Computerised Pilot Selection System: All You Need To Know

The CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) is a test to determine a candidate’s ability in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force. It measures various qualities that a flying cadet must possess. This includes speed and accuracy, psychomotor skills, visualisation, coordination, and time-sharing ability. DRDO developed this test to replace the PABT ( Pilot Aptitude Battery Test). CPSS is an updated and advanced method that includes a computerised test. On the other hand, PABT completely relies on pen-and-paper and includes a mechanical exam. 

Are you a defence aspirant and want to join the flying branch of the Indian Air Force? This blog is going to be very informative for you. From the test pattern and the tips on how to crack it, everything has been discussed in detail. 

Stages in the Computerised Pilot Selection System

There are two stages in CPSS. Let’s discuss both stages in detail. Candidates need to understand the basic pattern to clear these stages. Here we begin:

Stage 1

In the 1st stage, there is an assessment to check the candidate’s multitasking ability. This determines whether a candidate can do multiple tasks under pressure at the same time or not. At first, all six basic instruments are briefed thoroughly. After that, there is an MCQ quiz containing 15 MCQs. You will be given 30 minutes. You will observe one or more instruments on your screen with mathematical or reasoning questions. Let’s discuss all these instruments.

Airspeed Indicator

An Airspeed Indicator is the same as a jet speedometer. It depicts the air speed striking the wings of the plane without any angle of attack. There is a straight pitot tube on a circular dial that shows air speed. The airspeed range is from 0 to 200 knots. Usually 40 to 130 knots in safe cruising speed. 

Artificial Horizon

It is a device that displays the aircraft’s roll and pitch at the same time. It features a rotating disc or globe that is gyro-controlled in analogue versions. One half of the disc is painted blue while the other is brown. The brown section symbolises land, while the blue section denotes the sky. A white line divides these areas, serving as the representation of the horizon. The movement of the disc mimics the appearance of the horizon from the cockpit of an aeroplane.

Altimeter

The altimeter is a device that indicates the height of an aircraft above the ground. It functions by reflecting radio waves. Two pointers on an analogue altimeter are similar to the hour and minute hands of a standard clock. The movement is counterclockwise, and the dial ranges from 0 to 10. The reading of the minute hand should be multiplied by 100 feet, while the hour hand’s reading needs to be multiplied by 1000 feet. By adding both figures together, you obtain the aircraft’s altitude. Reading an altimeter is as straightforward as reading a conventional analogue watch.

Heading Indicator/Directional Gyro

A heading indicator acts as a basic compass that indicates the direction in which the aircraft is moving. This movement is divided into 360 degrees for precise definition. North is represented by 0 degrees, East by 90 degrees, South by 180 degrees, West by 270 degrees, and North again at 360 degrees. Any value between 0 and 360 degrees can be assigned a number. This measurement is referred to as the “heading.” The current heading is indicated by the reading at the tip of the needle.

Turn Coordinator

The turn coordinator is a straightforward instrument that shows the angle of the aircraft’s wings relative to the horizontal transverse axis. In simple terms, it reveals the angle at which the wings are tilted. It features an illustration of the aircraft that rotates in sync with the wing banks.

Vertical Speed Indicator

A vertical speed indicator is a device that shows the rate at which the aircraft is climbing or descending. The measurements are given in feet per second. The zero position is marked by a single needle corresponding to the 9 o’clock position on a standard clock. The rate of climbing and descending is indicated by the needle moving counterclockwise and clockwise from the zero point, respectively.

Cognitive Ability Test

There are 6 tests that consist of 212 MCQs. You will be given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the test.

Stage 2

If the candidate successfully passes stage 1, they will move on to a cockpit simulator. In this stage, they will use a joystick and pedals to play a series of basic computer games. The joystick used is a simple HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick). This test evaluates the candidates’ coordination between their hands, feet, and legs. There are generally 10 different games, and each game allows for three attempts to finish. To pass a game, a candidate must achieve a specific score.

Psychomotor Test

There are 10 tests out of which officers consider 4 best attempts. The time for the test is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Sensory Motor Test
• Control Velocity Test
• Dual Task Test
• Dot Estimation Test
• Speed Anticipation Test
• Size Anticipation Test
• Pursuit Tracking Test
• Memory Recalling Test
• Colour Naming Test
• Vigilance test

Related Post: Situation Reaction Test: All You Need to Know

Important Tips To Crack the Computerised Pilot Selection System

Here are some essential tips for a candidate appearing for CPSS. These tips are useful in cracking the CPSS test. Here we go:

• Listen Attentively: Listen attentively to the psychological officer. To clear every test at every stage, you need to listen very carefully. 
• Play PC or 3D Games: If you are a gamer, then it might be easy for you to perform best. Games enhance decision-making skills. You can easily do a task in a given time. 
• Mentally Prepared: Prepare yourself mentally to handle the situation calmly. Sometimes, you need to solve the worst situations within a given time.
• Self-Introspection: It is better to know yourself. Don’t make false assumptions about yourself. Self-Introspection replicates the OLQ in a candidate. 

Conclusion

In the above text, we discussed everything in detail. Any cadet who wants to join the flying branch in the Indian Air Force has to clear the Computerised Pilot Selection System. We hope that after reading the complete article, you have no stones left unturned. In addition, if you find any difficulty in preparing or clearing your doubts, then Parmanu Defence Academy is here for you. Call us at 8445901901.