Overview
The Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) is a computerized psychomotor test battery. It is used as a tool for the selection of United States Air Force pilot candidates. TBAS scores are combined with the candidate's Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), and flying hours to produce a Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. The PCSM score provides a measure of a candidate's aptitude for pilot training. This PCSM score is provided to pilot selection board along with other "whole-person concept" information to make decisions concerning pilot candidate selection.
Administration
Complete the TBAS Candidate Worksheet, and bring it with you on the day of the test. You should also bring a valid form of ID, your Social Security card, your current college transcript, and your logbook if you have any flying experience. The TBAS test will be mentally challenging, and it is recommended that you get a good night's sleep before the test. If you experience some condition that is genuinely stressful, or if you are too ill/tired to take the TBAS, you will need to reschedule for another time. There is no penalty for rescheduling.
When you are ready to begin the test you will be seated at the TBAS station and asked to enter the data from your completed Candidate Worksheet into the TBAS for use in processing and tracking your test scores. The test administrator will then read a standard instruction briefing to you. Detailed instructions for each of the nine subtests will appear on the computer screen. Take all the time you need to make sure you understand these instructions. You will not be penalized for time spent on instructions.
The TBAS consists of ten subtests that measure psychomotor skills and cognitive aptitude. The test takes approximately 1 hour. After you have completed the test, the test administrator will send the raw data to a central scoring facility. Provided you have already taken the AFOQT, you should be able to check your PCSM score via the Internet within 1-2 days after we receive your TBAS test. Please check with your Test Control Officer (TCO) as to when they will send the TBAS test.
It is very important that you do not discuss the contents of the test with anyone other than the test administrator. If you do discuss the test with anyone else you will be held responsible for violating a legal regulation, Air Force Instruction 36-2605, Air Force Military Personnel Testing System. You will also be disqualified from consideration for Air Force pilot training.
For more information you can go to https://pcsm.aetc.af.mil/BatInfoPage/BatInfo.htm.
Scheduling
The TBAS is available in the Pacific NW at the following locations.
-McChord AFB, WA
(253) 982-2162
-Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon
1-800-633-7352
Or your nearest testing facility