See What the Test Looks Like
Sample questions from our ASTB-E Aviation & Nautical Information practice tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
Fixed-format test covering aerodynamics, flight instruments, and naval knowledge. Full-battery-only subtest for Navy and Marine Corps aviation selection.
The Aviation & Nautical Information Test (ANIT) is a full-battery-only subtest covering aviation principles (aerodynamics, aircraft systems, flight instruments, navigation) AND naval/nautical knowledge (ship types, nautical terminology, navigation, weather at sea). This is unique to the ASTB-E — no other military aviation test covers nautical information. It reflects the Navy/Marines' dual maritime-aviation mission. Unlike the OAR subtests, the ANIT is fixed-format (not adaptive) with a set number of questions and time limit.
Sample questions from our ASTB-E Aviation & Nautical Information practice tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
The Aviation & Nautical Information Test (ANIT) is unique among military aviation tests — it's the only one that covers both aviation AND nautical knowledge. This reflects the Navy and Marine Corps' dual maritime-aviation mission. Unlike the three OAR subtests (Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Mechanical Comprehension), the ANIT is only taken by candidates completing the full ASTB-E battery.
The ANIT is fixed-format, meaning every candidate sees the same number of questions (~30) and has the same time limit. This is different from the adaptive OAR subtests where difficulty adjusts to your performance. The fixed format makes preparation more straightforward — you know exactly what to expect.
The ANIT covers two distinct knowledge areas: aviation (aerodynamics, aircraft systems, flight instruments, navigation) and nautical (ship types, naval terminology, maritime navigation, weather at sea). Many candidates focus only on aviation and neglect the nautical portion, but both are equally important.
The ANIT contributes to the ASTB-E composite scores: AQR (Academic Qualifications Rating), PFAR (Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating), and FOFAR (Flight Officer Flight Aptitude Rating). It does NOT contribute to the OAR. Strong ANIT performance is especially important for pilot and flight officer selection.
| Questions | ~30 questions (fixed) |
| Time Limit | Timed (fixed format) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Scoring | Based on number correct |
| Adaptive? | No — fixed format, NOT adaptive |
| Composite | AQR, PFAR, FOFAR (NOT part of OAR) |
Key detail: The ANIT is a full-battery-only subtest. Candidates taking only the OAR do not see the ANIT. Unlike the adaptive OAR subtests, every candidate sees the same questions at the same difficulty level. This makes preparation more straightforward — you can study specific topics knowing they will appear.
The ANIT covers both aviation and nautical knowledge areas.
Lift, drag, thrust, weight, the four forces of flight, Bernoulli's principle, angle of attack, stall behavior, and aircraft control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder).
Pitot-static system, altimeter, attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn coordinator, engine gauges, and basic aircraft electrical/hydraulic systems.
Ship classifications (destroyer, carrier, cruiser, submarine), nautical terminology (port, starboard, bow, stern, knots, fathoms), and basic naval operations and formations.
Chart reading, compass navigation, wind correction, VFR/IFR rules, weather patterns (fronts, pressure systems), and how weather affects flight and maritime operations.
Many candidates focus only on aviation and neglect the nautical portion. The test covers both. Learn basic naval terminology, ship types, and maritime navigation alongside aviation knowledge.
Lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Understand how they interact, what happens when they're unbalanced, and how control surfaces manipulate them. This is the most frequently tested aviation concept.
Know what each "six-pack" instrument measures (airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, heading indicator, vertical speed indicator), how they work, and what they look like.
FAA-H-8083-25B is a free, comprehensive resource covering exactly the aviation topics tested on the ANIT. Chapters on aerodynamics, instruments, and navigation are especially relevant.
Create flashcards for nautical terms, ship classifications, and naval rank structures. The Bluejacket's Manual is the classic Navy reference for this material. Even basic knowledge gives you an edge since many candidates skip this area.
The ANIT has approximately 30 questions covering both aviation (aerodynamics, instruments, navigation) and nautical knowledge (ship types, naval terminology, maritime weather). It is a full-battery-only subtest — NOT part of the OAR.
No. The ANIT is a fixed-format test with a set number of questions and a time limit. Every candidate sees the same difficulty level. This makes preparation more straightforward than for the adaptive subtests.
Yes. The ANIT uniquely covers nautical knowledge alongside aviation. Questions about ship types, nautical terminology, and maritime navigation appear regularly. Candidates who only study aviation topics miss a significant portion of the test.
The ANIT contributes to AQR (Academic Qualifications Rating), PFAR (Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating), and FOFAR (Flight Officer Flight Aptitude Rating). It does NOT contribute to the OAR. Strong ANIT performance is especially important for pilot and flight officer selection.
Master aerodynamics, flight instruments, and naval knowledge with ASTB-E practice tests and study resources.