New Online Tool Testing Whether Kiwis Can Fly

18 October 2011

New Online Tool Testing Whether Kiwis Can Fly

A new online "game" is helping New Zealand flight training schools identify whether prospective students have what it takes to be pilots.

The Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) has worked with the aviation industry and UK-based company Symbiotics to make the internationally-recognised ADAPT(c) pilot training pre-screening tool available in New Zealand.

Much like an online game, the tool puts prospective pilots through their paces in a virtual cockpit, asking them to complete puzzles and steer the plane, while testing their memory, personality and ability to learn and problem solve.

ATTTO Chief Executive (Acting) Kathy Wolfe says anyone can pay to do the online assessment, but it is compulsory for people applying to train as a pilot in a Government-funded training programme from next year.

"Pilot training is one of the most costly parts of the tertiary education sector and has been singled out this year as an area where the Government intends to make cost savings," says Kathy Wolfe.

"This new tool will help ensure pilot training delivers value for Government investment - while also helping the industry recruit and train world class pilots - by ensuring those who are accepted into training have the best possible chance of success."

The tool was designed to meet the Tertiary Education Commission's requirement for robust industry-agreed selection procedures for pilot training. Completion of this online assessment is a requirement for all students applying to enrol in the New Zealand Diplomas in Aviation (Aeroplane and Helicopter), Level 5 and 6, which were developed this year to address concerns about the high cost and poor employment outcomes of pilot training.

Massey University School of Aviation has also chosen to use the online assessment as a pre-screening test for candidates applying for the Bachelor of Aviation degree programme. Successful candidates will then be required to go through an independent selection process conducted by the School of Aviation.

"This project was led by ATTTO but driven and agreed by the demands of industry and Government. It highlights the flexibility of industry training organisations to step outside of their workplace training and qualifications development roles to lead innovation and deliver real value to the sectors they serve," says Kathy Wolfe.

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