Pilot selection systems, explained
Airlines and flight schools screen pilot candidates with named computer-based systems: COMPASS, the DLR test, cut-e (Aon), the Vienna Test System, PILAPT and Arctic Shores. Each guide below explains what a system actually measures, how a session is structured, who uses it, and which free SkyStudy exercises train the same skills.
COMPASS
European Pilot Selection and Training (EPST)
A plain-English guide to the COMPASS screening battery from EPST, and the free SkyStudy exercises that train the same skills.
- Psychomotor coordination
- Pursuit tracking
- Multitasking
- Short-term memory
DLR test
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
A plain-English guide to the DLR pilot selection run by the German Aerospace Center, and free SkyStudy exercises for the skills it covers.
- Mental maths
- Technical comprehension
- Memory span
- Spatial orientation
cut-e (Aon)
Aon
A plain-English guide to the cut-e assessment suite from Aon, the online screen most cadet pipelines use first, and free SkyStudy practice.
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Logical reasoning
- Working memory
Vienna Test System
Schuhfried
A plain-English guide to the Vienna Test System from Schuhfried, used in aeromedical and ab-initio pilot selection, and free SkyStudy practice.
- Vigilance
- Sustained attention
- Response inhibition
- Reaction under load
PILAPT
People Technologies (now Multi-Health Systems)
A plain-English guide to the PILAPT aptitude battery, once widely used and now largely replaced by online screening, and free SkyStudy practice.
- Compensatory tracking
- Pursuit tracking
- Spatial reasoning
- Pattern recognition
Arctic Shores
A plain-English guide to the Arctic Shores task-based assessment used in some pilot cadet schemes, and honest advice on how to approach it.
- Behavioural traits
- Personality
- Workplace intelligence
- Learning agility
Not sure which system you will sit?
Different airlines and schools use different systems, and many pick their own subset of tests. The skills overlap a lot, so general practice helps whichever you face. Start with a study path that matches your assessment style, or read the wider guide to how airline selection works.
Studying for the EASA ATPL exams too?
Beyond aptitude practice, SkyStudy is a full EASA ATPL prep platform: question bank, timed mock exams, spaced repetition and analytics across every subject. Free to start, no card needed.