Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) Implementation Information

Implementation Timeline:

May 06 - Jun 06 TBAS shipped to sites
16 Jul 06 Last day for BAT testing
17 Jul 06 - 13 Aug 06 TBAS set-up at sites (4 duty weeks)
14 Aug 06 TBAS operational at all sites

The New Test:Click here for more info on each sub-test and TBAS screen shots!

What TBAS Means for Your PCSM Score and Meeting Board Dates:

“TBAS-based PCSM scores will not equate to BAT-based PCSM scores. Pilot candidate selection boards must compare candidates using either all TBAS-based PCSM scores or all BAT-based scores to be fair.” (BG Perraut) Beginning on 1 Oct 06, the PCSM program office will provide pilot candidate selection boards with onlyTBAS-based PCSM scores. The final board receiving BAT-based scoring will be the OTS board scheduled for 31 July 06.  “Starting 14 Aug 06 all sites will be required to provide TBAS-based PCSM testing.  Pilot candidates meeting pilot selection boards any time on or before 30 Sep 06 must have taken the BAT test prior to the 16 Jul 06 BAT cutoff date.  BAT-based PCSM systems will be deactivated on 17 Jul 06.” (BG Hawkins)

Candidates who subsequently need a TBAS component for any FY07 selection boards are obligated to wait a full 180 days between their last BAT test date previously and their first TBAS test attempt in order to replace an initial PCSM score.  These changes do not affect the established and enforced retest policy already set in AFI regulations. (AFI 36-2605)  Candidates who wish to allow 180 days which will remain in effect are advised to wait until TBAS is available at their site. If a pilot candidate takes a BAT too late, and fails to be selected in a FY06 board, they may be deferred from any consideration in future FY07 boards simply because they won’t be allowed to take the TBAS or meet a board’s particular suspense date.  This is necessary to maintain fairness and equity within all the pilot selection boards since we cannot compare BAT-based PCSM scores with TBAS-based PCSM scores.

Source: The contractor responsible for fielding TBAS. You can also read about the transition in this AF news story.

We've termed the TBAS "mysterious" (like its predecessor, the BAT) because, frankly, there isn't much information out there on what it's like or how to prepare. Because it's a heavily controlled test, people who've taken it can't talk about it. Thus, ALL of the information below is from publicly-available info - and most of it is reported verbatim from the AETC sources.

So what is it? It is a computer-based flight aptitude test designed to measure a pilot applicant's psychomotor (aka hand-eye coordination) skills and cognitive aptitude. The results from your TBAS are combined with your AFOQT pilot composite score and your experience (flight hours) to compute your PCSM. The PCSM (Pilot Candidate Selection Method) score is the only way you can "see" your TBAS results - you'll never receive an actual TBAS score.

The TBAS is given at many locations across the states, although it is not as readily accessible as other tests due to the special computer workstation requirement. Click here for a listing of TBAS locations. The test takes about an hour. There are nine subtests - see more details below. In the beginning you will be presented with detailed instructions on your computer screen - take the time to go through the instructions carefully; you are not subject to a time constraint when viewing the instructions. Some of the sub-tests are self-paced, others are timed.

While there's no such thing as a practice test, you can prepare by 1) reviewing all of the information on this page and 2) practicing general hand-eye coordination by playing computer games.

Even though you can now take the TBAS twice (or, presumably, one each, if you've taken the BAT but now need a TBAS score due to timing), you may be subject to deadline constraints -- you have to wait six months between tests, it may be difficult to schedule a test depending on how far you live from test locations, and you'll need to make sure the TBAS is scored in time for your board deadline. Therefore, you ought to plan on only taking it once and make the best out of it! Get a good night's sleep prior to the test, and don't let nerves psych you out. For ROTC cadets, they often offer the test during Field Training. If you live far from another testing site, this may be a good option for you -- however, if you expect Field Training to be draining for you, or that it might not be the right environment for you to perform your best on the TBAS - WAIT! Schedule the test for another time.

Make sure to bring a filled-out candidate worksheet with you to the test. Also bring a valid picture ID, your social security card, your transcript, and your logbook (if you have flying experience). You will be asked to enter the info from your candidate worksheet into the computer workstation before the test begins. GOOD LUCK!