TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Two-Dimensional Tracking Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the TBAS Two-Dimensional Tracking subtest, a candidate is using a joystick to keep a gunsight on a target aircraft. The target moves at a constant rate but changes direction randomly. Which of the following actions by the candidate would also cause the target to change direction?
- Centering the gunsight perfectly on the target for several consecutive seconds. (Correct answer)
- Moving the joystick to its maximum possible deflection in any direction.
- Pressing the joystick trigger while the gunsight is off-target.
- Allowing the gunsight to remain completely stationary for more than five seconds.
Correct answer: Centering the gunsight perfectly on the target for several consecutive seconds.
The Two-Dimensional Tracking subtest is designed to measure psychomotor control. The target aircraft moves at a constant speed and will change direction when it hits the side of the screen or when the candidate successfully keeps the gunsight centered on it for multiple seconds.
Question 2: A candidate is engaged in a complex TBAS multitasking scenario that includes two-dimensional tracking with a joystick and horizontal tracking with rudder pedals. What is the most effective visual scanning strategy for managing both tasks simultaneously?
- Focus primarily on the two-dimensional target, using peripheral vision for the horizontal target. (Correct answer)
- Stare at a fixed point between the two targets and react to movement in either area.
- Alternate focus between the two targets every 1-2 seconds, regardless of their movement.
- Concentrate exclusively on the horizontal target, making quick glances at the two-dimensional target.
Correct answer: Focus primarily on the two-dimensional target, using peripheral vision for the horizontal target.
When performing both the airplane (2D) tracking and horizontal tracking tasks, a common and effective strategy is to maintain primary visual focus on the more complex, two-dimensional target while using peripheral vision to monitor and control the simpler, one-dimensional horizontal target, making occasional quick glances as needed.
Question 3: Which of the following cognitive skills is the primary focus of the standalone Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking test?
- Spatial orientation
- Auditory processing speed
- Hand-eye coordination (Correct answer)
- Short-term memory recall
Correct answer: Hand-eye coordination
The Two-Dimensional Tracking test, which involves using a joystick to follow a target moving in two dimensions, is fundamentally designed to assess a candidate's hand-eye coordination and psychomotor skills.
Question 4: During a TBAS session, a candidate must track a target moving in two dimensions while also responding to specific auditory cues. This combined task structure is principally designed to assess the candidate's ability to do what?
- Perform under a high cognitive load and divide attention. (Correct answer)
- Maintain fine motor control without any distractions.
- Memorize and recall long sequences of characters.
- Demonstrate perfect situational awareness in a static environment.
Correct answer: Perform under a high cognitive load and divide attention.
The multitasking components of the TBAS, such as combining tracking tasks with auditory instructions, are specifically designed to measure a candidate's ability to perform under extreme cognitive loads and effectively divide their attention between multiple simultaneous tasks, a critical skill for pilots.
Question 5: In a scenario involving the Two-Dimensional Tracking test, the target aircraft is moving towards the upper-right corner of the screen. What is the correct joystick input to keep the gunsight centered on the target?
- Push the joystick forward and to the left.
- Pull the joystick back and to the left.
- Pull the joystick back and to the right.
- Push the joystick forward and to the right. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Push the joystick forward and to the right.
Standard joystick controls in this context are intuitive. To move the gunsight up, you push the joystick forward. To move the gunsight to the right, you move the joystick to the right. Therefore, to track a target moving to the upper-right, the candidate must push the joystick forward and to the right.
Question 6: Which piece of equipment is used to provide control inputs for the Two-Dimensional (Airplane) Tracking subtest of the TBAS?
- Mouse
- Joystick (Correct answer)
- Rudder Pedals
- Keyboard
Correct answer: Joystick
The Test of Basic Aviation Skills utilizes specific hardware for its subtests. The Two-Dimensional Tracking task, also referred to as the Airplane Tracking test, requires the candidate to use a joystick to control the gunsight.
TBAS - Test of Basic Aviation Skills Two-Dimensional Tracking Questions and Answers
In the TBAS Two-Dimensional Tracking subtest, a candidate is using a joystick to keep a gunsight on a target aircraft.
The target moves at a constant rate but changes direction randomly.
Which of the following actions by the candidate would also cause the target to change direction?