Tips for Pilot Aptitude and Battery Test (PABT) | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

Hi Defence Aspirants, if you become a Pilot in Indian Armed Forces then you should have cleared the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) First. This test is once in a lifetime either be cleared or not. If you have passed PABT then only you can go for Flying Branch in any service of Indian Armed Forces. Now I am going to discuss the full Information regarding PABT shown as below.

Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) is a unique test. It is aimed at assessing a candidate’s aptitude to be trained as a pilot. PABT comprises three tests such as: Instrument Battery Test (INSB), Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT).  Instrument Battery Test (INSB) is a paper pencil test and other two are machine tests.

Instrument Battery Test (INSB):

• Compass meter
• Climbing or diving meter
• Horizon detector
• Altimeter

After getting the knowledge of these meters the candidate has to give test related to these meters. Those only who qualify this test are eligible to give machine test.

Syllabus of Instrument Battery Test INSB

• INSB written test has 75 questions in two parts, 15 and 60 questions. Total time allotted for INSB is 35 minutes. 
• INSB consist of few question in which you have to find out the direction of fighter plane, like its descending, ascending, left bank or right bank. The Officer In charge will explain all this before test properly.

Cavalier India PABT Machine Test Training 

Machine Test

• SMA: There is a two rectangle (small one is in big one). There is a dot comes from upper screen which has to be adjusted in small rectangle. Another beep killing has to be executed by pressing jockey button. Another process is to put off yellow and red light simultaneously by left hand lever.  When you adjusted the circle in small rectangle then only the score will count. I am showing the computer screen of this test.
  
• CVT: Another machine test is control velocity test in which by jockey a small dot should be superimposed on free falling yellow dots coming from upper screen. You should touch this blue line to randomly coming yellow balls for high score.
  

Tips for The Instruments Battery Test (INSB)

• Before this test, you will be getting a detailed instructions from an officer. He will be teaching you about different meters in an aircraft and also telling you how to read them correctly. Make sure you do not sleep during his lecture.
• INSB is an objective type test, you will be getting questions related to aircraft meters.
• These questions takes more time, so make sure you have learned the tips and tricks given by officer during instructions.
• Do not waste more time on single questions, make sure you attempt as many as questions because there is no negative marking.
• Read the questions carefully, you can use your hand as an aircraft to simulate the position of an aircraft as per question.
• It would be better if you read about these meters before hand.

Tips for Machine Tests
You will be facing this test only after clearing Instruments Battery Test, INSB.

• Listen to the instruction given by officer about Machine and controllers.
• Ask for the doubts as soon as he finishes his instructions (if any).
• Do not get afraid, its not a real jet. Predict that you are playing a game at home.
• You will get three trials for each test i.e. sensory motor apparatus test and control velocity test. Use your first chance to free your hands and understanding the functionality and working of the machine you are playing with.
• As soon as you analyse the sensitivity of the controller, it will be a cake walk for you to get high score in other two attempts.
• Do not get nervous if you are not able to perform well in any single attempt, because marks will be considered as best of three attempts and not sum of three attempts. 

When is PABT conducted? 

• Unlike earlier, PABT is conducted by Air Force Selection Board only for recommended candidates those who are eligible for flying branch.
• If your board do not have PABT equipment then you will be taken for PABT at nearby Air Force Selection Centre. 

What if I fail in PABT?

• One who fails in PABT is not eligible for Flying in Armed forces.
• You can not apply for flying again if you have failed in PABT.
• PABT is conducted only once for an individual. 

I have cleared PABT earlier?

• If you have cleared PABT earlier and applying again for flying branch then you don’t need to go for this test again.
• You are just required to provide details of your PABT which you had earlier.