IAF chief inaugurates computerised pilot selection system

NEW DELHI, Nov 28: Aiming to adopt better tools for Pilot Aptitude Test in consonance with the modern aircraft being acquired by IAF, its chief Air Marshal Arup Raha today inaugurated the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

It was inaugurated at No 2 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Mysore.

The CPSS replaces the earlier Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) that has been in use for decades.

The CPSS was conceived by the then Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister and former President A P J Abdul Kalam with a vision to adopt better tools for Pilot Aptitude Test in consonance with modern aircraft being acquired by the IAF.

The project was also aimed at addressing the issue of the alarming rate of flying accidents in the IAF attributed to pilot error, an official statement said.

The CPSS has been jointly developed by Defence Institute of Psychological Research and Air Defence Establishment, both premier organisations of the DRDO, through a decade long research.

The new selection system places special emphasis on psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities of the candidates while screening them for selection into the flying branch of the IAF.

The CPSS ensures objectivity in results and uniformity in the degree of difficulty faced by the candidates. (PTI)