffers, and vice-versa. This performance trade-off primarily demonstrates the:

static and unchangeable nature of an individual's cognitive capacity.
inability to develop motor automaticity.
dynamic allocation of limited cognitive resources between competing tasks. (Correct answer)
existence of separate, non-competing cognitive resources.

Correct answer: dynamic allocation of limited cognitive resources between competing tasks.

This scenario illustrates the dynamic allocation of attention. As the candidate shifts more cognitive resources to one task (listening), fewer are available for the other (tracking), leading to a performance trade-off. This shows that cognitive task management involves a constant, fluid balancing of a limited pool of resources.

Question 50: The Horizontal Tracking Control portion of the TBAS is fundamentally designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in which area?

Auditory processing and multitasking.
Psychomotor skills and foot-eye coordination. (Correct answer)
Spatial orientation and map reading.
Short-term memory recall.

Correct answer: Psychomotor skills and foot-eye coordination.

This subtest directly measures psychomotor abilities, specifically the fine motor skills required to coordinate foot movements with visual tracking tasks, which is a crucial skill for pilots.

Question 51: Which of the following is the most effective mental strategy for succeeding in the TBAS multitasking section?

Develop a scan or rhythm, continuously cycling attention between all required tasks. (Correct answer)
Prioritize the auditory task above all else, even if tracking performance suffers.
Mute the audio to eliminate distractions and maximize tracking scores.
Focus entirely on the joystick tracking, as it is the most complex task.

Correct answer: Develop a scan or rhythm, continuously cycling attention between all required tasks.

The key to the multitasking section is not to perfectly perform a single task at the expense of others, but to manage them all concurrently. An effective strategy is to develop a continuous, rhythmic scan, allocating brief moments of focused attention to each task in a cycle to ensure none are neglected.

Question 52: A pilot experiences an engine failure immediately after takeoff. Which TBAS-evaluated skillset is most critical for simultaneously maintaining aircraft control, navigating to a suitable landing site, and initiating emergency procedures?

Divided attention and multitasking capability (Correct answer)
Auditory selective attention
Unidimensional psychomotor tracking
Spatial orientation processing speed

Correct answer: Divided attention and multitasking capability

An engine failure after takeoff requires the pilot to divide attention between multiple critical tasks: flying the plane (psychomotor control), navigating to a landing spot (visual search and decision making), and executing procedures (memory recall). This is the essence of multitasking ability assessed by the combined subtests of the TBAS. [2, 4, 9]

TBAS Exam

The TBAS is a computerized psychomotor test battery used for U.S. Air Force pilot candidate selection, measuring tracking, multitasking, and spatial orientation skills.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

50%

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

162wing.ang.af.mil — Eligibility, exam format, passing score · verified Oct 2026
airforce.com — Test delivery, passing score · verified Oct 2026