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.
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. The quickest way to find out where you stand is one short timed run; after that, follow the study path for your own assessment.
Start the short tasterCOMPASS
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 Ltd, now owned by Multi-Health Systems (MHS)
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
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.
Important information
This page is general educational information for student pilots and may be out of date.
Aviation rules, training requirements, costs, medical standards, and exam details change over time and vary by country, authority, and training organisation, so details here may no longer be current or may differ in your case.
Always confirm the current details with your approved training organisation (ATO) and national aviation authority before relying on them.
SkyStudy is an independent study aid, is not affiliated with EASA or any aviation authority, and does not guarantee any exam or licence outcome.
Last reviewed July 2026