The important matter is that this blog is for those who are searching for information on defence entry scheme. I appeared for PABT at NDA (National Defense Academy) so if procedure out in civil is different then I may not be the right story teller.
IAF has also made some alterations in its exam pattern over the years. In case there is some significant information, please share it. But, hopefully it can't differ from it to a great extent.
In NDA first of all there is an INSBT test(Instrumentation and Battery Test) in which there is proper explanation of various types of the flight instruments as mentioned:
Altimeter
The altimeter shows the aircraft's altitude above sea-level by measuring the difference between the pressure in a stack of aneroid capsules inside the altimeter and the atmospheric pressure obtained through the static system. It is adjustable for local barometric pressure which must be set correctly to obtain accurate altitude readings. As the aircraft ascends, the capsules expand and the static pressure drops, causing the altimeter to indicate a higher altitude. The opposite effect occurs when descending.
Attitude indicator
The attitude indicator (also known as an artificial horizon) shows the aircraft's relation to the horizon. From this the pilot can tell whether the wings are level and if the aircraft nose is pointing above or below the horizon. This is a primary instrument for instrument flight and is also useful in conditions of poor visibility. Pilots are trained to use other instruments in combination should this instrument or its power fail.
Magnetic compass
The compass shows the aircraft's heading relative to magnetic north. While reliable in steady level flight it can give confusing indications when turning, climbing, descending, or accelerating due to the inclination of the Earth's magnetic field. For this reason, the heading indicator is also used for aircraft operation. For purposes of navigation it may be necessary to correct the direction indicated (which points to a magnetic pole) in order to obtain direction of true north or south (which points to the Earth's axis of rotation).
To name as a list they are :
- altimeter (feet)
- airspeed indicator (knots)
- turn and bank indicator (turn direction and coordination)
- vertical speed indicator (feet per minute)
- artificial horizon (attitude indication)
- directional gyro / heading indicator (degrees)
Each is explained properly and there is full liberty to ask questions before test commences. Be very very careful while they explain the details, a small misconception would send the candidate a failure. After that there is objective test on the basis of explanation. In my case there were 30 questions in 20 min. I was nervous so did 3 questions in first 10 minutes but with little confidence and did 18-19 more in next 10 minutes. I mean to say it's easy, in fact just very simple.
Those who clear INSBT are eligible for PABT and those who fail it are not elligible for being pilot in air force but only for civil airlines. There is no PABT for those who failed INSBT, though they can take test in civil.
Remember PABT is once in life time test, either you make it or forget it.
In PABT test a person is first explained/demonstrated by instructor practically and then the person is made to do it all, though there is no prolonged practice session, but just around a minute or so. It's all like video games.
First, there is a square and boll on monitor. The purpose is to keep the boll in the square with the help of pedals and joystick as, the boll will start to move in random direction on its own and would require constant monitoring. The more time you can keep it in the square, the more you score. There are two lights on top corners on monitor screen, when you see them you have to move joystick in specific direction and when there is beep sound you have to press a button on joystick, these are bonus points.(you will be informed by instructor on how to move joystick and which button to press....you need not search it )
Next, the candidate is provided with a small boll on screen hardly of the dimension of diameter 5mm. There will be flows of similar bolls across the screen from random directions and u have to overlap your boll on to them the maximum number of overlaps you can, the better you score. Here, there are no bonus points but speed of bolls approaching is significant and the change in direction is sudden. Score is for total overlap only !
Test is of short duration and very interesting but requires very high concentration and focus. I was feeling to play it all one more time but u know it's test, so had to leave quitely.
They check eyes and hands and feet coordination. I had no information about what I was to do for PABT exam but cleared it easy and please for your life I am saying if someone offers you training for all this simple things and trying rob you of your money, please.... don't take it. COZ if you can't clear this simple test you can never fly that machine, it's all aptitude that nature gives us, some have it and some don't but those don't have what those who qualified might not have. There is enough life has to give..still..there are world beyond these stars..don't give up(an Indian saying....).
As an experienced person I will recommend "f 22 lightning 3 " game which is cheap enough to buy and there are many more variants available. The best feature of this game is the dials and reading available from cockpit view. Playing this game couple of times will help you clear this concepts and understanding about spacial orientation.I am also putting sample images from cockpit view where you can see those dials.
Note: This note is to get idea about INSBT not PABT.Pay attention on various readings when plane is flying or on ground or tilting..its the only reason we need these meters. Using these pilot flies during night as swiftly as during day !
"You're on the road to success when you realize that failure is only a detour.".....
Just give it a best try and rest leave it to ur genes.
A community is also there on facebook
so you can meet people there as well..!
and Don't forget to say a lil thanks...:P
The following two pages will give you a touch of the kind of questions asked in INSBT exam ....must read !!
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| Instrumentation-Directions |
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| Instrumentation-B |
Though often I have referred that they don't ask anything about aeroplanes but during speech phase I was given a topic on "LCA". If I wouldn't have been aware of it, I am sure I would have said nothing, but I knew and I spoke on it with ease.
The latest figter jet from India in progress is being developed by the collaboration of Indian and Russia and called "Sukhoi PAK FA". And don't worry, no diplomatic or political question is asked but just for information, Russia is the most trustworthy ally India has ever had since independence.
Tips for SSB board(specific to Indian Air Force)
1. Don't try to act smart or out smart anyone, remember its a team event and army is a team.
2. Listen to instructions very well , be it anything.
3. Always reach places on time, delays are not really entertained.
4. Be honest about your weakness, remember they see thousands like you every year, they will know it right at the moment you lie.
5. During the interview be very clear about what you speak and don't worry about lackness of knowledge on various subjects they might ask questions on. Having cleared NDA/CDS, you have already demonstrated your knowledge, now its time for confidence and truth.
6. Till the final results are out, everyone will be very well behaved but soon those who will lose might show their true colors. To me it was the most strange aspect of this whole process, be prepared for it.
7. If you fail and exhaust all your chances, try something better..........!!
The latest figter jet from India in progress is being developed by the collaboration of Indian and Russia and called "Sukhoi PAK FA". And don't worry, no diplomatic or political question is asked but just for information, Russia is the most trustworthy ally India has ever had since independence.
Tips for SSB board(specific to Indian Air Force)
1. Don't try to act smart or out smart anyone, remember its a team event and army is a team.
2. Listen to instructions very well , be it anything.
3. Always reach places on time, delays are not really entertained.
4. Be honest about your weakness, remember they see thousands like you every year, they will know it right at the moment you lie.
5. During the interview be very clear about what you speak and don't worry about lackness of knowledge on various subjects they might ask questions on. Having cleared NDA/CDS, you have already demonstrated your knowledge, now its time for confidence and truth.
6. Till the final results are out, everyone will be very well behaved but soon those who will lose might show their true colors. To me it was the most strange aspect of this whole process, be prepared for it.
7. If you fail and exhaust all your chances, try something better..........!!
