TBAS · Pilot selection
Multi-Tasking Test
The Multi-Tasking Test is the TBAS subtest that runs four tasks at the same time, one per quadrant of the screen.
- Tasks
- 4 at the same time
- Structure
- Practice, then 4 scored trials
- Trial length
- 5 minutes
- Equipment
- Keyboard, mouse, headphones
Screens of the trainer
The subtest
Measures
The Multi-Tasking Test (MTT) assesses the ability to move rapidly and precisely between memorization, arithmetic, visual monitoring and listening.
It is a modified version of the SynWin Multi-Tasking Test, developed by the Navy, and has been part of the TBAS since 2012. In 2020 it was non-operational, kept for possible inclusion in the PCSM, and added no predictive validity beyond the PCSM score.
With daily flying grades in primary pilot training, the memory and radio totals correlate .21 and .19, the arithmetic and gauge totals .07 and .06.
Format
Practice covers each task alone, then all four together.
The four scored trials run back to back, 20 minutes in all, and endurance counts as much as speed.
Scoring
On memory, arithmetic and radio, correct responses gain points and wrong ones lose points. Calling the letter string back also costs points. The gauge gains points while the needle stays in the green or yellow and loses them in the red.
The four trials add up to a total per task and a Multi-Tasking Total Score.
Item types
Memory
A string of letters shows for a few seconds. After a short delay, one letter appears. The test-taker clicks the check if it was in the string, the X if not.
Example
The string reads W R B D V E Z M. A probe W calls for the check, a probe C calls for the X.
Arithmetic
The problems are three-digit additions and subtractions. The answer is clicked on digit keys into a box of four slots. A rule button reads greater than or less than a number, which changes with each item. When the answer meets the rule, the rule button answers it, even before the sum is finished. Otherwise the exact answer goes in with Submit.
Example
The sum reads 710 + 443. The answer, 1153, fills all four slots.
Gauge
The needle drifts, and a click within the gauge resets it before it leaves the safe area.
Radio
A narrator in the headphones states a call sign and one of four numbered channels. When the call sign is the test-taker's own, a click on that channel answers it. Every other call sign is ignored.
The trainer in play
The Frontline Forge trainer
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One task at a time
Custom practice runs one task alone or any mix of the four, for a length you choose. The results give a score for each task, so you see which one costs you points.
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The real trial
The scored trial runs the four tasks at once for 5 minutes, the length of a trial on the real subtest. The call sign and the radio messages are spoken aloud, so you train with headphones on.
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Ranked against other test-takers
Each trial is ranked against the scores of other test-takers. The Statistics page plots the ranking of every trial, so you see whether you are beating more test-takers than before.