DLR What does a pilot aptitude test assess?
Almost every pilot aptitude test covers four areas: cognitive skills (mental arithmetic, spatial reasoning, memory, concentration), knowledge (technical, physics, English), psychomotor skills with joystick and multitasking, and personality. The weighting and task formats differ between procedures.
A pilot aptitude test measures whether you bring the basic abilities for training, not your flying knowledge. The procedures have different names, such as the DLR test, SPHAIR, COMPASS, PILAPT or ADAPT, but they largely assess the same areas. What exactly comes up is decided by the test provider and changes over time.
Which areas typically come up?
| Area | Examples | Typical in |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive skills | mental arithmetic, spatial reasoning, memory, concentration under time pressure | DLR, PILAPT, ADAPT, SPHAIR, Bundeswehr |
| Knowledge | technical comprehension, physics, English | DLR, ADAPT, COMPASS (English), SPHAIR |
| Psychomotor skills | joystick, pedals, multitasking, tracking | DLR (MIC), PILAPT, ADAPT, Bundeswehr |
| Personality and social skills | questionnaire, interview, group exercises | DLR, ADAPT, airline assessment centres |
Sources: dlr.de, aviationfocus.aero, bundeswehr.de, sphair.ch, preparation providers. As of October 2026. Airlines often do not disclose which test they use.
How does the DLR test work?
According to the DLR, the DLR pilot certificate assesses four areas: mental performance, operational competencies, personality and social competencies. On test day, knowledge tests (English, technical comprehension, physics) alternate with computer-based performance tests such as the triangle test, visual memory, running memory, mental arithmetic, instrument reading, cube folding and path figures. Details are in the complete DLR test guide and on What is tested in the DLR test?.
What can you practise?
Cognitive skills and knowledge train well because they improve measurably with practice. DLR Test Trainer covers exactly these areas with ten test types, so it also helps with other pilot aptitude tests. No phone app trains joystick psychomotor skills or personality. How to prepare overall is on How do I prepare for a pilot aptitude test?, an overview of procedures on What pilot aptitude tests are there?.