SkyTest FQ-Preparation Software Manual

2008 SkyTest by Aviation Media & IT GmbH. All Rights Reserved.

www.skytest.com

1.

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2

2.

The FQ ........................................................................................................................................... 2

3.

The FQ-Simulator .......................................................................................................................... 2

4.

3.1

Design and Setup ............................................................................................................. 2

3.2

SkyTest Preparation Module for the FQ-Simulator ......................................................... 3

3.3

Tracks ............................................................................................................................... 3

3.4

Track Legs ........................................................................................................................ 3

3.5

Track Selection ................................................................................................................. 4

3.6

Track Editor ...................................................................................................................... 5

3.7

Flight Simulator ................................................................................................................. 5

3.8

Control .............................................................................................................................. 9

3.9

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) ......................................................................................... 10

3.10

Example .......................................................................................................................... 11

3.11

Background Information.................................................................................................. 12

3.12

Secondary Tasks ............................................................................................................ 12

3.13

Score............................................................................................................................... 13

3.14

Settings ........................................................................................................................... 13

Road Capacity Test ..................................................................................................................... 14

4.1

Setup............................................................................................................................... 15

4.2

Basic Rules of Operation ................................................................................................ 15

4.3

Special Loading Instructions ........................................................................................... 16

4.4

Special Rules of Operation in Team Player Mode ......................................................... 17

4.5

Additional Training Options ............................................................................................ 18

4.6

R/T Communication ........................................................................................................ 19

1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing SkyTest Training Software for FQ-Assessment. Sound preparation is core to
success in the later stages of pilot selection assessment-centers. This manual will guide you through
the operation instructions for the software and provide additional information about the tasks required
of applicants.

2. The FQ
FQ is the abbreviation of Firmenqualifikation (company oriented screening), the second part of the
two stage assessment-center conducted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on behalf of airlines
like Deutsche Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines in Hamburg, Germany. To qualify for FQ you are to pass
the BU (Berufsgrunduntersuchung) basic screening first in which cognitive and coordinative abilities
of applicants are determined.
FQ is a two day assessment-center designed for ten applicants to be screened in groups of five in a
psychological context. Whereas BU has a strong focus on mental and motor functions FQ takes a
different approach. The airline ordering the assessment wants to determine whether the personality
type of an applicant matches its personnel structure. As the workplace of an airline pilot is a multi-crew
aircraft, coordinated behavior, orientation in multi-task duty and capacity for teamwork represent
crucial skills required of participants.
The FQ comprises tests aimed to validate these criteria among applicants. You will encounter tasks to
tackle in teamwork like problem solving in conference with other participants or the Road Capacity
Test and tests to pass on your own, like a contention with a psychologist, a job interview and the
FQ-Simulator. This software includes preparation modules for the computer based Road Capacity
Test and FQ-Simulator.
As the FQ-Simulator represents the more complex task, we will start with this one.

3. The FQ-Simulator
FQ-Simulator (FQ-Sim) is not a flight simulator actually. It does not compile a full flight scenario, but
rather requires navigation by instrument flight rules. The FQ-Sim generates a random track that
comprises several flight legs. You are to compute interdependent flight information provided by
standard cockpit instruments and derive the correct steering decision to follow the flight path displayed
on a computer screen. You are provided the starting position of your aircraft as the only point of
reference for your navigation through the track.

3.1 Design and Setup

The sketch below illustrates the layout of the FQ-Sim screening area. There are two workstations and
two supervisor desks in the testing room. Each attendee is supervised by one member of the
assessment-center staff. The simulator cabins are closed to isolate you from any environmental
impact that might disrupt your concentration. However, you can communicate with your supervisor via
a headset.
The cabins comprise a computer screen that displays track information and flight instruments. There is
a yoke in front of you to control attitude of the aircraft in pitch and roll with. A stopwatch to assist you
throughout your instrument flight can be activated with a button on the yoke. A throttle is on your left to

regulate engine power with. The correct throttle positions for climb, descent and horizontal flight are
indicated. There is a keyboard next the throttle to type in flight settings and answers to additional tasks
with.
You will obtain a detailed introduction by your supervisor on handling of the simulator. You are granted
three inaugural flight laps to make yourself familiar with the instruments. Meanwhile, your supervisor
will ask you to interpret track information on your screen to check whether you understood the tasks
ahead. You are to comment all maneuvers you fly to provide feedback to your supervisor. As each
track is composed of standard flight legs you are to perceive and partition it into sectors to describe to
your supervisor consecutively.
In the actual test you will encounter three tracks of different difficulty with the most challenging flight
tasks in the final track. Comment on your track leg interpretation and all your steering decisions. Your
supervisor may ask you to solve additional mathematical problems in the test to audit your multitasking abilities. At the end of the test you might be asked to review your own performance which is to
validate whether you can reflect on the decisions you made.

3.2 SkyTest Preparation Module for the FQ-Simulator

SkyTest develops recognized training software core to a sound preparation for assessment-centers
in aviation. The preparation module for the FQ-Simulator provides a realistic tool to practice for the
actual screening. The application features all standard flight maneuvers the tracks may comprise,
additional mathematical tasks and a comprehensive analysis tool to track your training performance
with. Preset or custom tracks, individual test design and selectable navigation auxiliaries allow training
from beginner to expert level.
You may operate the test either by keyboard or joystick. Click Options to select your input device.
Press Start to launch the simulator flight. The navigation menu guides you through track and test
settings, simulator flight and score.

3.3 Tracks
The FQ-Sim requires you to navigate an aircraft through a track with standard instruments only. You
are free to either select a preset track design or to develop a custom track. The software provides all
standard track legs (flight maneuvers). In addition, you may create track sections of your own to
increase the difficulty of the task. All tracks are stored in the SkyTest-subfolder Tracks on your hard
drive. You may exchange tracks with other users of the software. Just copy a track into the Tracks
folder and restart the program. The track is available for training now.
The software tracks the accuracy of your flight and measures your deviation from the flight path
determined by the track. The analysis tool computes the track compliance of your flight afterwards.

3.4 Track Legs

The following illustrations show the standard track legs of the FQ-Simulator:

Straights
There are two kinds of straights short and long ones. Short straights imply a flight time of 30
seconds at a standard cruising velocity of 150 knots. Long straights imply a flight time of 60 seconds

at a velocity of 150 knots. A straight tainted in blue colour implies a

climb rate of 500 feet in a short straight and a climb rate of 1.000 feet
in a long straight. A straight tainted in green colour implies a descent
rate of 500 feet in a short straight and of 1.000 feet in a long straight.

Turns
The standard setup
comprises eight left
and eight right turns
60, 90, 120,
150, 180, 270,
360 and 450 turns
which
might
be
combined to design
a special flight path.
The
illustration
shows the standard
left turn. Each turn
may be tainted in
blue or green colour
to indicate climb or descent orders.

Procedure Turns
Procedure turns are 180 turns that have the outbound aircraft
leaving an air space on its inbound leg. A procedure turn is
initiated by a 80 turn at the completion of which the aircraft has
to be steered into a 260 turn to the opposite. A left bound
procedure turn is initiated by a 80 turn to the left and completed
by a 260 turn to the right. A right bound procedure turn is
initiated by a 80 turn to the right and completed by a 260 turn to
the left.
For technical reasons the software constructs procedure turns out of three legs. The very short straight
between the 80 and 260 turn can be used to roll the aircraft from one turn over into the other.

3.5 Track Selection

The submenu Track Selection opens after clicking the Tracks button in the navigation menu. The
selection field Available Tracks lists all tracks available to practice with. The field Selected Tracks
lists all tracks selected for a training block. If more than one track is selected, the program will launch
the tracks consecutively starting with the first one. The order of tracks can be set with the fields Up
and Down. The field Track Information provides additional information about a track marked such
as flight level and direction at starting position and details about the legs comprised. You may save
comments to the tracks in the Track Information box.
To add a track to Selected Tracks list you have to mark it in the Available Tracks selection field and
click Add. To delete a track from Selected Tracks list again you have to mark it and click Delete. If
you wish to develop a new track on a standard track mark it in the Available Tracks list and click

Copy. If you would like to alter or rename an existing track mark it in the Available Tracks list and
click Edit. All changes can be saved in the Track Editor. If you wish to delete a track from the
Available Tracks list mark the track and click Delete.

3.6 Track Editor

To open the Track Editor click Create new Track at the Track Selection submenu.
The editor screen shows the preview of your track embedded in a Cartesian coordinate system.
Designing a new track you have to appoint the starting position first. Enter starting direction, starting
altitude and starting point of your aircraft in north/south and east/west-coordinates in the Set Starting
Position mask. It is recommended to choose a starting altitude of 10.000 feet. Click the Apply
button to set your starting position.
Now it is time to create the track. You may add standard legs from the Add Standard Leg field by
selecting them from a drop down menu and click Add button. The standard legs selected may be
rearranged in a separate window that opens after clicking the Add button. Arrange legs by order of
your choice and click Apply to preview your track.
You may design and add custom legs as well. Determine the nature of the leg (straight, right bound
turn, left bound turn) in the Add Custom Leg field first and set the custom parameters. The Length
of a custom straight is to be measured either in time or distance. If you selected Climb or Descent
do not forget to indicate the change in flight level. If you are designing a turn you are to set its Angle
and Radius in meters. You may assign a change in altitude to a turn: select Climb or Descent and
enter the change in flight level tied to this leg.
If you want to delete a leg from your track click the Delete Leg button and select the element to be
removed. The Track Information button opens a text editor in which you may save additional track
information and your name in case you want to share your track with other users. To save the track
you just created click Save and assign a name to it. Your track is available at the Track Selection
now. If you are not satisfied with your track and want to scrap it click Cancel.

3.7 Flight Simulator

Instrument Panel
The illustration on the right hand side
shows the arrangement of cockpit
instruments at the FQ-Simulator. Top
right is the revolution counter (rpm), on
its right the airspeed indicator (knots).
Bottom left is the flight map of the track
you are to navigate through. The center
holds an artificial horizon and a heading
indicator
(gyro
compass).
The
instruments on the right of the screen
are (top to bottom): an altimeter, a
vertical speed indicator (VSI) and a
stopwatch.
The FQ-Sim requires you to compute
the information provided by these

instruments to navigate through the track without any other guidance. The instruments are explained
in detail on the following pages.

Flight Map
The flight map shows the track you are to navigate
through. If you are a beginner you can have the current
position of your aircraft displayed on the map as an
additional guidance in the early stages of training. The
position of your aircraft will not be provided in the
actual FQ-test. We therefore strongly recommend to
skip this guidance tool once you are familiar with the
test design.

Vertical Reference Indicator

The vertical reference indicator is an additional cockpit instrument designed for your early
stages of training only. If activated, the vertical reference indicator helps you adjust the
flight level illustrating the relative deviation from the altitude required in a certain leg. You
match the flight level required as long the plane maintains a relative deviation of 0 feet.
Climb if the plane falls below this benchmark, descent if the plane levels above it.

Windsock
Your flight will be affected by winds and turbulences that interfere with your
navigation. To keep your plane on track you are to check and adjust your position
continually. The consequences of winds and turbulences on your flight can be
identified by interpretation of the instruments (e.g. in the form of unrequested
changes in altitude and attitude). With some practice you will be able to recognize and balance
environmental effects automatically. To visualize wind and turbulences in the early stages of your
training you may activate a windsock that indicates wind direction, wind force, fall winds and up winds.

Revolution Counter
The revolution counter indicates to power provided by your engine.
The engine power is adjusted with the throttle. Engine power is
crucial in any flight maneuver. If you want to climb you need to more
power to uphold your cruising speed. If you descent your flight level
you need to decelerate and withdraw power.
The recommended rpm-span for a normal flight is marked green on
the revolution counter. To maintain a standard cruising speed of 150
knots in horizontal flight the revolution counter should indicate 2.000
rpm. A standard ascent is conducted at 2.400 rpm, a standard
descent at 1.600 rpm.

Airspeed Indicator
The airspeed indicator provides information about your current
cruising speed, which is effected by the level of engine power and
attitude. The standard cruising speed is 150 knots.

Artificial Horizon
The artificial horizon (attitude indicator) informs you of the
orientation of the aircraft relative to earth. Earth is illustrated as
green, heaven as blue. The artificial horizon indicates pitch (fore
and aft tilt) and roll attitude. At straight horizontal flight the artificial
horizon is balanced - the horizon between green and blue area
crosses the center of the instrument which is marked by a yellow
line. If you climb the blue area will push the green area down, if you
descent the green area will push the blue area up. There are
reference lines parallel to horizon for enhanced orientation on the
instrument. Each of these lines represents a 5 deviation from the
yellow centerline in pitch.
The artificial horizon indicates roll attitude with a scale on top of the instrument. At straight flight a
stationary yellow arrowhead depicts a center tag. The scale comprises reference tags that represent a
deviation from the center tag of 10 each. The difference between the center tag and the stationary
arrowhead therefore indicates the current roll attitude of your aircraft in flight.
Standard turns are conducted at a roll angle of 22 in the FQ-Sim. A 360 turn takes two minutes at a
cruising speed of 150 knots. There are no yaw angles to be obeyed in the simulation.

Heading Indicator
The heading indicator (gyro compass) is your most important navigation instrument. Its scale
comprises degree values from 0 to 360 assigned to the four cardinal directions in chronological

order: north (0), east (90), south (180) and west (270). The
heading indicator is scaled in 5 detail with a degree number
provided at each 30 grading. An arrowhead indicates you current
flight direction.
The heading indicator contains a helpful navigation tool, which is
available at the actual test, too. A manually adjustable heading bug
(green arrowhead) allows to mark the exit point of a turn. Once you
calculated the flight direction at the completion of turn you can set
the heading bug and do not have to memorize the exit point.

Altimeter
The altimeter indicates your altitude above sea level in feet. The
instrument comprises a ten indices scale and two hands. The short
hand indicates flight level changes of 1.000 feet, the long hand
indicates 100 feet changes. A digital index embedded in the
instrument provides quick information about your current altitude.

Vertical Speed Indicator

The vertical speed indicator (VSI) measures climb and descent
rates of your aircraft in feet per minute. The numbers on the scale
are to be multiplied by 100 to calculate the actual vertical speed. At
horizontal flight the vertical speed indicator will indicate a vertical
speed of 0 feet/minute. If the aircraft climbs, the hand will turn into
the upper half of the instrument. In case of descent flight, the hand
will indicate the vertical speed on the bottom half of the instrument.
FQ-Sim standard legs comprise climb/descent rates of 1.000 feet
per minute.

Stopwatch
The stopwatch is a very important navigation tool. Stopwatch and
air speed indicator help you estimate the flight time on short (30
seconds at 150 knots) and long straights (60 seconds at 150 knots).
The stopwatch provides analog and digital indication of time and is
operated with a button on the yoke. The first push of the button
starts the stopwatch, the second stops it, the third resets it.
Do not forget to reset the stopwatch early enough before entering a
straight to measure the flight time correctly. The stopwatch starts
automatically at the beginning of the first leg of a track to indicate
the time your aircraft entered the track.

3.8 Control
This training software can be operated by joystick controller or keyboard. It is recommended to
practice with joystick with four additional control buttons, though.

Joystick
The joystick allows you to steer the aircraft in roll and pitch. A left or right impulse puts the aircraft into
roll. If you pull the joystick, you will climb. If you press the joystick, your aircraft will descent. Use the
throttle of your joystick to regulate engine power and determine buttons to set the heading bug and
operate the stopwatch with. Settings and sensitivity of your joystick can be adjusted in the Options
menu of the software.

Keyboard
If you do not have a joystick, you may use your keyboard as a controller. The basic commands are
preset in analogy to joystick control.
Curser:

The curser represents the roll and pitch controller. The more intense a command is to
be carried out the more often the buttons have to be clicked.

PgUp/PgDn:

PgUp/PgDn represent the throttle to adjust engine power with.

Q/A:

Q and A buttons are an alternative control to regulate engine power.

Space:

Space starts, stops and resets stopwatch.

Y/X

Y/X adjust heading bug on the gyro compass. If you have a keyboard in American
layout it is the Z/X button combination here.

Additional Commands
Apart from steering commands there are additional commands to activate or deactivate in-flight
options.
Esc:

Escape cancels your flight. A score of your partial training is available, though.

^:

This button cancels your current flight in multi-track training without ending the
session. The next track will be loaded immediately.

P:

Pause. Press P to continue your flight.

F1:

Zoom into track map.

F2:

Zoom out of track map.

F4:

Press F4 to display or hide your plane on map.

F5:

F5 illustrates your actual flight path on the map.

F6:

F6 indicates your deviation from flight path.

F7:

Press F7 to display or hide windsock on your instrument panel.

3.9 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are a set of regulations and procedures for flying aircraft whereby
navigation is maintained with reference to aircraft instruments only. For each flight maneuver crucial
information is provided by different instruments:
Straights:

Vertical Speed Indicator, Stopwatch, Heading Indicator, Altimeter

Climb and descent flight:

Revolution Counter, Vertical Speed Indicator, Altimeter, Stopwatch,

Heading Indicator

Turns:

Heading Indicator, Artificial Horizon, Vertical Speed Indicator,

Altimeter

Flying Horizontal Straights

Horizontal straights are flown in 2.000 rpm, 150 knots configuration. A short straight is navigated
through after 30 seconds, a long straight after 60 seconds.
As flying horizontal straights does not represent a challenging task you should use the time to prepare
the subsequent leg. If you fly a straight heading at 120 which is followed by a by a 90 left bound turn
your new flight path will head at 30. You may mark 30 with the heading bug now to prepare
navigation in the upcoming leg.

Flying Straights with Flight Level Changes

Standard changes in flight altitude require adjustments of 500 feet per 30 seconds in climb or descent.
To climb at this rate you have to increase engine power to 2.400 rpm in order to maintain a cruising
speed of 150 knots at 1.000 feet per minute vertical speed. To descent at 150 knots cruising speed
choke engine power to 1.600 rpm and initiate a 1.000 feet per minute vertical speed sinking rate.

Flying Turns
By contrast to flying straights stopwatch is not needed to navigate through turns. The most important
instrument for flying turns is the heading indicator. You should set the heading bug before entering a
turn leg to conduct the flight maneuver properly. All standard turns are to be conducted at standard
cruising speed of 150 knots (2.000 rpm) in a 22 roll angle. Your current roll attitude is indicated by a
scale embedded in the top of artificial horizon. To maintain a 22 roll stationary yellow arrowhead
should depict the space between second and third reference tag on the scale (tending to second tag).
At 22 roll attitude and 150 knots speed the aircraft conducts a route change of 3 per second.
Therefore, a 90 turn takes 30 seconds to complete, a 180 turn 60 seconds

3.10 Example
You are to navigate through this track:
Direction at start: 220, altitude at start: 10.000 feet
Short straight
60 turn left bound
Short straight, descent
80 turn right bound
Very short straight
260 turn left bound
120 turn right bound
60 turn left bound
Short straight, climb
150 turn left bound
Short straight

Your flight starts some seconds before entering first leg to balance the aircraft and provide some time
for initial navigation.
The first leg of this track is a 30 second short straight. The stopwatch starts automatically to mark the
beginning of the test. Regulate engine power to 2.000 rpm to maintain a 150 knots cruising speed. It is
time to prepare the following leg now. You are to conduct a 60 turn left bound. As you started your
flight heading at 220 you will leave the turn at 160. Set your heading bug at 160.
Put your aircraft 22 in left bound roll. As this maneuver requires some seconds to perform you should
initiate the roll about two seconds before leaving the first straight to conduct a proper turn with a
minimum of deviation. Pay attention to the heading indicator now. Start to balance the aircraft 5 short
of leaving direction (approx. at 165) and check VSI and altimeter to maintain the correct flight level of
10.000 feet. Do not forget to reset your stopwatch before entering the upcoming leg.
This leg comprises a 30 second short straight in combination with a 500 feet descent. Start your
stopwatch and regulate engine power to 1.600 rpm immediately after leaving the turn to initiate
descent. The aircraft will pitch and regain a speed of about 150 knots. You may balance the aircraft
with your yoke. Adjust heading bug for the next leg while sinking. Your current direction is 160. As
next leg requires a 80 turn right bound part of a procedure turn, set your heading bug at 240.
The procedure turn is initiated by a 80 turn right bound. Put your aircraft in 22 right bound roll and
regulate engine power back to 2.000 rpm. A short straight at 240 provides time (about 6,5 seconds at
150 knots cruising speed) to roll the aircraft over from a 22 right bound angle to a 22 left bound
angle to complete the procedure turn. Calculate your leaving position now. You are to conduct a 260
turn left bound entering at 240 direction. In consequence, you will leave the turn at 340 (240-260 =
-20 = 340).
The track continues with an immediate 120 turn right bound. You will leave this leg at 340+120 =
460 = 100 and roll over into a 60 turn left bound. This leg is completed 100-60 = 40 direction. As

the upcoming leg is a straight do not forget start balance your aircraft at 45 and reset your stopwatch
in case you kept it running.
The 30 second short straight comprises a 500 feet climb. Start your stopwatch and raise engine power
to 2.400 rpm. Adjust your heading bug for the last turn at completion of straight. The last turn is 150
left bound. Set heading bug at 40-150 = -110 = 250. Check your VSI and altimeter to maintain
proper climb. Start putting the aircraft in 22 left bound roll 2 seconds short of completion of straight
and reduce engine power to 2.000 rpm. After the final turn is conducted you are to fly through another
short straight.
The software will end the simulation a few seconds after you completed the track successfully. In case
of significant deviation from track the software will not terminate the simulation automatically. Click ^
to exit to score.

3.11 Background Information

The FQ-Simulator is a very challenging test. Hardly any participant will pass without any deviation from
track. A margin of tolerance of 100 feet track deviation in altitude and 10 in orientation is understood
common in IFR flight. However, complying with navigation tasks is not the only criteria of relevance.
Radiate confidence and calmness. Comment on every maneuver even if you realize you made a
severe mistake do not hesitate to inform your supervisor about it. FQ-Sim is also about soft skills to be
assessed.

3.12 Secondary Tasks

In order to enhance your multi-tasking abilities, especially in the later stages of your training, the
software comprises three additional tasks that can be integrated in the simulation.

Arithmetical Problems
This option generates problems of basic arithmetic operations to be solved while focusing on the
navigation. The problems are displayed on your screen or assigned acoustically via headset or
speakers. You may configure difficulty of the problems in the training options to customize your
preparation program. It is recommended to set a frame of numbers from 4 to 800 to generate the
problems with as this bars configurations too facile. Your must type the answers in with your keyboard
but not confirm them with the Enter button. You may correct your answer in the given answering
time.
Attention: The PEMDAS order of operations (e.g. precedence of multiplication over addition) does not
apply in this test.

Stereo Hearing Test

The stereo hearing test should be conducted with a headset preferably. The software announces a
random choice of letters and numbers throughout the test. A signal sound assigns one channel (right
ear or left ear) the information provided through is to be obeyed only. You are to respond to special
constellations and events on the channel of reference:
Respond to all numbers: you are to respond to every number announced through the channel
assigned by clicking the number on the keyboard.

Respond to each vowel followed by a number: you are to respond to every combination that
comprises a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) followed by any number announced through the channel assigned by
clicking the number on the keyboard.
Respond to each number followed by a vowel: you are to respond to every combination that
comprises a number followed by any vowel announced through the channel assigned by clicking the
number on the keyboard.
Respond to any vowel-number combination: you are to respond to any vowel-number combination
announced through the channel assigned by clicking the number on the keyboard.
The configuration for this test can be set in the submenu Secondary Tasks. You may customize the
test frequency, changes of channel and response time granted.

Visual Stimulus Reaction Test

This test validates your capacity of reaction in multi-tasking environment. If active, the instrument
panel contains an additional battery of ten light boxes. Numbers from 0 to 9 are assigned to these
boxes in random arrangement. Whenever one of the light boxes flashes you are to click the number
corresponding to it on your keyboard as quick as possible.
The test layout may be customized. You can set frequency and length of events and define
(re)arrangement rules.

3.13 Score
An analysis tool edits your training data. Comprehensive score information stats are compiled after
each training session. You may access the submenu Score directly via navigation menu, as well.
The Sessions box top left comprises information about every training session in chronological order
to track your training process with. Mark the session you would like to analyze in detail. The Flight
History box top right shows your flight performance on the session selected. You can obtain
information about certain periods of your flight replaying the chapter with the Review Simulation bar.
Deviation from Fight Path illustrates the horizontal and vertical deviation your flight took from flight
path prescribed in two separate charts. Select Altitude Profile and Horizontal Deviation at the Score
Output box to obtain a chart illustrating the actual altitude changes of your flight.
The Secondary Tasks box provides an analysis of your performance at secondary tasks during the
test.

3.14 Settings
SkyTest Training Software for FQ-Assessment aspires to offer you the best training solution for
beginner and advanced level preparation. Apart from designing custom tracks you may therefore
configure simulator settings, too, for a truly individual training and learning experience.
Simulator Settings:
Vertical Reference Indicator: Activates vertical reference indicator.
Show Flight Path: Actual flight path is shown on map.

Show my Aircraft: Aircraft position is shown on map as an additional guidance. Recommended for
early stages of training only!
Show Percentage of Track Completed: Percentage of flight path already completed is shown during
simulation.
Show Flight Time: Flight time (since beginning of simulation not of track) is indicated.
Windsock: Activates windsock.
Set Pre-Track Straight: Aircraft enters track via a pre-track straight too provide additional time for initial
navigation. A pre-flight straight of 1.000 meters is recommended.
Aircraft Settings:
Manual Balancing: If activated, yoke has to be adjusted throughout entire turn navigation to maintain
required roll attitude. If deactivated, aircraft will maintain roll attitude set automatically without
additional in-turn adjustments.
Yoke Steering Ratio: If manual balancing is active, you may set the roll angle lock to lock.
Aircraft Response (manual balancing active): If manual balancing is active, you may set the
response of your aircraft to steering impulses in /sec.
Aircraft Response (manual balancing off): If manual balancing is off, you may set the response of
your aircraft to steering impulses in /sec.
After-Pitch Stability: You may adjust the after-pitch flight stability of your aircraft. A parameter of 50 is
recommended to obtain realistic after-pitch self-balancing of aircraft.
Environmental Impacts:
Wind Force: You may set wind force impacting your flight on a scale from 0 (no turbulences) to 10
(severe turbulences).
Wind Frequency: Winds hit your aircraft at irregular intervals and directions. You may set the
frequency at which the impact forces change.
Control Settings:
You may select whether to operate FQ-Sim by keyboard or joystick. If you selected joystick, you are to
indicate the port interface. Click Calibrate to calibrate joystick. At the Sensitivity submenu you may
assign the directness of steering conduction.
Graphics:
A regeneration rate of 20 FBS is recommended. However, if you use a slow processor, you should set
regeneration rate at 16 FBS to make sure the simulation is conducted correctly.

4. Road Capacity Test

The Road Capacity Test (RCT) is the second of two computer based screening methods you will
encounter at FQ-Assessment-Center. RCT is conducted to measure your team-working capacity for
your future job as a commercial pilot in a multi-crew aircraft. The task comprised is a rather abstract,
though. In principle, you are to assign weights from a given assortment to roads the capacity of which
is restricted by a maximum load. Capacity of roads should be utilized without overloading. You are to

conduct this exercise either on your own or in team coordination with a partner from your assessmentcenter group.
This software provides a tool developed for sound preparation in both single and team operation
mode. SkyTest hosts a VOIP-server users of this software may converge at to practice RCT in team
coordination. There are several levels of difficulty deriving from the principle task. However, the basic
rules of operation applying in single player mode correspond with those in team player mode.

4.1 Setup
The screenshot below illustrates the basic setup of a RCT training session. The weight table at the
center comprises all classifications of weights provided for loading. There are up to five weight
categories of different load, quantity and score value. Each category is addressed through the number
indicated in the left column. The second column indicates the number of weights still available for
loading. The third column states the load of each weight. A weight unit is not assigned. The fourth
column of the table indicates the score value the use of each weight generates.
Top right you will spot the roads to be loaded. The maximum capacity of each road is indicated for a
couple of seconds at the beginning of the test. The roads state the allocated weight already assigned
to them during the test. The box below the roads imparts special loading instructions, breaking
announcements and problem indications with or without relevance for conduction of test.
On the left hand of the screen you are provided the time left in the session and your current score. The
red circle top left states the r/t status, which is of relevance in team player mode only. The box right
next to it tracks your loading orders before submitting.

4.2 Basic Rules of Operation

Each RCT level comprises several roads with a maximum load limit. The maximum load information is
provided for a couple of seconds at the beginning of each level only. Therefore, you are to memorize
the maximum load assigned to each street. A table with an assortment of weights is generated
subsequently. The weights are of different heaviness. Score points assigned to weights are of
importance in training scenarios that comprise a maximization of score as an additional task
dimension only.
There are up to five different weight characters that are addressed through the number assigned to
them in the table. A weight unit is not assigned and of no relevance for the test. The weights are
available in limited numbers. You are to allocate the weights to the roads under the premise of ideal
capacity utilization. Time granted for this task is limited by a factor allowing 1 second processing time
for each unit of the maximum load total. A road that comprises a maximum load of 50 is therefore to
be loaded within 50 seconds.
There are two general training premises:

Ideal Capacity Utilization

You are to allocate weights by the means of ideal capacity utilization. The table provides the precise
number of weights needed for this task. If you conducted the allocation correctly, all weights will be
consumed, all streets loaded to the maximum of their capacity.

Maximization of Score
Score points are assigned to weight categories. You are to allocate weights to the streets under the
premise of score maximization without overloading. There are more weights provided then needed.
Use weights with a maximal point/weight-correlation first.
Loading is conducted with the numeric keypad of your keyboard. Make sure your numeric keypad is
activated before starting the software (check NumLock button). You assign weights to streets by this
instruction scheme:
SELECT WEIGHT CATEGORY
ENTER
SPECIFY NUMBER OF WEIGHTS
ENTER
SELECT STREET
ENTER
The program will submit your order and assign the number of weights specified to the road and delete
them from the table. The weights are no longer available. If you are about to overload a road, the
software will ask you whether to continue or scrap loading. You may revise loading instructions until
finalizing by clicking the / or backspace button. However, you may only clear an entire road once a
loading instruction has been conducted by clicking k or - button and specifying the road. All weights
from the road cleared will be re-accredited to the weight table.
All training modes may be supplemented with Special Loading Instructions, Breaking Announcements
or Problem Indications you are to obey. Any additional information provided during the test will be
imparted as a text message on your screen.

4.3 Special Loading Instructions

Special Loading Instructions assign individual rules for loading of certain roads. There are Proportional
Loading and Percental Loading instructions that my supplement the task.

Proportional Loading
If you are to obey proportional loading rules, you may only conduct loading within the ratio assigned to
you by the program. The loading of a road is to be completed by your training partner compulsively,
who is simulated by the software in single player mode.
Example: Road No 2 has a maximum capacity of 60. You are provided the instruction Proportional
Loading of Road No 2. Loading is to be conducted in a ratio of 2/3.
The first ratio number (2) assigns your part of the task. Whereas Road No 2 has a maximum capacity
of 60 and loading is split into a total of 5 parts (2 + 3 = 5), your share of the task is to load 2/5 of
maximum capacity in weights on the road. This translates into 24 weight units (60 / 5 = 12; 12 * 2 =
24). Your training partner has to load the remaining 3/5 (36 weight units) onto the street for proper
completion.

Percental Loading
If a percental loading instruction is issued, the maximum capacity of a road is altered. You are to
determine the modified capacity.
Example: Road No 2 has a maximum capacity of 60. You are provided the instruction: Percental
Loading of Road No 2. Actual capacity limited by 50% of indicated capacity.
Whereas Road No 2 has a maximum capacity of 60, you may only load it halfway now to avoid
overloading.

Breaking Announcements
Breaking Announcements draw your attention to the completion of a separate task to be conducted in
priority and therefore alter the scope of the task. Breaking Announcement might be:
Load Road No x only!
or
Load every road except for Road No x!
You are to obey these instructions consequently. If the announcement contradicts loading already
completed you are to clear the roads to abide by the new scope.

Problem Indications
Problem Indications are of no relevance and provided only to have you distracted from concentrating
on your task. Problem Indications might be:
A traffic jam might cause problems.
Caution: heavy weather ahead.
Construction work might cause problems.
Road No x is wet and slippy.
You do not need to pay any attention to these messages in single player mode. However, you are
required to inform your training partner about them in team player mode.
A training session is completed with time provided running out. The software will guide you to a score
information board now. A sample solution is provided as a reference to your performance. A targetperformance comparison shows potential for improvement in capacity utilization and maximization of
score.

4.4 Special Rules of Operation in Team Player Mode

Find a Training Mate Online
Joint training is conducted online. All participants meet at a server interface integrated in the software.
Before starting, you are to choose a random username at the Server Connection mask and obtain
server information by clicking Obtain Server Information. Click Connect to log on the server. This

process might take some seconds. As soon as you are logged on, the software launches the Training
Mate mask. All participants online are being listed. Use the chat window to establish contact.
You may select a potential training mate from the list and send a training invitation. If your invitation is
accepted, the two of you may start a joint training session. If you receive a training invitation from
another user, you may accept or decline.
Having accepted an invitation, you may agree on the terms of training at a private chat. Activate the
VoiP-communication between you and your team mate now. The Start Team Training button guides
you to the settings options mask.
You are to assign callsigns (Controller City West and Controller City East) prior to starting a training
session for formal communication between you and your training mate.

4.5 Additional Training Options

You may customize your training or select preset scenarios you are already familiar with from single
mode practice. Team player mode offers some additional training options, though:

Command Structure
If you activate training in command structure competences between training mates are allocated
hierarchically. The Master is the only one provided crucial loading information and has to instruct the
Assistant. The Assistant has to carry out the orders of the Master and is the only one entitled to
conduct loading. If the Master loads a road, loading will be conducted though classified as wrongful
action.

Dissimilar Weight Tables

If this option is activated both training mates obtain the same information on road capacity maxima but
dissimilar weight tables. The choice of weights available for allocation is therefore extended. To make
best loading decisions in team, sound coordination is inevitable. A target-performance comparison
indicates the sample solutions after the training session is completed.

Road Delegation
This option assigns, if activated, restricted authorizations for road loading. You may only conduct
loading on those roads explicitly assigned to you. Loading a road without being entitled to will be
conducted though classified as wrongful action.

Information Levels
This option allows team mates to customize information levels between them in a joint training
session. Sound coordination and communication is core to success in both training and screening.

4.6 R/T Communication

Communication between team mates is subject to radio telephony (R/T) rules. Adherence to radio
discipline and formal instructions are mandatory. Sending off a radio message, you are to address
your mate by his callsign. The end of a radio message is indicated by finishing it with over.
Example: Controller City West calling Controller City East. (radio message). Over.
The VoiP interface simulates restrictions of R/T communication in joint training. Only one partner may
be on send at a time. Click the + button of your numeric keypad once to go on air. The r/t status
indicator top left your screen turns green now. Your team mate can hear you but is unable to answer
as long as you have not logged out r/t by clicking + a second time.