I posted a question similar to this a while back and didnt get many responses

I was wondering if some people could share theyr fellings on the bat test if they have already taken it, Im not asking to give details about the actualy test as i am aware it has a cloud of secrecy over it what im looking for is did you feel up to it when you took it, where you dissapointed with all the hype surrounding it because it was easier than you thought it would be? did you blow it off and pay the price for it? What did you do to prepare for it. I know some of the test deals with hand-eye coordination any specific tests you know of to improve this? some have told me also that even if you bomb the bat it doesnt take you out of the running so any ideas or thoughts on this matter are greatly appreciated

Thanks

check out the following link:

https://www.raptorpilot.com

*on the right hand column click Basic Attributes Test (BAT)

Good Luck!

The bat test is NOT difficult. It is a game. You will be locked in a romm by yourself. Just get comfortable. You are given a practice period for each part. It really is nothing to sweat, there is nothing you can do to prepare for it, maybe playing a video game but I doubt it'll make a difference, just be rested and sharp.

I agree with El Guapo.. The BAT isn't that difficult.

The best advice is to put the practices to good use; don't try and skip ahead because you think you are ready or just simply want to rush through it...just let it flow.

It's easy, don't sweat it. If you do, your palms will get sweaty and that might not help you.

I dont know what you guys are talking about, my hands were sweaty as hell. I had to keep wyping them of during the breaks.

What was the average or what did most of you get for youre score?

Is it against the rules for us "sweaty palmers" to put like a cleenex between our hands and the stick or maybe even wearing those gloves where your fingertips exposed for extra grip so we don't slip and screw our score over? I presume if we're moving the sticks around at all times you can't exactly whipe your hands in the middle of a test. Seems like something small that can help a lot would be worth it and if you're in the room alone there is nothing to feel silly about. Thanks for the info!

Hey Bishop, biggest advice I could give somebody about to take the BATS test is to get a good night sleep and eat a good meal before hand. Other than that there is not much more you can do, except play video games for the next five years. Just go in there relaxed but have your mind 100% on the test. Just my advice though

stlcfii - there isn't anyone in the room with you, so i guess you could put on gloves or cleenex or something. i don't recall them telling me NOT to do that, but i'm not sure if it is necessarily allowed.

bishop - there isn't really a score for the BAT.. well, there is but no one finds out what it is. The BAT results, paired with your flight time as well as your AFOQT pilot score will lead to your PCSM score.

My thought after taking the test was "That's it? That's all there is too it?" so don't worry about it dudes, just do like cappelanthony says and get some sleep before the test, and eat something that will make you mentally alert.

I think I did well I had a PCSM of 90, with 200 flt hours and a 75 pilot AFOQT.

Take advantage of the practice sessions, and talk to yourself while doing it to associate both verbally and physically what you are doing to achieve the desired response.

As far as the question inventory, as with the sample package that you will recieve that describes it, would you rather watch a football game or participate in one, which quality do you think they would like more????

I have a PCSM score of 96 with an 83 AFOQT pilot and 61 hours. I walked out of there after the BAT thinking that I sucked ass. The two hand coordination part was hardest for me. Point being, you'll probably feel like you're doing badly, just take your time with the instructions and between practice sessions.

[ 22 May 2003, 21:54: Message edited by: thtflyer ]

I wouldn't do too well on the BAT. If you do, the Air Force might make you a UAV pilot. I really believe they use the BAT to find good UAV pilot candidates. Just a guess!!

Seriously though, don't worry about it. It's a simple video game. Treat it as such. ;)

C17 Heavy: that is the worst advice ever.

It was just a joke. A bad on I guess. Sorry. There is not much anyone can do to prepare for the BAT. Just go in there and do the best you can.

yes, yes, the candor of your post was duly noted. just wanted to establish clearly for everyone that the BAT is a serious matter, but like you said, nothing to sweat too much about, at least, so I hear.

Like C17Heavy says, don't sweat it. Yes it's an important part of the process and critical in deriving your PCSM score, but just go in alert and ready to take a test. Don't lose sleep over it the night before. I hear all the time "just play some video games" and though that might hone a few skills at the last minute, I'd say that generally, either you got it or you don't got it. This is a Basic Attributes Test, afterall. Some people just are not good at video games, and though I think that doesn't have alot to do with whether or not you can successfully operate an aircraft, it is a measure of basic hand-eye coordination skills. Just go in and do the best you can. Pay attention while you're there, but don't stress over this one.

Can't really study for that damn thing! Think it was on a Comadore 64 when I first took it(very early 90s). I hear you guys get color now - oooh!

C17Heavy - Maybe the AF could loan us some UAV's for a year or 2 if they hand us some garbage missions. We'll throw'm in the back of one of our planes next January. Kill some of the boredom in the Sandbox while we sit in the lawn chairs with no cold ones....

The BAT test is like playing a flight simulator with joystick. Be relax and concentrate. My advice would be to buy a flight simulator and a good joystick and practice your cordination. Hope that helps.

I must have sucked at the BAT to no ends. 79 pilot score, 80 PCSM with over 200 hours flight time. hmpfh

I just took the BAT test 2 days ago. I have PCSM score of 87 with a 48 Pilot section of the AFOQT, and 450+ hours of flight time. I putting an app in with an ANG unit now. I am retaking the AFOQT, but it will not be in time to meet the dealine.

In all honesty the best thing you probably can do is play video games. I think someone said this as a joke but I serious. Don't stay up for weeks doing it but just do it to get your eyes and hands "calibrated."

I was a bundle of nerves when I went to take mine and when I was begining I realized I have no idea whats about to happen, I have nothing to compare myself to, and for all I know I could get the worst score in history and they would laugh me out of the building. The relaxation from the realization that all I could do was to do my best helped and I ended up getting a very good score. Good luck.

Is the Pilot section from the AFOQT the only section that goes towards the PCSM score?

Thanks

From the PCSM web site:

Factors Contributing to a PCSM Score

PCSM takes into account several measurements associated with success at UPT and combines them into one measurement.

Previous flying hours(Experience)

AFOQT Pilot Score(Knowledge)

Basic Attributes Tester(BAT) Scores(Aptitude)

The BAT generates 9 measurements of pilot aptitude considering these main areas

Cognitive - Short Term Memory

Affective Scores - Personality

Psychomotor Scores - Hand/Eye Coordination

I just took the BAT two days ago. It is nothing you can study for and don't sweat it too bad. Playing video games really helped. Especially if you use a joystick. I have a 91 pilot and a 99 PCSM score. Make sure you are rested when you take it. Good luck on the BAT.

Regarding Video Game preparation:

Haven't taken the BAT yet, but based on the descriptions of some of the tests there are a few games out there that I think would be more beneficial than others.

There are a number of games that require dual analog (PS2) input. Typically, one analog stick controls the up/down motion of a crossheir/target, while the other analog stick controls the side to side. I think these types of games would probably benefit future BAT'ers the most. I've played two like this, Dead to Rights and SOCOM. Ace Combat4 is ok in that it requires you to focus on a target as you're moving through the air. There are plenty more out there.

I guess I'm just trying to say that hooking up your old Nintendo to play Mario Bros. might not be the most effective use of one's time.